A personal hygiene system includes a personal hygiene device having a receiver unit, a control unit, and a functional unit; and a separate control device having a transmitter unit. The control unit drives the functional unit in at least one of a first functional mode and a second functional mode different from the first functional mode. The control unit inhibits provision of the second functional mode while the control unit is in a default state. The transmitter unit sends at least a first signal to the receiver unit of the personal hygiene device when the separate control device is switched from a default control mode to a first control mode. The control unit can be switched from the default state into a first state when the first signal is received by the receiver unit, in which first state the control unit permits provision of the second functional mode at least during a first allowance period.