Body odor (BO) is when perspiration mixes with the bacteria on the skin, often creating an unpleasant smell in the armpits, groins, upper thighs, and feet. Being in constantly hot temperatures, doing heavy exercise, and even eating certain foods can trigger and worsen BO.
But, there are ways to keep body odor at bay.
1. Keep Yourself Clean
After a rough day, nothing beats a shower. Take a shower at least once a day (twice if you need to) and always pay extra attention to the parts where you sweat more, like the armpits, back, groin areas, thighs, buttocks, and feet.
A good lathering ought to keep the germs away, too!
2. Use Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial soaps and body washes help remove odor-causing bacteria on the skin, so make sure to lather the sweaty areas of the body thoroughly while you shower. Using exfoliating body washes is likewise recommendable.
There’s a reason why it’s always important to dry off thoroughly after you bathe yourself, as the next slide shows…
3. Dry Off Well
Odor-causing bacteria breed faster on moist skin than on dry skin. So, it’s important to pat yourself dry with a towel after taking showers or baths, especially on areas that sweat easily. And, make sure to regularly wash your bath towels to avoid bacteria buildup. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid body odor.
There is another way to keep yourself fresh for the daily grind…
4. Use Antiperspirants and Deodorants
Antiperspirants and deodorants keep you fresh and odor-free throughout the day, and they are a great body odor treatment. But before you decide on one, make sure to check the ingredients and the duration to help you pick the best choice.
Your daily outfits should make more than a visual impression…
5. Keep Your Clothes Clean
Sometimes dirty clothes can worsen body odor, so it’s important to keep your clothes clean at all costs. One such trick to remove smells is pre-soaking clothes in a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water for an hour before putting them into the washer.
Other times it’s in the material…
6. Choose The Right Fabrics
Clothing made from synthetic fabrics like polyester usually stinks after sweating. This is usually due to the fibers that tend to absorb bacteria more easily, and they can be hard to remove, even after washing. This is why it’s important to choose more breathable options like cotton, wool, and linen.
Speaking of washing…
7. Ditch The Fabric Softener
Certain odors can be quite hard to remove, and using fabric softener can actually worsen them. The “softness” it gives is actually a sort of coating that traps bacteria and odors further into its fibers. If anything, it doesn’t really do much for your clothes, so it’s best to drop the fabric softener altogether.
Going natural has its benefits…
8. Use Alternative Hacks
Seemingly mundane household items can actually fight the stink away. Rubbing or applying a certain amount of antibacterial substances like coconut oil, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar can breed promising results.
Frequent trimming shouldn’t hurt either…
9. Shave
A 2016 study led by dermatologists said regularly shaving the underarms, pubic regions, and the anal area helps prevent bacteria buildup and reduces sweating and foul odors in those areas. When you shave, be sure to use clean razors and wash them off well afterward.
You might need to drop some comfort fixes, too…
10. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
The foods you eat and the drinks you drink can affect your body odor. Flavorful and spicy foods, for example, make you sweat more and even make the sweat exude smells of certain spices, which can worsen body odor.
