5 Hygiene Tips for Teens During Summer Sports Season

Aug 06, 2025

Summer sports are awesome—sunshine, competition, team spirit, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of sweat. Whether you’re scoring goals, running bases, or just trying to survive Texas heat, staying fresh can feel like a sport of its own. But don’t worry: with a few simple moves, you can keep body odor, breakouts, and funky feet on the sidelines. Here’s your playbook for staying clean, clear, and confident all summer long.

1. Shower ASAP After Practice or Games (Seriously—Don’t Wait!)

Let’s be real: after an epic game or a sweaty practice, your skin is basically a magnet for sweat, dirt, and mystery locker room germs. The longer you wait to shower, the more time bacteria has to throw a party on your skin (and trust us, you don’t want to be invited to that party).

Game plan:

Hit the showers as soon as you can.
Use a deep-cleansing bar like Prep U’s Charcoal Detox Bar or Tea Tree Cleansing Bar to get rid of grime, oil, and odor.
Focus on those “danger zones”—back, chest, feet, and underarms.
Bonus points for singing in the shower (optional, but highly recommended for morale).

2. Don’t Re-Wear Sweaty Gear (Your Teammates Will Thank You)

We get it—sometimes you’re running late or your favorite jersey just feels lucky. But sweaty clothes are like a five-star hotel for bacteria and odor. Re-wearing them is basically sending an invitation to stink.

Pro tip:

Always change into clean clothes after practice.
Toss those socks, towels, and uniforms in the wash after every use (yes, every time).
Keep a backup set of clothes in your gym bag—future you will thank you.

3. Use the Right Deodorant—And Actually Let It Dry

Summer heat = more sweat. And let’s face it, nobody wants to be “that kid” on the team. Choose a natural, aluminum-free deodorant designed for teens (like Prep U’s Natural Deodorant).

Winning move:

Apply to clean, dry skin right after showering.
Give it a minute to dry before you put on your shirt—trust us, it works better that way.

4. Prevent Breakouts Like a Pro

Sweat and sports gear can team up to clog your pores, leading to “bacne,” chest breakouts, and random face pimples that always show up on picture day. But you can outsmart them.

Your defense strategy:

Wash with a gentle, plant-based soap made for teen skin (no harsh scrubbing needed).
After showering, pat (don’t rub) your skin dry.
Moisturize with something light and fragrance-free to keep your skin balanced.
And remember: picking pimples is a penalty. It only makes things worse.

5. Keep Your Feet (and Shoes) Fresh—No More “Locker Room Funk”

If your shoes could talk, they’d probably beg for mercy after a day in the summer sun. Athlete’s foot and shoe stink are real, but totally beatable.

Feet first:

Wash your feet thoroughly (in between the toes, too!)
Dry them completely before putting on socks or shoes.
Sprinkle on a talc-free powder like Prep U’s Active Dry Powder to keep things dry and comfy.
Rotate your shoes when you can, and let them air out (bonus: stick dryer sheets in them overnight if you’re desperate).
Pack an extra pair of socks for halftime or after practice—fresh feet, fresh game.

Bonus Tip: Hydrate Like a Champ

Okay, this isn’t technically “hygiene,” but drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay clear and your body recover faster. Plus, it keeps your sweat from smelling extra funky (really!). So fill up that water bottle and sip all day long.

Staying Fresh, Clear, and Confident—All Summer Long

Good hygiene isn’t just about smelling nice (though your friends will appreciate it). It helps prevent breakouts, skin irritation, and infections, so you can focus on crushing your goals—not worrying about your skin. With the right habits and products, you’ll breeze through summer sports season feeling fresh, clear, and ready for anything.

Need more tips or want to find the best soap for teens?
Explore Prep U’s full hygiene collection or check out our Teen Athlete Hygiene Hub for more resources.

Michelle Houp