Consumer items for underarm odor protection have come a long way since the ancient Egyptians first use spices such as cinnamon to mask body scent. Deodorants and antiperspirants are available in a number of formulations, roll-ons, sticks and creams, but knowing the difference between how these products work when applied to your skin is key to reducing unpleasant armpit odor. Use of the most effective products coupled with easy lifestyle modifications can give you ultimate underarm odor protection.
What Causes Underarm Odor
Sweat is the natural mechanism your body uses to keep you cool whenever you're in a hot environment, exercising or when you experience stressful emotions such as fear or embarrassment.
Your 2 million to 4 million sweat glands are divided into two types: the eccrine glands that open directly to the skin's surface, and the apocrine glands where your hair grows, such as your armpits, scalp and groin.
When the fatty sweat released by your apocrine glands begins to break down the bacteria on your skin, the undesirable side effect is underarm odor. Body odor that's offensively bad and caused by poor hygiene has its own medical term, "apocrine bromhidrosis," according to the Merck Manual.
Antiperspirant
Antiperspirant is your best defense against sweat and body odor and is what medical experts recommend the most for effective self-care, according to the International Hyperhydrosis Society (IHS).
Products that contain between 10 and 15 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate are very effective against underarm perspiration, says the IHS, although stronger preparations (up to 30 percent) are available with a doctor's prescription. Antiperspirants temporarily block your pores, preventing sweat from reaching your skin.
Deodorant
Deodorant doesn't prevent sweat from reaching your skin's surface as it does not clog your pores, but it can reduce body odor, reports the Mayo Clinic. Many deodorants use an alcohol base, which makes your skin acidic and more resistant to bacteria.
In lieu of deodorant, integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil states that you can simply splash rubbing alcohol under your arms after you bathe, which achieves the same effect. Deodorants may also use a fragrance to help mask odor.
Lifestyle Factors
A daily bath or shower goes a long way to containing underarm odor, as this washes away troublesome bacteria. Certain foods and drinks make you sweat more, according to the Mayo Clinic. To reduce perspiration, cut down on caffeinated beverages that stimulate your apocrine glands, such as coffee and tea.
Avoid spicy, strong-smelling foods, such as those that contain a lot of onion or garlic, as these can make your sweat smell particularly ripe. Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen and silk, which lets your pores breathe. However, if you're exercising, choose synthetic fabrics that draw sweat away from the body.
If Remedies Don't Work
It may be difficult to get underarm body odor under control if you have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, warns Dr. Weil. This is present as severe and excessive sweating to the point that the underarm area of your shirts are quickly saturated, even in the absence of strenuous physical activity.
Perspiration may also drip from your hands and face to soak your socks and shoes. Medical treatment is often necessary to get this condition under control. The IHS lists Botox injections, a therapy called iontophoresis and surgery as some methods to address excessive sweating.
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