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This is especially true during summer, when perspiration increases, leading to unpleasant odours if proper personal hygiene is not maintained. Read on to learn more about the causes of this odour and the best methods and tips to get rid of it and maintain a fresh body scent.
Sweating is a vital natural function that helps the body regulate its temperature. Sweat itself is odourless, being primarily a saline solution consisting of water and sodium chloride. However, when sweat is released in areas with hair follicles, such as the armpits, it mixes with greasy secretions. The skin’s natural bacteria then break down these secretions into acids, which produce an unpleasant smell.
Body odour becomes more noticeable and unpleasant in the summertime. The body produces more sweat due to the higher temperatures of this season and the increase in outdoor and physical activities during it. This increased activity heightens the body’s need to moisturise and cool itself through sweat, raising the likelihood of sweat interaction with odour-causing bacteria.
To combat body odour during summer, it is essential to take a refreshing shower at least once a day, and twice on scorching days. It is also important to shave underarm hair and use scented antibacterial soap or shower gel to cleanse the entire body. This helps ensure the removal of all dead skin cells, especially in areas prone to unpleasant smells.
Additionally, showering immediately after exercising or sweating due to stress or overheating is advisable. Thoroughly drying off after bathing is crucial, as dry skin prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria, unlike wet skin.
After showering and drying off thoroughly, people who only suffer from body odour should use deodorants. However, those suffering from bad body odour and excessive perspiration should opt for antiperspirants. Deodorants do not prevent the body from sweating. They simply reduce odour by making the skin more acidic, thus less susceptible to bacteria, and masking the smell with fragrances. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, contain chemicals that temporarily tighten sweat pores, making them more effective in combating excessive perspiration.
Note: Antiperspirants can be bought in pharmacies without a prescription. If the results of using them are unsatisfactory, consulting a doctor for a more suitable product is recommended.
Choosing the right summer clothes plays a significant role in combating unpleasant body odour. Wearing loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or natural fibres allows air to flow to the body, reducing perspiration through evaporation and minimising odour-causing bacterial growth.
Moreover, choosing light-coloured clothes and avoiding dark colours is preferable, as dark colours absorb more heat, leading to more sweating. It is also advisable to wear specific sportswear made of light and breathable materials during physical activities.
People suffering from excessive perspiration should avoid foods that increase sweat production, such as spicy foods containing curry, pepper, and hot sauce. Additionally, they should minimise the intake of large amounts of red meat or protein-rich foods, as they require significant energy for digestion and increase the body’s heat sensation, leading to more sweating. Odour-causing foods, such as garlic, onions, cauliflower, and cabbage, should also be avoided or consumed in moderation.
Conversely, incorporating chlorophyll-rich foods such as parsley, spinach, and leafy vegetables into the diet, along with drinking approximately 3 to 4 litres of water per day, especially during hot summer days, is considered highly beneficial. These practices help regulate body temperature and reduce excessive sweating.
Some natural ingredients can help control perspiration and reduce sweat odour, especially in the underarm area, as they contain active substances that kill odour-causing bacteria. Lemon is a great example of these ingredients. One can rub half a lemon directly on their armpits or add lemon juice to water, pour it into a spray bottle, and then spritz it onto the desired area. It is preferable to leave it on for about 30 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it.
Apple cider vinegar is also very effective in combating sweat odour. It can be used by diluting the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio, dipping a cotton bud in the solution, and wiping the underarm area with it.
Furthermore, some ingredients act as pore constrictors, tightening pores, reducing perspiration, and helping eliminate body odour. One such ingredient is green tea, which can be used by soaking several sachets in warm water, placing them under the armpits for a few minutes, and then rinsing the area well.
It is also beneficial to apply an appropriate amount of liquid witch hazel to a cotton ball and wipe the armpits with it. Alternatively, one can make a paste by mixing witch hazel powder with water in a 1:1 ratio and applying it under the armpits for approximately an hour before rinsing it off with water.
An important note: it is important to conduct an allergy test before trying any of these natural ingredients. This can be done by applying a small amount of the ingredient to the inner wrist and leaving it on for about an hour. If no allergic reactions are observed, such as itching, or redness, the ingredient is considered safe to use.
Trying medical treatments for sweat control
If the aforementioned tips prove ineffective, it is recommended to consult a specialist and undergo the necessary tests to determine the cause of the problem and the appropriate medical solution. For example, a doctor may recommend an antiperspirant containing 10-30% aluminium chloride, which is highly effective in controlling excessive sweating.
Moreover, those who suffer from excessive perspiration can use topical or oral antibiotics to reduce the odour-causing bacteria on the skin. They can also opt for Botox injections as another effective solution, as they reduce the sweat glands’ ability to produce sweat. However, these injections must be taken every few months to maintain the desired results.
[1] mayoclinic.org, Sweating and body odour
[2] my.clevelandclinic.org, Body odour
[3] webmd.com, Tips for Reducing Body odour
[4] verywellhealth.com, Why Do I Have Strong Body odour?
[5] news.com.au, ‘How do I stop myself sweating and smelling during summer?
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