How to Get Rid of Body Odor
Written by Jessica Lal on August 10, 2022
Maintaining good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent body odor. This includes the use of antibacterial soap when bathing or showering to keep the odor-causing bacteria in check, especially in the feet, armpits, and genital area.
Additionally, you may use deodorants for a fresh smell and antiperspirants to help control sweating.
Home Treatments to Keep Your Body From Smelling Bad
Regular use of the following personal hygiene products can help control body odor.
1. Wash your body with an antibacterial soap
Regular showers are a key part of hygiene, and using antibacterial soap or body wash during bathing can be effective in preventing body odor. Products such as Dial and benzoyl peroxide help remove the bacteria that convert sweat into stink.
2. Spray on some deodorant
Deodorant roll-ons and sprays containing isopropyl palmitate, aluminum chlorohydrate, and Cyclomethicone help lower the bacterial growth rate. Additionally, the ingredient 5-methyl furfural targets malodor-causing bacteria present in the skin biome specifically.
3. Apply an antiperspirant
Antiperspirants with 10%–15% aluminum chloride work by blocking the sweat glands, therefore preventing sweating. These are generally applied to dry skin at night.
However, some studies suggest that antiperspirants support the growth of Actinobacteria, which in turn stimulate the odor-causing bacteria. Therefore, it is suggested to consult a medical practitioner before using any antiperspirant product on your skin.
Home Remedies to Reduce Body Odor
1. Baking soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a common household ingredient that has been popularly used for reducing body odor, but there are no scientific studies to verify its effectiveness in this regard.
How to use:
Mix a few drops of lukewarm water with one-fourth tablespoon of baking soda to form a thick paste, and apply it to your underarm for 15–20 minutes before washing it off. For the sake of convenience, you can use this remedy before taking a bath.
Baking soda may work as a natural absorbent that can help reduce excessive sweating in problem areas, while also disinfecting the site to reduce body odor.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is another remedy that has gained a lot of traction among general users and is often cited on internet forums as a means to manage body odor.
The strong citrusy smell of lime may help camouflage the stench of sweat to some degree, but it will wear off after a while. More importantly, lemon juice exhibits antioxidant and antibacterial activity which can help diminish the foul smell too.
How to use:
- Apply a few drops of lime juice or rub a cut lemon all over your armpits, let it sit for a few hours, and take a bath afterwards. You can do this before every other bath.
- Alternatively, you can add some lemon juice to your bath water and let your body soak in it.
Topical use of lemon juice on sweat zones may help reduce perspiration and curb the growth of malodorous bacteria, but these effects are usually temporary and disappear once you stop using the remedy.
SOURCE : 
Continue reading
