Body
odor is the perceived unpleasant smell our bodies can give off when bacteria
that live on the skin break down protein into certain acids. Body odor usually
becomes evident if measures are not taken when a human reaches puberty. People who are
obese, those who regularly eat spicy foods or individuals with certain medical
conditions such as diabetes are more susceptible to having body odor.
People who sweat too much (such as those with hyperhidrosis) may be susceptible to body odor. Body odor is most likely to occur in the following places: feet, groin, armpits, genitals, belly button, behind the ears, or the rest of the skin, to a lesser extent. Body odor can have a pleasant and specific smell to the individual and can be used to identify people, especially by dogs and other animals. Each person's unique body odor can be influenced by diet, gender, health, and medication.
Scientists
who study volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have long known that every person
has a distinct odor, just like they have distinct fingerprints. Some scientists
call it your "odor print." It's why dogs can track fugitives on the
run and why perfume smells slightly different on you than it does on anyone
else. Your odor print can also influence your health and relationships, even
though our noses aren't sensitive enough to consciously pick out one person
from another. Below are important facts you should know about body odor.
Antibacterial soap is your friend – Use an
antibacterial soap to cleanse your body thoroughly which will decrease the
bacterial count living on your skin. Washing
thoroughly with an antibacterial soap will help get rid of some bacteria, which
can help with the odor. Look for the word "antibacterial" on the
soap's packaging.
Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant – Most
deodorants have an antiperspirant and deodorant component.
The antiperspirant component is of most importance as it prevents
sweating and thereby body odor. Keep in mind antiperspirants work best on
dry skin. You may even find additional benefits of your antiperspirant
if applied at night. You can try rubbing lemons, limes, or apple cider
at night to help as well. Once you’re
clean and dry, use a strong antiperspirant on your underarms.
These have aluminum chloride, a chemical that helps keep
sweat at bay, and they often also have a deodorant in them. Use it twice a day
-- once in the morning and once in the evening. You don’t need a prescription
to get a powerful antiperspirant. Look for ones that say they’re higher
strength. If you think you need more help, ask your doctor about prescription
antiperspirants.
Keep
Your Clothes Clean- Change clothes often when you're sweating heavily. Fresh clothes help
keep body odor down. Be sure to change your socks as well, especially if you tend
to have foot odor. Use deodorant powders in your shoes, replace insoles often,
and go barefoot when possible.
Keep
yourself clean, and towel off well- Shower at
least once a day, and you'll wash away sweat and get rid of some of the
bacteria on your skin. Sweat by itself is basically odorless. But when the
bacteria that live on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply quickly and raise
quite a stink. Washing thoroughly especially the areas where you tend to sweat
can help with body odor. Once you've showered, dry yourself completely, paying
close attention to any areas where you sweat a lot. If your skin is dry, it's
harder for bacteria that cause body odor to breed on it.
Sweat is odorless
– Sweat is released from your sweat glands and is odorless. The bacteria that
live on your skin, specifically in your armpits and genitalia, break down
your sweat and eat it. The resulting waste material causes the odor that
we associate with body odor.
The sweat of stress has a stench – I know we all have wondered why stress sweat smells
so bad. There are two main sweat glands. Eccrine glands, which are found
on most parts of the body, are responsible for cooling the body when hot
or exercising. Its secretions are made primarily of water. The apocrine
glands are found under the armpits, groin, breasts, and eyelids and even
in the ear. These glands respond to situations of stress. The sweat
released from these glands is composed of 20% proteins and fat, all the good
stuff that bacteria love. You are a smelly stinky mess.
You are what you eat – It is well
known that foods with strong odors escape though your skin pores and
sweat. So watch your intake of garlic and curries. What you eat affects your body odor. Foods that tend to make you sweat
more, such as hot peppers or other spicy foods, might also lead to body odor.
And the aroma of foods like onions or garlic can be carried in your sweat.
Drinks with caffeine or alcohol may also make you sweat more.
“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing that's why we recommend it daily.” (Zig Ziglar)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Things Your Body Odor
Says About You” By
Kasandra Brabaw
·
“6 Tips for Reducing Body Odor” Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner
·
“TMI: 5 Things You Need To Know About Body Odor” by Besties
MD
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