How To Prevent Underarm Odour

A strong armpit odour or armpit smell can result in embarrassment and lack of self-confidence. So, how to prevent underarm odour? There are many remedies available so that you can confidently walk into any situation without worrying about any smell emanating from you.

Underarm odour or armpit smell can be extremely pungent and unpleasant. Most often, the underarm odour is associated with underarm sweating. Although sweating is a natural process the body goes through in order to regulate body temperature, it is generally odourless. The odour, under the arm, is the result of bacteria acting with the sweat. Most often, antiperspirants do the needful in eliminating sweat, thereby, eliminating armpit odour. However, there are other factors that can be taken into consideration to prevent your underarms from giving off unpleasant odours.

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How to Prevent Underarm Odour?

If you suffer from sweaty and smelly armpits, you should consider the advice mentioned below as it can save you much discomfort and embarrassment.

Keep Body Clean

Bacteria thrive on warm, moist areas of the body. As this is what causes armpit smell, you need to do whatever it takes to get rid of the culprit. The first line of defence is cleanliness. Cleanliness is very important to destroy bacteria. Showering more than once a day may be necessary if living in a host country. Using deodorant soaps with antibacterial agents and ensuring dry towels to wipe with can help eliminate bacteria.

Use Deodorants and Antiperspirants at Bedtime

Although using deodorants during the day is recommended, you should also consider doing so at bedtime too. This way, the protective ingredients in the deodorant can do their magic as the skin is more receptive to them at night and the effects of the deodorant will last throughout the day.

Use Baking Soda or Baby Powder

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleanser. Although this does not stop perspiration, the properties in it make sweat less “appetizing” to bacteria. Another method of managing armpit odour is by using baby powder. It reduces wetness and the pleasant smell overrides the armpit odour.

Wear Breathable Clothing

Cotton and wool are excellent materials to keep the armpit smell away. It enables the circulation of air and keeps the moisture away. Considering breathable fabrics is one way of getting rid of armpit odour.

Clean and Dry Underarms

One factor that causes underarm sweating and odour is hair. Trimming underarm hair keeps the sweat away which supports odour-causing bacteria. If you do not shave your armpits, keeping them clean and dry to prevents odour.

Clean and Fresh Workout Clothes

Your workout clothes need to be clean and fresh to prevent underarm odour. Consider pre-treating gym clothes with baking soda for about an hour, prior to washing. This takes away any unpleasant odours. Oily sweat can be taken out by using 1 cup vinegar with regular detergent. Hang clothes out to dry instead of putting them in the dryer as this also makes the clothes smell nice and fresh.

Avoid Foods that Cause Odor

Certain foods can cause body odour. These include curry, garlic and onions, blue cheese, cabbage and vinegar. Avoid these foods if you wish to avoid body odour and smelly armpits.

Maintain Proper Body and Room Temperature

As you sweat when you feel hot, keep your room temperatures a little cooler than the outside air especially in sleeping or workout rooms. Ensure you wear light and breathable clothing. If certain emotions make you sweat, practice meditation or yoga to control your emotions.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water enables the kidneys to flush waste products and harmful toxins out of the body. The reduction in toxins ensures fewer bacteria, which in turn, ensures less body odour.

Use Crystal Rock

Crystal rock is made up of mineral salt that decreases perspiration under the arms, thereby reducing the odour. This can be found in any drugstore.

Consider Medical Help

Medical help may be necessary if none of the above work in reducing sweat and armpit odour.