Buzz
Sweat, composed of water and salt, is not the cause of underarm odor. In fact, the unpleasant smell is due to bacteria that gather in areas where sweating is most intense. Preventing underarm odor is not difficult. Below are some methods you can apply to ensure your body and underarms stay dry and smell pleasant.
Steps
Lifestyle Changes
Shower daily. Make an effort to shower at least once a day, no matter how tired or busy you are. This is the best way to ensure your body stays dry and clean throughout the day. Take a shower if you wake up drenched in sweat after a hot night. After a long day of activity, especially after intense exercise, you should also shower. If you want to avoid body odor, never skip a shower after working out.
- Use antibacterial soap for the best results.
- After showering, dry yourself thoroughly to prevent creating a damp environment for bacteria to thrive.
Apply a strong deodorant or antiperspirant under your arms. While deodorants don't stop sweating, they help mask the odor caused by bacteria on the skin. Antiperspirants contain both deodorizing agents and aluminum chloride, which reduces sweat production. Apply antiperspirant twice daily—once in the morning and once at night.
- If you feel you need stronger deodorants or antiperspirants, opt for higher-strength products available over the counter without a prescription.
- If over-the-counter products don’t work, consult a doctor for prescription-strength antiperspirants.
Wear clothing made from natural fibers. Clothes made from cotton, wool, or silk can help reduce sweating due to their breathability and comfort. For workouts, choose high-tech fabrics designed to wick sweat away from your body.
Change and wash clothes regularly. Wearing the same shirt for three days will undoubtedly lead to underarm odor. Always wash clothes after use and avoid re-wearing them, no matter how comfortable they are. Pay special attention to workout clothes, as they become damp and dirty, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash them daily after exercising.
Try relaxation techniques. Sweating isn’t always caused by physical activity but can result from mental stress. Incorporate relaxation methods like yoga or meditation for at least 30 minutes before bed to benefit your body, mind, and underarms.
- Avoid stressful situations. For example, if mornings are rushed, wake up 15 minutes earlier to make your day more manageable.
Implement Additional Measures
Consult a doctor. If you suffer from severe underarm odor and have tried all possible natural remedies without success, it’s time to see a doctor. They can prescribe stronger antiperspirants, offer valuable advice, and discuss more intensive solutions. Here are some treatments you might consider discussing with your doctor:
- Liposuction – an outpatient surgical procedure – removes sweat glands by suctioning fat cells and connective tissue through small skin incisions.
- Excision surgery: Involves cutting or scraping tissue beneath the skin to remove skin and tissue. This method is riskier but offers longer-lasting results.
Shave underarm hair. Shaving underarm hair makes it harder for bacteria to find an ideal environment to thrive. If you’re serious about preventing underarm odor, shave during every shower or as frequently as possible.
Use a homemade hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with a cup of water. Dip a cloth into the solution and apply it to the affected area. This method helps kill underarm bacteria.
Quit smoking. Smoking is another habit that contributes to underarm odor and body odor.
Apply witch hazel or white vinegar to your underarms. Soak a cloth in witch hazel or white vinegar and wipe it under your arms. This alters the skin’s pH, making it inhospitable for bacterial growth.
Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on your underarms. This method reduces underarm moisture and helps eliminate bacteria.
Adjust Your Diet
Avoid certain foods.
Reduce meat consumption in your meals. Some studies suggest that eating meat can contribute to body odor. Instead of making meat the main dish, try incorporating more vegetables and fruits into your diet. The added fiber helps flush out toxins and bacteria in the body, which are often the cause of underarm odor.
Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. While you might enjoy your morning coffee or a few beers or glasses of wine throughout the week, limiting or even eliminating these beverages can help reduce underarm odor.
Drink water. Staying hydrated helps detoxify your body and keeps it smelling fresh. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses (240ml each) of water daily.
Eat foods that enhance your body's natural scent. Certain foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been shown to improve body odor. These foods boost metabolic functions, helping your body work more efficiently. A balanced and healthy diet also reduces stress, which can increase sweating and bacterial growth.
- Incorporate wheatgrass supplements into your meals.
- Chewing parsley, alfalfa, or other leafy greens after meals can help neutralize strong body odors.
Consume chlorophyll-rich foods. Experts recommend eating foods like kale and spinach, which are rich in chlorophyll, to help neutralize body odor caused by pungent foods.
Add magnesium and zinc to your diet.
Maintain a healthier diet. Research shows that being overweight, obese, or following an unhealthy diet can strain your body, making movement harder and increasing sweat production. This creates an ideal environment for odor-causing bacteria. If overweight, adjust your diet to lose weight and eliminate underarm odor.
