How Do I Fight Body Odor?
If you want to be "odor-free" consider the
following tips:
1. Apply an antiperspirant at bedtime . This
gives the product a chance to work while you
sleep and are not sweating. If you apply
antiperspirants after showering in the
moning, the sweat you accumulate will wash
away the product and render you defenseless
against daytime sweating. Remember,
deodorants do not prevent sweating. They
mainly mask the smell of the sweat on your
skin. Antiperspirants are chemical agents
that reduce sweating. Many antiperspirant
preparations also contain a deodorant, which
helps to mask the smell. Check the product
you use to make sure it contains an
antiperspirant.
2. Keep your underarms dry. Bacteria have a
hard time breeding in dry areas of the body.
3. Try a solution of hydrogen peroxide and
water to fight body odor. Use 1 teaspoon of
peroxide (3%) to 1 cup (8 ounces) of water.
Wipe this on affected areas (underarm, feet,
groin) with a washcloth. This may help
destroy some of the bacteria that creates
odor.
4. If sweat from working out is your No. 1
cause of body odor, wash your workout
clothes often. Sweaty gym clothes are a
bacteria-breeding ground.
5. Change your diet . Sometimes, fatty foods,
oils, or strong-smelling foods such as garlic,
curry, and onions, can seep through your
pores and cause body odor (always see a
doctor or dietician before making drastic
dietary changes).
6. If you have excessive sweating (called
hyperhidrosis ), talk to your doctor. There
are a few treatment options for those with
more severe sweating who desire more
aggressive treatments. Also, certain medical
problems can lead to excessive sweating.
Your doctor can make a diagnosis and
prescribe treatment.
7. Shaving your underarm regularly will help
prevent the accumulation of bacteria and can
reduce sweat and odor.
In some societies, body odor is accepted. But
most countries today frown on body odor. In
fact, some religions have strict guide lines about
bathing practices and personal hygiene.
The best way to fight body odor is through
prevention. For most teens, proper hygiene -- like
washing well and applying an underarm
antiperspirant or deodorant -- should be enough.
1. Baking Soda
As baking soda helps absorb moisture from
the skin , it can absorb sweat and reduce
body odor. Plus, it kills bacteria and works
like a natural deodorant.
Mix one tablespoon each of baking soda
and lemon juice. Apply it to your
underarms and other body parts where
you sweat excessively. Leave it on for a
couple of minutes and wash it off with
water; do not scrub. Then take a shower
or bath. Do this once daily for a few
weeks.
Alternatively, mix equal amounts of
baking soda and cornstarch. Apply it
directly onto your dry underarms to
prevent sweating as well as bad odor.
Use this remedy when you need
protection for several hours.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful bacteria-
fighting ingredient. It also helps eliminate
body odor by balancing the pH level of your
skin.
Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar
and rub it on your underarms. Wait two
to three minutes and then take your
shower. Follow this remedy twice daily,
once in the morning and again before
going to bed, until you notice
improvement.
Alternatively, add one cup of apple cider
vinegar to lukewarm bath water. Soak in
this water for 10 minutes once daily.
You can also add two teaspoons of apple
cider vinegar along with a little honey to
a glass of warm water. Drink it three
times daily before eating your meals.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is great for treating body odor.
The acidic property of lemon juice helps
lower the skin’s pH level, which in turn
makes it difficult for odor-producing bacteria
to survive.
Cut one fresh lemon into two halves. Rub
one half of the lemon on your underarms.
Make sure the juice gets onto your skin.
Allow it to dry on its own, and then take
your shower. Follow this remedy once
daily until the odor is gone completely.
If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute
the juice from half a lemon in one-half
cup of water and apply it to your
underarms using a cotton ball. Leave it
on for 10 minutes, and then wash it off
with water. Do this once daily until you
notice improvement.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary inhibits growth of odor-causing
bacteria. It also contains menthol and
chlorophyll, which have natural deodorant
properties that neutralize strong body odor
and also lend a nice fragrance to your body.
Plus, it has zinc, of which a deficiency can
cause body odor.
Add one-half cup of dried rosemary
leaves to four cups of hot water. Allow it
to steep for 10 minutes, and then add it
to your bath water. Soak in this bath
water for 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry your
skin. Follow this remedy once daily to
smell nice throughout the day.
Alternatively, mix eight to 10 drops of
rosemary essential oil in one ounce of
water and apply it under your arms as a
deodorant.
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