Welcome to The Period Diaries — your go-to spot for stories, guidance, and good-to know stuff for every stage of the period journey. Whether she's just getting started, figuring it out, or totally in the flow, we’ve got tips, answers, and encouragement that actually make sense. Parents, you’re invited too!
by Sterling Jones – October 11, 2026
Puberty Hygiene 101 for Teens: Body Odor, Deodorant, and Period Basics
Puberty doesn't just change your body. It changes your hygiene routine too, and most of what feels new right now is just your body asking for a few new habits, not a sign that something's wrong. Two of the biggest pieces are body odor and periods, and both come with simple, manageable routines once you know what to actually do.
by Sterling Jones – October 11, 2026
Your Tween's New Hygiene Routine: Deodorant, Periods, and What Actually Matters
Body odor, first periods, new products. Here's how to think about your tween's hygiene routine as one whole picture instead of separate milestones.
by Sterling Jones – September 24, 2026
Helping Your Anxious Tween Navigate the Locker Room During Her Period
A few minutes of prep before her first day in a locker room can meaningfully reduce her anxiety about changing on her period. Most of what feels overwhelming to her right now isn't the period itself. It's the not knowing: not knowing where to change, not knowing what to say if someone asks a question, not knowing if anyone will notice. You can take a real chunk of that off her plate before it ever becomes a problem. What to Practice at Home Walk her through the actual mechanics before she needs them for real. Show her how to wrap a pad in toilet paper or its own wrapper before tossing it, and where locker rooms usually put the trash can. Talk through where she can stand or which stall she can use if she wants extra privacy while changing. Give her one or two lines to use if a friend notices or asks a question, something short and matter-of-fact like "just dealing with my period" said the same way she'd mention anything else. Practicing these out loud, even once, makes them available to her in the moment instead of something she has to invent under pressure. What to Pack A small zip pouch with two pads, a spare pair of underwear, and a couple of wipes covers nearly every locker room situation. Let her pack it herself so she knows exactly what's in it and where. If her gym bag has a front pocket, that's the spot, easy to reach without digging through everything else in front of other people. How to Debrief After Day One Ask a general question rather than a pointed one. "How did gym go today" opens the door without making her feel like changing was the whole point of the conversation. If she brings up the locker room herself, follow her lead rather than asking a list of follow-up questions. If she doesn't bring it up, that's often a good sign, not something to dig into. Let her know the door stays open for whenever she wants to talk about it again, and leave it there. A Small Conversation, A Real Difference This isn't a big talk. It's a few minutes of practical preparation that turns one of her biggest sources of dread into something she already knows how to handle. She'll carry that confidence into more than just gym class. Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beaute Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health.
by Sterling Jones – September 24, 2026
How to Change in the Locker Room on Your Period Without Anyone Noticing
You can change in a locker room on your period and have no one notice. It comes down to three things: what you wear that day, a quick routine for handling your pad or liner, and knowing what to say if anyone ever asks. Once you have those down, the locker room stops being something you dread before gym class even starts. What to Wear on Period Days Darker leggings or shorts hide everything better than light gray or white ones. If you know your period is coming during a week with gym class, pack a pair of black or navy shorts just for that day. A looser top also gives you more room to change quickly without anyone getting a clear look at what you're doing. None of this has to look like planning. It just looks like you picked an outfit, because you did. Your Discreet Pad or Liner Routine Wrap a pad or liner in toilet paper or its own wrapper before you toss it, and drop it straight into the trash instead of leaving it sitting out. If your locker room has stalls, use one to change. If it doesn't, face your locker while you change, the same way plenty of girls already do for regular privacy. Keep a small zip pouch in your bag with two or three pads and a spare pair of underwear, so you never have to dig through your whole backpack in front of everyone. What to Say If Someone Notices Almost nobody will notice anything. But if a friend catches a glimpse or asks a question, you only need two lines ready. If someone asks what you're doing, "just dealing with my period" works, said flat and casual, like you're mentioning the weather. If someone tries to make it weird, "it's not a big deal, everyone gets one" shuts that down fast without you having to explain yourself further. The calmer you say it, the faster the moment passes. What to Keep in Your Locker A small pouch with two pads, a spare pair of underwear, and a couple of wipes covers almost every situation. Keep it zipped in the front pocket of your gym bag so you're not searching for it while people are around. If your school allows it, a small locker organizer keeps everything in one spot instead of loose at the bottom of your bag. You've Got This Changing in a locker room on your period is not something you need to dread every month. Once you have your outfit, your pouch, and your two lines ready, it becomes just another part of gym class, not something you're managing on top of everything else. Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beaute Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health.
by Sterling Jones – September 13, 2026
Body Positivity During Puberty: A Guide for Tweens, Teens, and Parents
Your body is doing a lot right now. Growth spurts, new curves, skin that breaks out when it never used to, and a shape that looks different every few months. Some days that feels exciting. Other days it feels like your body changed without asking you first. Both of those feelings are normal. Neither one means something is wrong with you. At Scarlet by RedDrop, we believe body positivity during puberty is not about loving every single thing about your body every single day. It is about knowing your body is healthy, normal, and worth respecting, even on the days it feels unfamiliar. What's Actually Happening to Your Body Puberty does not happen on a schedule, and it does not happen to everyone the same way. You might get your period before your best friend does, or years after. Your growth spurt might hit your legs first, then the rest of you catches up months later. None of that is wrong. Bodies do not grow in a straight line. Along with the physical changes, your hormones are shifting too. Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones behind your period, also affect your mood, your sleep, your appetite, and how you feel about yourself on any given day. If you feel more emotional around certain times of your cycle, that is not you being dramatic. That is biology. It passes. Where the Pressure Comes From You are figuring out your changing body at the exact moment you are also becoming more aware of what other people expect bodies to look like. Social media, comments from classmates, even offhand things adults say about their own bodies, all of it adds up. You did not choose that pressure. It is fair to feel it anyway. Talking to a Parent About It If a parent or trusted adult brings this up, it helps to know they are figuring it out too. If they say something that lands wrong, awkward comments about how "grown up" you look, or comparisons that do not feel great, it is okay to tell them. Try something like: "I know you mean well, but can we talk about how my body works instead of how it looks?" Most parents want to get this right. They just need the actual ask. For the Parent Reading This With Them Your teen is listening to how you talk about bodies, including your own. A passing comment like "I feel so fat today" teaches more than any planned conversation will. The shift that helps most is talking about what bodies do instead of how they look: "Your body is strong enough to get through practice" lands differently than a comment about appearance ever could. Skip the appearance-based compliments too, even the well-meaning ones. "I love how confident you seem today" builds something a compliment about looks never will. You do not need to love everything about your own body to model something useful. Noticing what your body has carried you through, without a value judgment attached, teaches your teen that bodies change over a lifetime, and that is simply true, not something to fix. Small Things That Actually Help A body-neutral affirmation works better than a forced "I'm beautiful" that does not feel true yet. Something like "My body is growing exactly as it should" holds up better because it does not ask you to feel a certain way. It just states a fact. If mirrors feel like a lot some days, try picking one specific thing to notice instead of taking in the whole picture: strong legs, clear focus, a smile that shows up easily. The goal is not to force love for everything. It is just to notice something true. When It's More Than a Hard Day Most days of body frustration are just that: hard days that pass. But if you notice extreme food restriction, obsessive exercise, avoiding things you used to enjoy because of how your body looks, or persistent negative self-talk that does not let up, that is worth a conversation with a doctor, school counselor, or another trusted adult. Asking for support is not a bigger deal than it needs to be. It is just the right next step. The Real Point You are not required to love your body every single day to have a healthy relationship with it. Some days will feel confident. Others will not. Both are part of growing into a body that is still figuring itself out. Your worth was never about how well you accept the way you look. It was always about who you are, and that has not changed, even while everything else is. Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beauté Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health.
by Sterling Jones – August 23, 2026
What Is Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition? A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition is the newest addition to the Scarlet by RedDrop lineup, and it works differently than anything else we've built. Our products prepare your daughter's body for her period. This program prepares her mind. It's a self-paced puberty and period education experience designed specifically for girls ages 9 to 15, and it exists to answer the questions that products alone never could. What It Is Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition is a digital, self-paced learning program that walks girls through puberty, periods, products, and the real-life moments that come with both. It includes interactive lessons, short videos, a private space for everyday questions, guidance for "what do I do right now" situations, a timeline of what to expect and when, a journal, packing checklists, and a hub built specifically for you as her caregiver. It was built to sit alongside our physical products, not replace them. Who It's For The program is built for girls ages 9 to 15, whether she hasn't started her period yet, just started, or has been managing her cycle for a while and still has questions nobody's answered. As her parent or caregiver, you're the primary decision maker here, and the program was designed with you in mind just as much as it was designed for her. It works as a standalone starting point if you want to open the education conversation before you buy products, and it works as an add-on for families already using Scarlet pads, kits, or underwear. Why It Exists Most girls learn about periods through health class, and that class is inconsistent by nature. It depends on the teacher leading it, the curriculum the school chose, and whether the timing happens to land before or after she actually needs it. Some schools don't separate the class by gender, which makes it nearly impossible for a girl to raise her hand and ask something personal in front of the room. A significant number of girls start their period before that class ever happens, which means they walk into their first period with no preparation at all. Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition exists to close that specific gap, at home, on her own schedule, without the classroom pressure. Why We're Adding This to the Scarlet Lineup Dana Roberts spent over twenty years teaching fifth grade and watched her students go through this exact gap year after year. Dr. Monica Williams built Scarlet on the belief that girls deserve products made for their actual bodies, not smaller versions of adult products. Together, they built a brand around the idea that period preparation is physical and emotional at the same time, and until now, Scarlet only addressed the physical half. Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition is us addressing the other half. It reflects the same mission the company was founded on: girls deserve to feel prepared, not caught off guard. What It Isn't Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition provides general, age-appropriate education. It is not medical advice, and it isn't meant to replace the conversations you have with your daughter. When something feels painful, urgent, scary, or personal, the program directs her back to you, her school nurse, or her healthcare provider. It's built to support the relationship you already have with her, not stand in for it. Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beaute Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health.
by Sterling Jones – August 23, 2026
What Is Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition? A Guide for Teens and Tweens
Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition is something new we've added to Scarlet, and it's not another product for your bag. It's a program made to answer the questions you have about your body, your period, and everything that comes with growing up, in a space that's actually yours. What It Is Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition is a self-paced program you can go through on your own time, at your own pace. It has short lessons and videos about puberty, periods, and how to use different products, written in language that talks to you like you're capable of understanding it, because you are. There's a space for the questions you'd never raise your hand for in class, help for the moments that catch you completely off guard, a timeline that shows you roughly what to expect and when, a private journal for tracking your own firsts, and packing lists built for school, sleepovers, camp, and sports. Who It's For This program is built for girls ages 9 to 15, no matter where you are in your period journey. Maybe you haven't started yet and you're nervous about it. Maybe you started already and you still have questions nobody's answered. Maybe you've been managing your period for a while and just want a place that treats the whole thing like it's normal, because it is. Wherever you are, this was made with you specifically in mind, not as a smaller version of something built for adults. Why It Exists A lot of girls learn about periods in health class, but that class doesn't always show up at the right time. It depends on your teacher, your school's schedule, and sometimes your class isn't even separated by gender, which makes it almost impossible to ask something personal without the whole room hearing. Plenty of girls get their first period before that class happens at all. So you're left figuring out one of the biggest changes in your life with barely any warning and nowhere private to ask what's actually going on. Scarlet Companion: Puberty Edition exists because you deserve better than figuring it out alone. Why Scarlet Made This Scarlet was started by a teacher and a doctor who noticed the same problem from two different sides. Dana Roberts spent over twenty years teaching fifth grade and watched her students go through their first period unprepared and scared, year after year. Dr. Monica Williams is a physician who believes girls deserve real answers instead of vague ones. They built Scarlet's products around the idea that your body deserves things made for it, not adult products shrunk down. This program is the same idea applied to education. Your questions deserve real answers too. What It Isn't This program gives you general, age-appropriate education. It's not a doctor, and it's not meant to replace one. If something feels painful, scary, or just really off, the program will point you toward a trusted adult, your school nurse, or your doctor. That's not the program avoiding your question. That's the program making sure you get the right kind of help when you actually need it. Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beaute Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health.
by Sterling Jones – August 08, 2026
What to Pack for Swimming While On Your Period
Learn what you can use while swimming on your period.
by Sterling Jones – August 01, 2026
What's Really Behind Your Breakouts While On Your Period
You washed your face this morning just like always. You did not eat anything different. And yet there it is, a new breakout sitting right on your chin, showing up almost exactly when it did last month. If this feels like a pattern, that is because it is one. Your skin and your menstrual cycle are in constant conversation, and once you understand what they are saying to each other, breakouts stop feeling random and start feeling predictable. The cycle connection Your menstrual cycle runs on a rotation of hormones, mainly estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, and your skin has receptors for all three. In the first half of your cycle, estrogen rises and tends to support clearer, calmer skin by helping regulate oil production and skin barrier function. That is part of why skin often looks its best around the middle of the cycle. Research on facial sebum backs this up, showing that oil production shifts in measurable, cycle-linked patterns rather than randomly from week to week (Roy et al., PMC). The second half of the cycle tells a different story. As progesterone rises and estrogen drops in the days before your period, androgens become relatively more dominant, and that shift signals your skin's oil glands to produce more sebum. A peer-reviewed study on the hormonal drivers of acne found that lower estrogen levels were significantly associated with more severe acne, supporting the idea that the estrogen dip in the days before your period is doing real work on your skin (El-Akawi et al., PMC). This is also part of why acne shows up so often right around puberty, when estrogen levels are still low and just getting established. Why do breakouts cluster in the same spots Extra oil combined with dead skin cells is a reliable recipe for clogged pores, and clogged pores are a reliable recipe for breakouts. That is the short version of what is happening in the days before your period. Many people notice these breakouts clustering specifically along the chin and jawline, which lines up with where hormonal shifts tend to have the strongest effect on oil production. If your acne seems to follow a monthly rhythm rather than appearing randomly, that pattern itself is useful information. It tells you the trigger is hormonal, which means the response that works is different from what works for, say, breakouts caused by a new pillowcase or sunscreen. When breakouts leave marks behind For a lot of people, especially those with more melanin in their skin, the breakout is not always the whole story. What comes after can be just as frustrating: a dark or discolored mark left behind once the pimple itself has healed. This is called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and it happens because inflammation from the breakout triggers extra melanin production in the skin around it. According to a clinical review published through the National Library of Medicine, this kind of hyperpigmentation is significantly more common and more persistent in people with darker skin tones, sometimes affecting well over half of teens and adults with acne in these skin types (StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf). Knowing this changes what "treating" a breakout actually means. It is not just about clearing the pimple. It is about protecting the skin around it so it does not spend the next several months carrying a reminder of a breakout that is long gone. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that people with skin of color, including those of African, Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent, share specific skin care needs around preventing and fading these marks (AAD.org). The single most damaging habit here is picking or popping. It feels satisfying in the moment, but it dramatically increases inflammation and makes a lasting mark far more likely. Building a cycle-aware skincare routine You do not need a ten-step routine to work with your skin instead of against it. A few consistent habits go a long way. In the days before your period, lean into gentle, oil-balancing products. A cleanser with salicylic acid can help keep pores clear without over-drying skin that may already feel more reactive. Avoid switching to a bunch of new products during this window. Hormonal breakouts are annoying enough without also troubleshooting a reaction to something new. Daily, no matter your cycle phase, sunscreen is non-negotiable if you are dealing with any dark marks from past breakouts. Sun exposure makes hyperpigmentation darker and slower to fade, so a broad-spectrum SPF is doing more work than most people realize. When a breakout does show up, resist the urge to touch it. Spot treatments with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or niacinamide can help calm inflammation without the aftermath that picking creates. When to see a dermatologist Most hormonal breakouts respond well to a consistent routine over a few cycles. If breakouts are painful, deep under the skin, leaving significant scarring, or just not responding to anything you try, that is worth a conversation with a dermatologist rather than something to push through alone. This is especially true if dark marks are lingering for many months, since a dermatologist has tools and treatments that go beyond what is available over the counter. The bottom line Your skin is not betraying you once a month for no reason. It is responding to a hormonal rhythm that is completely normal and, once you understand it, genuinely manageable. Track where you are in your cycle, adjust your routine slightly around the days you know are coming, and protect your skin from the sun so any marks left behind fade faster instead of settling in.
by Sterling Jones – August 01, 2026
How Your Cycle Affects Your Rest
You went to bed at your usual time. Nothing about your evening was different. And yet you tossed and turned for an hour, then woke up still tired, and the only thing that changed was where you are in your cycle. If sleep gets harder in the days before your period, you are not imagining it, and you are not doing anything wrong. Your hormones are running the show, and understanding how gives you a real way to work with them instead of just white-knuckling through tired mornings. Why does the week before your period hits your sleep the hardest Progesterone is the hormone most responsible for this. It rises steadily after ovulation and peaks in the second half of your cycle, in what is called the luteal phase, before dropping sharply right before your period starts. A comprehensive review of research on the menstrual cycle found that these hormonal shifts directly affect sleep duration and sleep patterns, driven by a combination of hormone changes, physical discomfort, and emotional shifts working together (PMC, National Library of Medicine). None of these factors acts alone, which is part of why period-related sleep trouble can feel like it comes from nowhere, even when you know your cycle well. Progesterone also affects two brain chemicals that matter enormously for sleep: GABA and melatonin. Research on progesterone's role in sleep regulation shows that rapid drops in progesterone, exactly what happens in the days right before your period, correspond with more nighttime waking and fragmented sleep (Restorative Medicine). Rising progesterone earlier in the luteal phase also raises your core body temperature slightly, and a body that runs a little warmer at night has a harder time settling into deep sleep. It is not just the hormones A study of sleep in female athletes found something worth knowing: it was not hormone levels themselves that predicted worse sleep, it was the total number of period-related symptoms someone experienced, including cramps, bloating, and mood changes (PMC, National Library of Medicine). In other words, the discomfort adds up. Cramps that keep you shifting positions, a mood that feels more raw than usual, or bloating that makes lying flat feel wrong can all stack on top of the hormonal shifts happening underneath. This is genuinely useful information because it means managing the symptoms around your period can meaningfully improve your sleep, even if you cannot change the hormones driving the cycle itself. Building a cycle-aware sleep routine In the week before your period, give yourself a slightly earlier wind-down than usual. Your body may need more time to settle, given the temperature and hormone shifts happening internally. A cool room helps counteract the rise in body temperature that progesterone causes, so lowering the thermostat a couple of degrees during this window can make a real difference. If cramps are keeping you up, deal with them before bed rather than after you are already lying there uncomfortable. A heating pad, some gentle stretching, or over-the-counter pain relief taken earlier in the evening can prevent the kind of discomfort that fragments sleep later. Keep your wind-down consistent even when your schedule feels thrown off by how tired you are. Screens right before bed make it harder to fall asleep, regardless of your cycle phase, and that effect tends to be more noticeable during a week when your sleep is already more fragile. Track the pattern. If you notice sleep gets harder at a predictable point in your cycle, that predictability is an advantage. You can plan lighter evenings, earlier bedtimes, or less demanding mornings around the days you already expect to be harder. The bottom line A rough night's sleep before your period is not a reflection of bad habits. It is your hormones doing exactly what hormones do, compounded by whatever physical symptoms show up alongside them. Once you know the pattern, you can build a routine that meets your body where it actually is each week, instead of expecting the same thing from your sleep every single night of the month. Building a routine that carries you through the school year? Check out the full Scarlet by RedDrop back-to-school lineup. Sources "The Menstrual Cycle's Influence on Sleep Duration and Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review." PMC, National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10656370/ "Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations of Progesterone and the Effect on Sleep Regulation." Restorative Medicine. https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/menstrual-cycle-fluctuations-progesterone-effect-sleep-regulation/ "Menstrual Cycle Symptoms, But Not Oestrogen or Progesterone Concentrations, Are Associated With Sleep in Female Athletes." PMC, National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12440682/ About the author: Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beaute Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health.
by Sterling Jones – August 01, 2026
What to Tell Your Coach or PE Teacher About Your Period
Running laps, changing for gym class, or playing a game while on your period brings up a specific kind of stress that has nothing to do with the sport itself. Do you say something? Do you push through and hope nobody notices? Here is how to handle the conversation with a coach or PE teacher so your period stops being something you manage in secret. Why does saying something actually help A coach or PE teacher cannot make small accommodations for something they do not know is happening. Needing an extra minute to deal with a leak, sitting out one drill because of cramps, or asking for a bathroom break at an unusual time all make a lot more sense to an adult who already has context. Most coaches and teachers have either dealt with this themselves or have coached other girls through it, which means this conversation is far less awkward on their end than it feels on yours. What to actually say You do not need to explain everything. A short, direct sentence covers it. Try something like, "I'm on my period today and might need a quick break if I'm not feeling great," or "Can I run to the bathroom real quick? I need to change something." If cramps are bad enough that you need to sit out part of practice, "I'm dealing with period cramps and need to sit down for a few minutes" is clear and gives them exactly what they need to know. If you would rather not say the word "period" out loud, "I'm not feeling well today, it's a girl thing" gets the message across just as well. There is no wrong way to say this as long as it gets you what you need. If you are worried about a leak during practice or a game Keep a small emergency kit in your bag, like a spare Scarlet spare pad or tampon, a pair of dark shorts or leggings, and a couple of our Scarlet wipes. If a leak happens, a quick, quiet request to step out for a minute is completely normal, and coaches deal with this more often than you would guess. You are not the first person on the team this has happened to, and you will not be the last. The bottom line Your period is not something to apologize for or hide from the adults responsible for your safety and performance during practice or a game. A short, clear sentence is all it takes to get the support you need, and most coaches and teachers will respond with far less awkwardness than you expect. Want your emergency kit squared away before the season starts? Browse the full back-to-school lineup here. About the author: Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beaute Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health. Photo Credit: Unsplash
by Sterling Jones – July 20, 2026
How to Deal With Getting Your Period on the First Day of School
What do I do if I start my period on my first day of school? Here are the answers you need to get ready, ease your anxieties and get prepared.
by Sterling Jones – June 22, 2026
How to Take Care of Your Period For The Summer
Summer means pool days, beach trips, and outdoor everything. It also means your period doesn’t take a break just because the temperature went up. If you’ve ever sat out a pool day because you were scared of leaks, or felt like your period made summer harder than it needed to be, this is for you. Here’s the truth: you can swim on your period. You can sweat through a heat wave on your period. You just need to know what your body needs when the weather changes, and what products actually make summer easier instead of more stressful. Can You Really Swim on Your Period? Yes. Completely. The water pressure actually slows menstrual flow while you’re submerged, which is why so many girls find swimming on their period easier than they expected. The catch is what happens the moment you step out of the water, since flow picks back up. That’s not a reason to avoid the pool. It’s just a reason to plan ahead. Pads aren’t an option for swimming since they absorb pool water and stop working. For swim days, you’re choosing between tampons and a menstrual cup. Scarlet Tampons are designed for first-time users and hold up to 6g, which works well for a few hours at the pool. The Scarlet Cup is another option for swimming, since it’s made specifically for tween and teen bodies, smaller and softer than adult cups, and can be worn up to 8 hours. Some girls feel ready for insertion products by their early teens, others aren’t there yet, and both are completely normal. There’s no rush. Why Heat Makes Your Period Feel Different Summer heat can genuinely change how your period feels. Higher temperatures can affect circulation and sometimes intensify cramps. Dehydration makes cramps worse too, so this is the season to actually pay attention to how much water you’re drinking, not just when you remember to. Heavy sweating combined with your period can also mean more frequent product changes than you’re used to in cooler months. That’s not a sign anything is wrong. Your body is just working harder to regulate its temperature, and your period care routine needs to flex with that. Packing a Summer Period Kit A few essentials make summer so much less stressful: A small zip pouch with backup products, since heat and sweat mean you may change more often A water bottle you actually refill, because dehydration makes cramps worse A change of underwear for after swimming Wipes for quick freshening up between pool sessions or after sweating A light, breathable layer in case of leaks, since dark colors and patterns hide a lot Keep this kit in your beach bag or backpack all summer so you’re never caught without what you need. What to Tell Your Parent or Guardian If you’re newer to your period, summer activities like swim team, camp, or beach trips can feel intimidating to navigate. Tell your parent what you’re nervous about specifically, whether that’s changing products at a pool, a leak in a swimsuit, or just feeling unsure which product to use. They can help you practice with a product at home before you need it in public, and that practice run makes a real difference in confidence. The Bottom Line Your period doesn’t have to shrink your summer. With the right products and a little preparation, pool days, sweat, and heat are all manageable. You deserve a full summer, cycle and all. Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beaute Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health.
by Sterling Jones – May 31, 2026
What Is Menstrual Health Awareness Month and Why It Matters for Every Girl
May is Menstrual Health Awareness Month, and if nobody has told you that yet, that is exactly the problem this month exists to solve. Periods affect half the world’s population, and yet menstrual health is still treated as a private, often uncomfortable topic in homes, schools, and communities everywhere. Menstrual Health Awareness Month exists to change that. It is a dedicated time to educate, advocate, and make sure that every girl, regardless of where she lives or what resources her family has access to, gets the information and the products she deserves. What Menstrual Health Awareness Month Actually Means Menstrual Health Awareness Month is observed every May as a global effort to normalize conversations about periods and address the barriers that prevent people from managing their menstrual health with dignity. It covers education, access, and advocacy all at once. On the education side, it pushes for better, earlier, and more shame-free period education in schools and at home. On the access side, it draws attention to period poverty, the reality that millions of people cannot afford or access the menstrual products they need. On the advocacy side, it calls on communities, institutions, and brands to do better by the people who menstruate. For tweens and teens, this month is especially meaningful. The years when a girl first gets her period are some of the most formative of her life. How she learns about her cycle, what products she has access to, and whether the adults around her treat the conversation with openness or shame all shape how she feels about her body for years to come. Menstrual Health Awareness Month is a reminder that getting this right for young people is not optional. It is essential. The Reality of Period Poverty Period poverty is one of the most urgent issues that Menstrual Health Awareness Month brings into focus. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, proper sanitation, and menstrual health education due to financial hardship or systemic barriers. It affects girls and women across the United States and around the world, and its consequences go far beyond discomfort. When a girl does not have access to period products, she often misses school. Research consistently shows that period poverty is a significant driver of school absenteeism among adolescent girls. Missing school means missing instruction, falling behind peers, and in some cases, disengaging from education entirely. A lack of access to period products is not a minor inconvenience. It is an educational equity issue. Period poverty also carries a heavy emotional weight. Girls who cannot reliably access period products often experience shame, anxiety, and a sense of isolation during their cycles. They develop coping strategies that no young person should have to develop, like stuffing their underwear with toilet paper, skipping activities during their period, or avoiding asking for help because they fear embarrassment. Normalizing the conversation and expanding access are two of the most powerful things we can do to address this. Why Access to the Right Products Matters Access to period products is important. Access to period products that were actually designed for your body is even more important. For a long time, the period care industry produced products sized and designed for adult bodies, leaving tweens and teens to use whatever was available regardless of fit or comfort. Scarlet by RedDrop was founded specifically to address that gap. Our co-founders, Dana Roberts and Dr. Monica Williams, built this brand because they saw firsthand what it looked like when young girls were unprepared and underserved during their periods. Every product in the Scarlet by RedDrop line is designed for tween and teen bodies. Our pads come in tween-specific sizing. Our Scarlet Tampons are designed for first-time users. The Scarlet Cup is the first menstrual cup created specifically for younger bodies, made from 100% medical-grade silicone and sized for where girls actually are in their development. These are not adult products scaled down. They are products built from the ground up for the people who need them. Scarlet by RedDrop is available at Ulta Beauty nationwide, at Walmart stores, and online at tryreddrop.com. Expanding retail presence is part of how we work toward access. The more places families can find these products, the fewer girls go without. What You Can Do During Menstrual Health Awareness Month Awareness without action does not move anything forward. Here are a few meaningful ways to participate in Menstrual Health Awareness Month this May. Talk about periods openly. In your home, with your daughter, with your students, with your friends. Every shame-free conversation normalizes the topic for the next person who hears it. Donate period products to a local shelter, food bank, or school supply drive. Period products are among the most requested and least donated items at organizations serving families in need. Educate yourself and the young people in your life about what a healthy cycle looks like, what period poverty is, and why access matters. And support brands and organizations that are actively working to close the gap. Menstrual Health Awareness Month is one month on the calendar, but the work it represents is year-round. Every girl deserves to understand her body, access the products made for it, and move through her period without shame or fear. That is the standard we are working toward, and it is one worth fighting for.
by Sterling Jones – May 25, 2026
Scarlet by RedDrop is Now Available at Walmart
There is a version of period care that has always existed for some girls and not others. The products that fit. The brands that actually thought about younger bodies when they designed their line. The options that do not require a specialty store, a large budget, or a long search online. That gap has always been the problem, and closing it has always been the mission. Scarlet by RedDrop is now available in Walmart stores nationwide, and that matters far beyond a retail milestone. Access Is the Point Walmart is where millions of American families shop every single week. It is where parents grab groceries, school supplies, and household essentials in one trip. It is accessible, affordable, and present in communities that other retailers simply do not reach. When Scarlet by RedDrop lands on those shelves, it means a girl in a small town, a suburb, or an underserved community can walk into a store her family already shops at and find period products that were actually made for her body. That is not a small thing. That is the whole point. For too long, period care for tweens and teens meant choosing between adult products that did not fit or making do with whatever was available. Scarlet by RedDrop was built to solve that problem. Our pads, period underwear, Scarlet Tampons, and Scarlet Cups are all sized and designed specifically for tween and teen bodies. Not scaled-down adult versions. Products that were created with younger bodies in mind from the very beginning. Why Retail Presence Matters for Families Being available in a store changes the experience of buying period products for a lot of families. It means a parent can pick up what their daughter needs during a regular shopping run without a separate trip or an online order with a wait time. It means a girl can see her products on a shelf in a store she recognizes, which sends its own quiet message that her needs are worth meeting. Visibility in retail spaces normalizes period care as part of everyday wellness, not something to hunt down or whisper about at checkout. Scarlet by RedDrop is also available at Ulta Beauty nationwide and online at tryreddrop.com. However you prefer to shop, we are there. The goal has always been to make sure that no family has to work hard to find products that were made for their daughter. Now that access just got a little wider. Founded With This Moment in Mind Scarlet by RedDrop was co-founded by Dana Roberts, a former educator with over 22 years in the classroom, and Dr. Monica Williams, a physician and mother. Dana watched her fifth-grade students experience their first periods at school, often unprepared and scared. Dr. Monica Williams knew those girls deserved better products and better preparation. Everything Scarlet by RedDrop has built since then has been in service of that original insight. Getting into Walmart is not the end of that mission. It is more of it. Every shelf, every store, every family that finds these products is one more girl who gets to start her period journey with something that was actually made for her. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scarlet by RedDrop (@scarletbyreddrop)
by Sterling Jones – May 17, 2026
How to Manage Your Period During Summer Sports
Swimming, track, dance, soccer — your period does not have to slow you down. Here is how to stay prepared and comfortable all summer sports season.
by Sterling Jones – May 03, 2026
How to Manage Your Period in the Heat
Heat affects your period more than you think. Learn how to stay comfortable, cool your body the right way, and manage your cycle all summer long.
by Sterling Jones – April 11, 2026
10 Period Facts That Will Actually Surprise You
Periods have been happening for as long as humans have existed, and yet there is still so much that people do not know about them. Whether you just got your first period or you have been managing your cycle for years, some of these facts might genuinely catch you off guard. Consider this your quick, no-fluff guide to the things nobody taught you in health class. Your period blood is not just blood. What comes out during your period is a mix of blood, uterine lining, and natural discharge. The color can range from bright red to dark brown depending on where you are in your cycle, and both are completely normal. The average period only produces about 2 to 3 tablespoons of fluid total. It often feels like much more, but most periods produce less than you think over the entire cycle. If you are regularly soaking through a pad or tampon in under an hour, that is worth mentioning to a doctor. Your cycle and your mood are directly connected. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone shift throughout your cycle and affect your brain chemistry. Feeling more social and energetic in the first half of your cycle and more tired or sensitive toward the end is completely normal body behavior, not a personal flaw. Cramps happen because your uterus is literally doing work. The uterus contracts to shed its lining, and those contractions are what cause period pain. It is the same muscle action that happens during labor, just on a much smaller scale. Your period can be affected by stress, sleep, and food. When your body is under pressure, it can delay or even skip a period entirely. This is your body's way of prioritizing survival over reproduction, which sounds dramatic but is actually just biology doing its job. Most girls get their first period between ages 10 and 15. There is a wide range of what is normal, and getting it earlier or later than your friends does not mean anything is wrong with you. Period products were not always made with younger bodies in mind. For a long time, all period products were sized for adult bodies. Scarlet by RedDrop changed that by creating pads, tampons, period underwear, and menstrual cups specifically designed for tween and teen bodies. The Scarlet Cup is the first menstrual cup made specifically for younger users. Exercise can actually help with cramps. Movement increases blood flow and releases endorphins, which are your body's natural pain relievers. Even a short walk can make a difference when cramps hit. Your period gives you information. Changes in your cycle length, flow, color, or pain level can signal things worth paying attention to. Tracking your period regularly helps you know what is normal for your body so you can notice when something shifts. Talking about periods out loud is actually good for you. Research shows that people who can openly discuss their menstrual health experience less shame, more confidence, and better access to care. The more we normalize the conversation, the better it gets for everyone. That is exactly why we are here.
by Sterling Jones – April 11, 2026
Why Scarlet by RedDrop at Ulta Beauty Is a Big Deal for Your Daughter
When a period care brand designed specifically for tweens and teens lands on the shelves of the largest beauty retailer in the United States, that is not just a business milestone. It is a message. It tells every girl who has ever stood in a store aisle staring at products that were clearly not made for her body that she matters, that her needs are worth meeting, and that the industry is finally paying attention. That is what Scarlet by RedDrop being available at Ulta Beauty means. It is visibility, access, and representation all at once. For a long time, period care worked one way. Adult products were made in standard adult sizes, and younger people were expected to use whatever was available and figure it out. The problem with that approach is that tween and teen bodies are not small adult bodies. They are growing bodies at the beginning of a journey, and the products they use should reflect that reality. Scarlet by RedDrop was built on that belief from day one. Our pads, tampons, period underwear, and menstrual cups are all sized and designed with younger bodies in mind. Finding those products at a store like Ulta Beauty means families do not have to search in obscure corners of the internet or specialty shops. They can walk into a store they already trust and find exactly what their daughter needs. Ulta Beauty also reaches a specific kind of shopper. It is where girls go with their moms to discover beauty, learn about wellness, and start building their own routines. For many tweens and teens, Ulta is already a space they feel comfortable in and excited about. Having Scarlet by RedDrop in that same environment sends the message that period care is part of wellness too. It is not something to hide in a paper bag or whisper about at checkout. It belongs right alongside the rest of the products that help girls feel good in their bodies. That normalization matters more than any shelf placement ever could. Scarlet by RedDrop is available at Ulta Beauty stores nationwide and at ulta.com. If you have not found us yet, now is the perfect time to look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scarlet by RedDrop (@scarletbyreddrop)
by Sterling Jones – April 11, 2026
We're Going to Ulta Beauty World 2026
Something big is happening in Orlando, and we want you to know about it. On April 15-16, 2026, Scarlet by RedDrop will be at Ulta Beauty World, the largest beauty event Ulta has ever hosted. The event takes place at the Orange County Convention Center, and we will be set up at Booth GS 2 in the Sparked Area. If you are in the Orlando area or already planning to attend, we would love to see you there in person. Come say hi, learn more about our products, and meet the people behind the brand. Ulta Beauty World brings together 200+ beauty brands for one immersive day of discovery, education, and connection. The Sparked Area is where you will find innovative, emerging brands that are doing something different in the beauty and wellness space. That is exactly where Scarlet by RedDrop belongs. We have always believed that period care for tweens and teens deserves its own category, its own products, and its own conversation. Being at Ulta Beauty World gives us the chance to have that conversation with even more families face to face. If you cannot make it to Orlando on April 15-16, you can still shop Scarlet by RedDrop at Ulta Beauty stores nationwide or online at ulta.com. Our full product line is available, including our pads, period underwear, Scarlet Tampons, and Scarlet Cups, all designed specifically for tween and teen bodies. Whether you find us in person or online, we are here, and we are not going anywhere.
by Sterling Jones – April 05, 2026
What’s the Difference Between Organic Cotton Pads Vs. Non-Organic Cotton Pads?
Organic vs. conventional pads for tweens: what the research says, what actually keeps girls comfortable, and why product design matters most.
by Sterling Jones – March 10, 2026
What Are Period Panties? Everything Tween and Teen Girls (and Their Parents) Need to Know
What are period panties and does your daughter need them? Get the full breakdown plus why Scarlet by RedDrop designs them specifically for younger bodies.
by Sterling Jones – March 07, 2026
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Us
Celebrate International Women's Day with us at Scarlet by RedDrop.
by Sterling Jones – March 01, 2026
How Winter Athletes Can Compete in the Cold with Their Periods
Competitive winter athletes manage unique period challenges that other athletes don't face. Cold weather intensifies cramping. Bulky gear complicates bathroom access. Competition schedules don't adjust for your cycle. Discover how cold temperatures affect your period during training and competition. Learn which Scarlet by RedDrop products work best for figure skating, ice hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and speed skating based on the specific demands of each sport. Get practical strategies for managing periods during practice versus competition days, handling multi-day competitions, and building your period emergency kit for winter sports. Designed for competitive teen athletes who refuse to let their periods limit their performance on ice, snow, or in the rink. Phot Credit: Kelli McClintock
