Body odor is a common problem that makes many people lack confidence in communication and work. Some severe cases can seriously affect their quality of life. Making lifestyle changes and applying some home treatments can help you eliminate body odor. So how to get rid of body odor naturally and most effectively? All will be in the article below from Healthyglowy.
Contents
1. Causes of body odor
People often think that body odor is secreted by our upper sweat glands. In fact, sweat itself has virtually no odor. The root cause of body odor is due to bacteria living on sweaty parts of the body. This bacteria thrives in moist environments, decomposing proteins in sweat into products that create odors.
Body sweat is secreted by two main sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands.
- Eccrine glands are found mostly under your body’s skin, located in the dermis. Eccrine glands secrete sweat directly to the surface of the skin through a duct. When sweat evaporates, it helps cool the skin and regulate body temperature. The sweat secreted by the eccrine glands is mainly salt and other electrolytes, it does not contain fats and other compounds that create odor when broken down by bacteria so it is less likely to produce odor.
- Apocrine glands are found in places where you have hair, such as your armpits and groin. This gland secretes sweat when your body temperature increases and when you are stressed. Sweat secreted by the apocrine glands is responsible for most cases of body odor. Sweat contains many fats and other compounds that have an odor when broken down by bacteria.
What foods cause bad odors?
Body odor may be a result of diet. Consuming foods high in sulfur can cause body odor. It smells like rotten eggs and sulfur. Your body may release an unpleasant odor when it sweats. Foods high in sulfur include:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- The meat is red
It’s worth noting that some meals have the potential to increase sweating, which in turn can lead to an increase in body odor. While it’s not entirely accurate to say that meals directly cause body odor, they can have an impact on it by altering sweat levels. Some of the foods that can contribute to this include monosodium glutamate (MSG), coffee, spices like cumin or curry powder, hot sauce, and alcohol. To minimize body odor, you should reduce or eliminate the consumption of these foods and consider a balanced nutrition diet that suits you.
2. How to get rid of body odor naturally?
2.1 Take a bath every day
By taking a shower at least once a day, you may remove some of the germs on your skin and wash away perspiration. Sweat itself has little odor, but when combined with skin bacteria, it produces a strong smell. Properly washing your body can help eliminate body odor, especially in areas where you sweat excessively.
2.2 Use natural deodorant products
Choosing the perfect deodorant can be a daunting task. If your current deodorant is not working effectively for you, it may be time to switch. You may need to try a few different options to find the deodorant that is best suited for your everyday needs and body chemistry. It’s not necessary to try every product available in stores. Instead, pay attention to the active ingredients listed on the packaging. If you find that baking soda or tea tree oil irritates your skin or is ineffective, you can avoid any deodorant that contains these components as active ingredients.
2.3 Change your diet
The food you consume has an impact on body odor. Body odor may also result from meals that increase perspiration, such as spicy or hot peppers. Additionally, the smell of foods like garlic and onions might permeate your perspiration. Alcoholic or caffeine-containing drinks may also increase perspiration. The way to get rid of body odor is that you should cut the above foods out of your daily diet
2.4 Wear breathable fabrics
To reduce body odor, it is advisable to wear clothing made of natural materials like cotton. This is because natural fibers allow sweat to evaporate by allowing the skin to breathe. Avoid clothing that traps sweat against the skin, as it creates an environment where body odor can grow. When working out, it is recommended to wear moisture-wicking fabrics to keep the body dry and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause body odor.
2.5 Create your special scent
Creating a personalized perfume or cologne can be a natural how to get rid of body odor. You can use a light oil like sweet almond oil and mix it with essential oils to create a fresh scent. Start with 5-10 drops of essential oil per ounce of oil and adjust the concentration until you get a pleasant scent. You can easily apply this mixture using a roller or a few dabs on your fingertips.
2.6 Use natural ingredients
Try some natural methods to help you get rid of odors naturally including:
- Baking soda: To make a paste using baking soda, mix it with water. Place the mixture under your arms, then let it dry. Baking soda reduces odor and regulates the acidity of your skin.
- Green tea: You should steep the green tea bag in warm water and then place a damp tea bag under your armpit for a few minutes each day. This can help unclog pores and reduce sweating.
- Apple cider vinegar: In a spray bottle, mix apple cider vinegar and a little water. Apply the mixture under your arms. Vine’ acid aids in killing germs.
- Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water. Spray the mixture under your arms. Bacteria are killed by citric acid in lemon juice.
3. Medical treatments help eliminate odor
If you’ve attempted various methods on how to get rid of body smell without improvement, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Persistent body odor may be indicative of an underlying issue such as a fungal illness, requiring specific medical attention. Consider the following possibilities:
- Prescription Antiperspirants and Deodorants: Prescription deodorants and antiperspirants are more potent than over-the-counter alternatives. These are frequently the first actions in a successful body odor treatment plan.
- Antibiotics – Oral or Topical: The main source of body odor can be addressed by using oral or topical antibiotics to lessen the prevalence of skin bacteria.
- Botox Injections (on botulinum toxin A): Sweat glands can successfully generate less sweat when Botox injections are administered. Nevertheless, the procedure needs to be repeated every few months and is not a permanent fix.
- Laser Therapy for Hair Follicle Reduction: Although laser treatment shrinks hair follicles, its effect on reducing body odor may differ.
- Sweat Gland Removal Surgery: Surgery to remove the sweat glands may be the final choice in severe situations when all other treatments fail.
4. How to get rid of body odor on clothes?
To effectively get rid of body odor and remove strong odors from clothes, try following these steps:
- Pre-treat sweaty areas with a gentle enzyme-based stain remover before washing. Be sure to follow the product instructions for application time.
- Use hot water (around 50°C/122°F) to wash the clothes. This will help kill any odor-causing bacteria. However, be sure to check the garment’s care label for any water temperature limitations.
- Double rinse the clothes to thoroughly remove any lingering detergent residue that could trap bacteria and cause odors.
- Consider adding a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This can help neutralize odors and even soften your clothes.
- Sunlight drying: Natural sunlight is a great disinfectant and can help eliminate odors. If possible, hang your clothes outside on a sunny day.
- Air drying: Avoid using the dryer for heavily odorous clothes as the heat can set the odor. Instead, air dry them thoroughly to prevent mildew growth.
- Baking soda: Place a box of baking soda in your dryer with your clothes to absorb odors. Remember to discard the baking soda after use.
5. How to get rid of body odor armpit?
Hygiene is important to prevent underarm odor. Here are some habits that can help you get rid of that unpleasant odor:
- Bathe regularly: It is essential to bathe or shower daily with a mild and non-irritating soap. Don’t forget to pay special attention to your armpit area.
- Exfoliate: Exfoliating your underarms once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and odor-causing bacteria. You can use a gentle scrub or washcloth.
- Shave or trim: Removing armpit hair can reduce the area where bacteria can grow. You can choose the method that works best for you, whether it’s shaving, trimming, or using depilatory cream.
Your clothing choices can also affect your underarm odor. Consider the following tips:
- Breathable fabrics: Choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen for clothes, especially shirts. These fabrics allow your skin to breathe, reducing sweat buildup and potential odor.
- Loose clothing: Tight clothing can accumulate sweat and bacteria, contributing to odors. Choose loose clothing to allow air to circulate.
- Wash clothes: Wash clothes after each wear, especially shirts and bras. Hot water (about 50°C/122°F) may kill bacteria more effectively but always check the label first.
6. Why do I still smell after a shower?
It’s important to make sure you thoroughly wash all areas prone to sweating, especially your armpits, groin, and feet. Bacteria can remain trapped in folds and creases, even after showering, leading to unpleasant odors. Additionally, deodorant residue can mix with sweat and bacteria, causing odor. So, it’s recommended to exfoliate occasionally to remove built-up residue. Finally, some people naturally sweat more than others, and even after showering, sweat can return quickly, bringing back the odor. To solve the above situation, you should stress management to limit your body’s sweating.
In short, by following the steps above on how to get rid of body odor, including proper personal hygiene, meticulous laundry, and strategic deodorization techniques, you can confidently say goodbye to that stubborn sweat odor. bear. If you still have body odor after trying these things, ask your doctor about prescription medications or medical remedies.
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