What’s that smell?
Understanding Body Odor
Have you ever noticed a bad smell after you’ve been working out or on a hot day? Sometimes, you might find out the smell is coming from you. Sweat can cause body odor, which is common and usually goes away with a shower.
Body odor happens when you sweat. Your body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. The eccrine glands are all over your body and help cool you down when it’s hot. The apocrine glands are mainly in your armpits and groin. They produce a thicker sweat that, when it mixes with bacteria on your skin, can smell bad.
If you start to smell worse than usual or sweat more than normal, it could be a sign of a health problem. There are conditions like hyperhidrosis (where you sweat a lot for no clear reason) that can cause this. Other health issues, stress, certain medicines, and drinking alcohol can also make you sweat more.
Your diet can affect how you smell too. For instance, Foods like broccoli, cabbage, garlic, and onions can change your body odor.
Here are some simple ways to help keep body odor under control:
- Stay Clean: Washing regularly can help get rid of the bacteria that cause bad smells. You don’t always need to bathe every day—just wash more often when you sweat a lot.
- Use Products: Antiperspirants help stop sweating, and deodorants make you smell better. They are available at stores and can be very helpful.
- Wear the Right Clothes: Clothes made from cotton or other natural materials help your skin breathe. It’s also good to wear clothes designed for sweating when you exercise. Remember to wash your clothes after wearing them. Moreover, wearing natural fabrics can help your skin breathe better, reducing sweat and odor.
- Shave Your Armpits: Less hair under your arms can help sweat evaporate faster, which means less odor.
If these tips don’t work, you might need stronger treatments from a doctor. Sometimes, doctors can prescribe stronger antiperspirants or suggest other treatments.
Body odor is usually just annoying, not a serious issue. But if it bothers you a lot, talking to a doctor can help you find a solution.
Here are some effective and budget-friendly ways to combat body odor:
Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
Clean & Clear Essentials Acne Toner
Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Soap Bar
