Body odor is a fairly common issue that can affect a person’s quality of life. Everybody sweats, it is completely normal to sweat and the truth is sweat is completely odorless. Body odor occurs due to bacteria on a person’s skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat and producing odor as a result. Now this can be very embarrassing, especially when you are with friends and loved ones. And the funny thing is, most people with body odor do not know they have it. I had a roommate in school that had body odor and oh my Lord it was bad. It was really bad. Whenever she comes to the hostel, everyone knows she has arrived and she was very rude, so I couldn’t offer her any solution.
Anyways, to prevent your body from smelling and avoid the embarrassment of body odor, here are some proven tips to prevent body odor so you can stay fresh and smell good every day.
1. Keep Yourself Squeaky Clean: Shower at least twice a day. Wash away sweat to get rid of some of the bacteria on your skin especially when you’ve had a day filled with physical activities. Don’t just get back from work or wherever it is and lay down till the next morning. With that the bacteria on your skin coupled with the sweat will raise quite a stink and this will continue to build up if you don’t shower frequently.
2. Use Antibacterial Soap/ Lemon: According to an article by WebMd published on the 20th of June,2020, washing thoroughly with an antibacterial soap bar will help get rid of some bacteria, which can help with the odor. Now when trying to get a soap to use, look for the word “antibacterial” on the soap’s packaging. You can also remove body odor naturally by using apple cider vinegar, lemon or lime. Now this contains antiseptic properties that kill bacteria and balance the pH level of your skin. Anyone and everyone can do this especially when you notice you don’t like the smell coming from you you, you can use a cotton ball and apply apple cider vinegar or lime to your armpits or any odor prone area, leave for some minutes then rinse off with cool water. Please, apply these treatments on clean, dry skin only and avoid if you have cuts, scrapes or burns.
3. Use Antiperspirants: Once you’re clean and dry, use a strong antiperspirant on your underarms. According to an article by WebMd published on the 20th of June,2020, 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. And if you notice you sweat a lot, always have antiperspirant or a perfume with you at all times.
4. Keep Your Clothes Clean: In the end, the best way to prevent body odor is to maintain proper hygiene. Be sure to regularly wash your clothes so the awful smell from odor-causing bacteria doesn’t stick.
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 and use deodorant powders in your shoes.
If any of this tip fails, please consult with your doctor and ask for prescriptions that can help you stop body odor.
