What to use for body odor? The Complete Guide to Treating Body Odor

understanding body odor

To understand the root cause of body odor, especially armpit odor, it is important to know how it develops. “The main cause of armpit body odor is the reaction between sweat and the bacteria on your skin,” explains Dr. Aggarwal. There are two types of sweat glands in the human body: eccrine and apocrine. While eccrine glands produce watery, odorless sweat to regulate body temperature, apocrine glands – found primarily in the armpits and groin – secrete thick, milky sweat that contains proteins and fatty acids. When this sweat reaches the skin and meets bacteria, it breaks down and produces an unpleasant odor.

He further said that other factors including hormonal changes, stress, lack of proper hygiene and genetic predisposition also affect the strength of body odor.

essential hygiene products

As Dr. Trupti Aggarwal explains that bacteria is one of the main reasons behind body odor. It is important to eliminate bacteria. Good hygiene practices can help reduce body odor.

Dr. Aggarwal lists essential products and ingredients to look for that help control body odor. He shared detailed descriptions of each product:

• Soap and Body Wash: Look for antimicrobial body washes and soaps that contain tea tree oil, charcoal or eucalyptus. These can be effective in reducing bacteria build-up and refreshing the skin. Antibacterial soaps may prove to be the most effective soaps for dealing with body odor as they target the bacteria that like to live in sweaty areas.
• Exfoliating Scrub: A mild scrub can clear away dead cells that bacteria cling to. Use a gentle scrub with mild scrubbing agents or a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid to keep pores clean and reduce the population of odor-causing bacteria.
• Antimicrobial Wipes: If you want to freshen up quickly because you’re on the go, especially when it’s hot or you’re sweating, it’s helpful to have wet wipes with ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel.

essential hygiene habits

While essential products are covered, let’s take a look at some essential hygiene habits shared by Dr. Aggarwal:

• Shaving or trimming armpit hair: Its purpose is to get rid of excess sweat and odor-causing bacteria trapped in the hair. Shaving or trimming helps to remove excess bacteria surface area on the body and keeps the person fresh.
• Change clothes regularly: Wearing fresh clothes, especially on hot days, prevents sweat from accumulating and bacteria from growing. Choose fabrics that are more natural, such as cotton, to allow the skin to breathe. Synthetic clothes prevent moisture from reaching your skin.
• Foot powder or foot spray with antibacterial properties: If one has the problem of foot odor, use foot powder or foot spray with antibacterial properties to maintain dryness and freshness throughout the day.
• Replace old bedding and towels: Wash towels and bed linen regularly. These clothes absorb sweat and bacteria, so refreshing them ensures that the skin remains clean and free of odor-causing germs.

Also read: The Best Skin Care Guide to Shaving Facial Hair for Women

How to neutralize odor

What should people who have frequent body odor and are about to pass out do? Dr. Aggarwal shares key products that can come to the rescue. These essentials ensure that you stay confident and fresh during your trip. Dr. Aggarwal explains how each of them can help.

• Deodorant: These products primarily cover or neutralize body odor. Choose deodorants that contain ingredients like zinc, aluminum chloride, or witch hazel that help kill odor-causing bacteria. Avoid fragrances that may irritate sensitive skin; Choose a natural scent like lavender or chamomile.
• Antiperspirant: These products reduce body odor but also prevent sweating by blocking sweat glands. They contain aluminum-based compounds, such as aluminum zirconium, which temporarily clog sweat glands.
• Natural Alternatives: For a more natural approach, products with baking soda, arrowroot powder, or coconut oil can absorb moisture and neutralize odors without synthetic chemicals.

lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors play a significant role in the intensity and frequency of body odor. Certain habits and dietary choices can sometimes make the problem worse, making it necessary to take a conscious approach to daily routine.

Dr. Aggarwal shared three important lifestyle factors:

• Diet: Foods that include garlic, onions, curry, or spicy foods cause strong body odor due to their compounds released during sweating. Cutting back on these foods and consuming them occasionally can make a big difference in body odor. Alcohol and caffeine also contribute to this, which causes people to sweat more, which results in more foul smell.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water will reduce the concentration of sweat and reduce the intensity of body odor. Hydrating also maintains skin health, keeping skin smooth and odor-free.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke released on the skin contributes to intense body odor. Therefore, quitting smoking or not smoking can be effective in improving normal odor as well as skin condition.

It is often assumed that body odor is simply a matter of hiding it with deodorant, but addressing it requires more effort. Dr. Aggarwal emphasizes that body odor isn’t just about hiding the odor – it’s about understanding its causes and adopting effective skin care and hygiene habits. From using the right bath products to making mindful lifestyle choices, simple strategies can significantly help reduce body odor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.

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