Скачать книгу

been noticing stretch marks on my hips and at the

      top of my legs. My mom says I’m getting them because

      my skin is too dry. I put lotion on them, but they don’t

      go away. Can you tell me how the stretch marks got

      there and how to make them disappear?

      Streaks

      Stretch marks happen when your body grows very quickly—such as

      during puberty. In fact, most girls (and boys) get them. Putting lotion

      on stretch marks might help dry skin feel more comfortable. How-

      ever, the marks aren’t caused by dry skin, and lotion won’t make them

      disappear. Nothing can actually remove them, but their dark pink or

      purplish color will eventually fade to the color of your normal skin,

      and you’ll hardly notice them.

images

      Dear American Girl,

      I have a birthmark on my face. My friends say it’s my

      “uniqueness,” but I can’t believe them. When people

      notice it, it really bothers me.

      Tired of It

      It’s normal for people to be curious about birthmarks. If they

      comment on yours, just say, “It’s a birthmark. I was born with it.”

      You may be wondering about ways you could cover it up or remove

      it altogether when you’re older. But actually, you might find it hard to

      imagine your face without it—it really is part of what makes you unique.

      Trust your friends, who know what real beauty means, and remember

      their words when people’s curiosity gets on your nerves.

images

       Glasses & Contacts

      Dear American Girl,

      I’m 12 and I want to wear contacts instead of glasses,

      but my parents keep saying, “Maybe next prescription.”

      I’ve been waiting for two years!

      Responsible Enough

      Are your parents worried about your health and safety? Contact lenses

      need to be cleaned and stored carefully to prevent eye infections. Show

      your parents that you’re up to that task by being responsible with other

      hygiene habits. Brush and floss your teeth every day. Keep your hair combed.

      Take showers without being reminded. If your parents still think you’re too

      young, ask them to talk with your eye doctor to get all the facts. Then relax,

      knowing that there’s nothing more you can do but that you’ll have those

      contacts one day soon.

images

      Dear American Girl,

      I am probably going to get glasses, and I really don’t want to.

      My mom says I look good in glasses, but I don’t!

      Dreading Glasses

      If you don’t like the way you look in glasses, you probably haven’t tried

      on enough styles. There are a ton of fun styles in all kinds of colors,

      ranging from cool blue to bubble gum pink to classy copper. Some

      frames are decorated with beads and gems, or swirls and stars. Some go

      for a more sporty look. Some are so thin you can barely tell they’re on

      your face. Ask your parent if you can visit an eyeglass shop or two, and

      bring a friend along for another

      opinion. When you’re wearing

      your new glasses, take a look

      at the people around you.

      Lots of them will be in

      glasses, too, and they may

      be looking back at you,

      admiring yours!

      Advice from Girls

      “If you need to wear glasses, think of them as

      a cool fashion accessory. That’s what I do, and

      I don’t feel embarrassed to wear them.”

      —An American Girl, age 11

images

       Sweating & Odor

      Dear American Girl,

      This year I have had a big problem: sweating. I can’t

      help it, and when it happens it is very noticeable. I wear

      deodorant and I wash my underarms, but it never stops!

      B.O. Queen

      Everyone sweats—it’s your body’s

      way of keeping you cool. But

      when sweat mixes with bacteria,

      it causes a smell. Wash your

      underarms thoroughly with

      soap every day—and every time

      after you exercise. Then apply a

      deodorant with antiperspirant,

      which cuts down on the amount

      you sweat. Wear clean cotton

      clothes for gym class, and take

      them home afterward to wash.

      If you don’t have time to shower

      after gym, wash your underarms

      with damp wipes and reapply

      deodorant.

images

      Dear American Girl,

      My feet sweat a LOT, even when I wear flip-flops, which

      makes them smell BAD!!! I have tried everything, but

      nothing works. I need some way to make them stop.

      Sweaty Feet

      Stinky feet are caused by sweat interacting with bacteria in your shoes.

      During puberty, the problem can be worse because hormones make you

      sweat more. The key to sweeter-smelling tootsies is keeping your feet

      clean and your shoes dry. Here are some tips to follow every day:

      Always wear clean, dry, absorbent socks when you wear shoes.

      Change your socks and shoes at least once a day. If you’ve worn a pair

      of socks, don’t put them back on without washing them first.

      Wear shoes and sandals made out of materials that let your feet

      breathe, such as canvas, leather, or mesh. Avoid plastic or vinyl.

      Wash your feet every day with soap and warm water. Scrub thoroughly

      with a washcloth, and be sure to get between your toes.

      Make

Скачать книгу