Body odor is a natural occurrence that results from an interaction between sweat and bacteria on your skin. However, unpleasant and persistent body odor (BO) can be the biggest source of self-consciousness, which may impact your self-esteem and social interactions.
Luckily, several strategies can help you reduce body odor. But before we delve into these hacks, where does body odor come from?
What is body odor?
Your body has two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. Eccrine sweat glands excrete sweat directly onto your skin to help you cool off. On the other hand, apocrine sweat glands open up into your hair follicles. They are associated with hair follicles in your groin and underarms.
Apocrine sweat glands lie dormant until puberty, so younger children don’t have body odor. These glands excrete protein-rich, almost odorless sweat. But when bacteria on your skin break down these proteins, this produces odorant molecules that lead to a smelly body.
Remember, sweating is a normal body process, but some factors may contribute to body odor — good or bad. They include exercise, being overweight, stress, hot weather, and genetics.
Hacks to prevent body odor
1. Daily showers
This seems straightforward, but a daily shower is still one of the best ways to prevent body odor. Showering removes sweat, bacteria, and dirt from your skin, reducing the chances of accumulating odor-causing bacteria.
If you are not allergic, use antibacterial soap and focus on areas prone to sweating, such as underarms, groin, and feet.
2. Antiperspirants and deodorants
Antiperspirants limit sweat production, while deodorants mask body odor with a pleasant smell. These are essential tools in your fight against BO, but finding the right deodorant can be difficult.
Remember, you can make a custom homemade deodorant if you can’t find the right store-bought deodorant. This also comes in handy if you have skin reactions to baking soda or are concerned about active ingredients in conventional antiperspirants such as aluminum.
3. Find breathable clothing
Garments made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and linen are a godsend against body odor. These clothes are moisture-wicking fabrics, meaning they absorb moisture from your body. They are better than tight-fitting clothes made of synthetic materials such as polyester or rayon.
4. Update your laundry routine
After a shower, putting that t-shirt back on may be tempting, but changing your clothes regularly is advisable. You don’t need to wash all your clothes daily, but if you sweat heavily, you may need to wash even your outer garments regularly.
Remember to wear a vest or any other inner layer to absorb moisture and prevent sweat from spreading onto your outer clothes.
Always wash with quality detergent to remove sweat and bacteria, especially in your workout attire. Also, avoid fabric softeners because they trap odor in your fabric.
5. Trim armpit hair
Shaving your armpit hair may help you reduce body odor by reducing the surface area for bacteria to cling to. It will be harder for the bacteria to multiply and create an unpleasant odor. Plus, deodorants and antiperspirants work better on clean-shaven underarms.
6. Foot care
Smelly feet can be a source of self-consciousness and embarrassment. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking socks or open shoes whenever possible to prevent this. Also, ensure that you clean and thoroughly dry your feet daily.
7. Baking soda
Baking soda is a significant ingredient in many homemade deodorant recipes. Alternatively, you can apply baking soda alone to your underarms to help absorb moisture and reduce body odor.
If this product causes skin irritation, you may switch to alternatives such as green tea, tomato juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, rose water, and more. Applying these products to sweaty places can neutralize body odor.
8. Fragrance-free products
Sometimes, your body odor can be made even worse by some fragrances. If you are concerned about the cost of scents, go for fragrance-free products or choose a fragrance that works for your body chemistry.
9. Diet and hydration
Foods like onions, garlic, excess red meat, spicy foods, and processed foods may increase body odor. The same also goes for excess alcohol and caffeine.
Go for a balanced, healthy diet rich in nutrients and lean proteins. These include yogurt, fruits and non-sulfurous vegetables, pickles, herbs, kombucha, and more. Also, drinking plenty of water helps dilute sweat, reducing its potential for reeking.
10. Stress management
Besides a nutrient-rich diet, stress and anxiety management can help reduce sweating. You can include stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation in your daily routine to reduce your stress levels.
When to see a doctor
Sometimes, home remedies for reducing body odor may fail to work. Also, some underlying medical conditions may change the amount of sweat you produce or your body odor. For instance, fruity-smelling sweat may indicate diabetes, while bleach-smelling sweat may indicate liver or kidney disease.
Besides medical conditions, if your sweating or body odor begins affecting the quality of your life, visit your doctor. They may recommend additional treatments ranging from aluminum chloride to surgery.
Don’t sweat it!
Sweating and body odor are natural occurrences, but it’s manageable with a proactive approach to personal hygiene. Remember, good hygiene boosts not only your self-confidence but also your overall well-being.
However, if severe body odor persists, consult a medical physician who can help rule out any underlying health conditions.
