How to Eliminate Body Odor

Shower. If you notice a slight odor, try taking a quick shower if you have time. Body odor is caused by bacteria, so a full-body shower (especially focusing on the areas with the strongest odor) can help eliminate the smell. It's important to use antibacterial soap or body wash, as this will be more effective at removing odors than just using plain water.

• When showering, pay extra attention to the underarms and feet, as these are the areas that tend to smell the most.

Using antiperspirant products, widely available at cosmetic counters, can effectively reduce sweat production. These products use specific chemicals that form a protective layer (such as Aluminum) to block sweat, thus eliminating body odor. While many antiperspirants offer all-day protection, you might need to reapply them, especially during intense physical activity or exercise.

• Unlike deodorants that simply mask the odor, antiperspirants prevent sweating altogether, whereas deodorants only block the smell without halting perspiration.
• There has been much debate over whether aluminum-based antiperspirants contribute to breast cancer or Alzheimer's, but medical studies have yet to provide definitive evidence linking these concerns. As a result, using these products is generally considered safe.

Deodorants offer a quick solution to body odor. Sweating itself isn't harmful (unless it's excessive, which could indicate a health issue), and it plays a vital role in cooling the body. You can manage sweating to prevent it at inconvenient times. Deodorants mask or eliminate body odors while maintaining the natural moisture of your skin.

• Some deodorants provide longer-lasting protection than others. If you're seeking something to address body odor quickly, any deodorant will suffice. However, if you're after long-lasting freshness, you should consider purchasing a higher-quality product.

Using hydrogen peroxide solution (found in disinfectants) can be a temporary solution. If you're at home without antiperspirants or deodorants, try mixing one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a glass of water.

• Stir the mixture well, dip a cloth into the solution, and use it to wipe the underarm area to eliminate body odor.

Rubbing hand sanitizer on your underarms can help in a pinch. In urgent situations, you can use hand sanitizer gel to combat body odor. To apply it:

• Dispense a small amount into your palms, then rub it into your underarms. The disinfectant/antibacterial properties will help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

Using oil-absorbing sheets can be an effective way to stay fresh. If you're sweating and worried about potential body odor, use an oil-absorbing sheet to dry the affected area. These sheets are great at absorbing moisture, so simply wipe the sheet over your underarms (or any area prone to sweating) to prevent body odor from developing.

Rub an alum stone on the areas where body odor is present. Alum has the ability to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Gently rub the alum stone on your underarms in the same manner as you would with deodorant.

• If you sweat, rinse the alum stone after use to keep it clean.

Apply mud to the smelly areas of your body. If you're outdoors without deodorants or antiperspirants, apply some mud to your underarms or feet and let it dry naturally. Once the mud dries, wash it off. This method works similarly to a mud mask, helping to dry out and remove dead skin and sweat that causes body odor.

Spray vinegar on areas with body odor. When store-bought products aren't available, natural remedies like vinegar can quickly address body odor. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, killing bacteria or fungi that cause odor in areas like your underarms or feet. Spray some white vinegar or apple cider vinegar on these areas and wipe them dry.

• You can also mix vodka with water and spray it on your underarms. This method, famously used by Joan Rivers as a "Broadway backstage tip," has been proven effective.
• If vinegar isn't effective for you, try other natural products like tea tree oil or witch hazel, both of which offer similar deodorizing effects.

Use diluted lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent, which is why it's often used as a rapid deodorizer. You can dip a clean cloth in diluted lemon juice or rub a thin slice of lemon directly on the odor-prone areas.

• However, you may need to test how much lemon juice is suitable for your skin. Because lemon juice is acidic, it can sometimes irritate the skin. If irritation occurs, wipe the area clean, wait a few hours, and try again with a smaller amount.
• You can also dilute lemon juice with water to reduce its acidity.

Shower regularly. As mentioned earlier, showering is an effective way to quickly eliminate body odor. Taking a daily shower helps maintain your hygiene throughout the day, even during work and physical activities. When showering:

• Be sure to use exfoliating products a few times a week. Exfoliation helps remove dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria – key contributors to body odor. You can purchase exfoliating products at pharmacies or make your own natural exfoliators.

Always keep your skin dry. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments with an appropriate pH, ample 'food,' and concentrated salts. Moist skin folds provide these ideal conditions. Therefore, it's crucial to dry off whenever your skin is wet, whether from showering or sweating.

• Use a towel or oil-absorbing paper to blot away sweat and other moist substances.
• After showering, you can sprinkle a bit of powder on areas like your underarms to reduce moisture.
• If you've exercised or engaged in activities that caused heavy sweating, change into clean clothes afterward to keep your body dry and fresh.

Shave your underarm hair regularly. While women tend to shave their underarms more frequently, this is important for both men and women. Removing underarm hair can help reduce body odor, as hair traps odors. The less hair you have, the less body odor you'll experience.

Wear breathable fabrics. Synthetic materials do not absorb moisture well unless specially designed for absorption (such as polyester). Fabrics like cotton, wool, or silk – which are breathable and absorb sweat effectively – can help reduce sweat production and body odor.

• You can also wear cotton or silk underwear to absorb sweat and moisture, preventing body odor from seeping through to your outer clothes.

Wash your clothes regularly. As mentioned above, body odor can seep into your clothing. If you sweat through a shirt and let it dry without washing it, the shirt is likely to develop a strong odor by the next day. Be sure to wash your clothes whenever they are soaked with sweat to keep both your clothes and body smelling fresh and clean.

Eat a Healthy Diet. The foods you consume can significantly affect your body odor. If you are dealing with body odor issues, it's helpful to limit certain foods and boost the intake of others. Foods to avoid include:

• Red meats, garlic, onions, spicy foods, and processed foods high in sugar. All of these contribute to stronger body odor. You should also avoid caffeinated beverages, as they tend to enhance body odor.
• Beneficial foods to include are leafy greens, whole grains, raw nuts, healthy oils (such as olive oil, salmon oil, avocado oil...), and plant-based nutrients that help cleanse the body internally (like parsley, cilantro, celery, mint, sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano).

Consider Adding Barley Grass or Chlorophyll Supplements. Chlorophyll supplements act as natural deodorizers, helping you stay fresh throughout the day. Make chlorophyll a part of your daily vitamin routine.

Eliminate Stress. Stress activates the apocrine glands (the large sweat glands) that contribute to body odor. When you're anxious, angry, or stressed, you're more likely to emit body odor.

• Meditation can help reduce stress. Meditating for about 15 minutes daily can help you manage your stress levels (and thus smell fresher).
• Yoga is another excellent method to relieve stress.

Detox Your Body. Detoxifying your body, especially if your body odor is linked to your gut or the foods you've consumed, can significantly reduce unpleasant smells and help you feel fresh and clean.

• There are various detox products available, so it’s recommended to consult a doctor before using any, especially those with strong effects. This is especially important if you’re undergoing treatment or are prone to allergic reactions.
• Some people believe that combining detox products with steam baths or infrared saunas can amplify the benefits, although this has not been scientifically proven. Try steam sessions 2-3 times a week to aid detoxification and minimize body odor.

Drink Plenty of Water. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps flush toxins from your body. It also supports gut health, which in turn can help reduce body odor.

• On average, adult women need 2.2 liters of water daily, while adult men should aim for 3 liters per day.
• Some individuals have experienced positive results from drinking warm water with a slice of lemon, which provides hydration and helps detoxify the body.

Exercise Regularly. While it may seem counterintuitive because exercise makes you sweat, physical activity actually helps to reduce body odor over time. Exercise causes sweating, which helps eliminate toxins—one of the underlying causes of body odor.

• However, make sure to shower thoroughly after exercising and dry your body properly, as mentioned above.

Consult a Doctor If Body Odor Becomes a Persistent Problem. If you’ve tried the methods above and can’t seem to get rid of body odor, there could be an underlying medical condition causing the issue. Discuss your body odor concerns with your doctor or dermatologist for a thorough examination and diagnosis. You may be diagnosed with Bromhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive body odor.

• Your doctor may prescribe antiperspirant medications. These products can irritate the skin, so be sure to only use them when necessary (such as for Bromhidrosis or Hyperhidrosis).
• Botox injections can also block sweat glands and reduce the amount of sweat produced. However, remember, this should only be considered if there’s a medical reason, as it’s an expensive and painful procedure. The effects of Botox may last a few months, but it is not a long-term solution.

• After shaving, thoroughly cleanse the skin under your arms. You can use alcohol or peroxide for cleaning.
• Avoid spraying perfume directly onto your underarms. Perfume will only make body odor worse and may cause irritation or red pimples.
• Don’t mix too many soaps, deodorants, or perfumes together, as the scents may not blend well.
• Soak your feet in salt water. Since feet are a common area for odor problems, occasionally soaking them in salt water will help eliminate bacteria that cause foot odor.
• Buy pre-moistened wipes (similar to baby wipes) with single-use cleaning sheets for quick cleanliness. Some dry wipes soaked in alcohol, stored in a resealable bag, can serve the same purpose.
• If you smoke and can't quit, consider switching to e-cigarettes, as they only emit vapor, not smoke.
• If you suffer from foot odor, wear socks when putting on shoes (preferably cotton socks, as they absorb moisture and dry quickly), and change socks daily to keep your feet fresh and dry.
• If you're undergoing medical treatment, consult your doctor, as some medications may cause excessive sweating and body odor.
• If body odor is severe, it could be due to fungal growth. Antifungal shampoos can address this issue. Apply it to your underarms during your shower (lather gently and leave it on for about 3 minutes). Consult a doctor if you prefer stronger prescription treatments.
• Change your bed linens frequently, using white sheets as they are bleachable. Remember, you spend about 8 hours a day on them.
• Don’t be too harsh on odor-prone areas, as over-scrubbing could damage the skin and lead to other serious problems.

• Don’t use perfume to mask odors. It will only make the problem worse.
• If you use a razor, ensure it’s properly sanitized before use. You can clean the razor with a disinfectant or antiseptic solution.