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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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