Body odor most frequently occurs when perspiration makes contact with bacteria on your skin, causing an unpleasant smell. Unlike the eccrine glands found on most open spaces of your body, apocrine glands found on your scalp, armpits and groin secrete a fatty sweat more likely to cause an unpleasant smell. Women with body odor concerns can take heart. According to research by the Monell Center published in April 2009, women are better at detecting body odor than men. Thus, it's unlikely your man will identify your body odor before you have time to identify it and handle it.
Personal Hygiene
Step 1
Shower at least once daily, cleaning yourself thoroughly with soap and water. If you exercise or perform another activities that cause you to sweat, take a shower following the activity. This will clean much of the odor-causing bacteria from your skin.
Step 2
Always dry your feet after your bath or shower to help prevent bacteria from growing between your toes. If you would like, apply foot powder to your feet following your shower.
Step 3
Use perfume-free antiperspirant at night, applying it to armpits, palms and the soles of your feet. If you sweat excessively, see a doctor to request a prescription for stronger antiperspirant.
Step 4
Apply deodorant to your armpits in the morning and before sports or exercise activities that will cause you to sweat.
Step 5
When possible, go barefoot, allowing your feet to stay dry. If you don't plan on walking around very much, wear sandals or flip-flops instead of full-coverage shoes.
Clothing
Step 1
Wear breathable, natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. During exercise, choose moisture-wicking fabrics that help keep skin dry and cool.
Step 2
Avoid shoes made of synthetic material and stick to natural materials such as cotton, hemp and leather. The same goes for socks. Choose cotton whenever possible to help keep your feet dry.
Step 3
Change socks regularly. Wear a fresh pair every day and if you find your feet sweating excessively, carry an extra pair or two with you so you can change them after exercise or whenever they get damp.
Step 4
Purchase at least two pairs of shoes that you can rotate daily. This will allow each pair to dry fully before being worn again.
More Tips
Step 1
If you find that you're still battling body odor, consider changing your diet. Certain foods such as garlic and other strong spices can seep out through your pores, causing more intense body odor. Cut back or eliminate possible culprits.
Step 2
Certain foods may cause you to sweat more. Hot foods, spicy foods or foods that increase your metabolism, such as caffeine, can increase perspiration. If you think this may contribute to your body odor problem, cut back or eliminate these from your diet.
Step 3
If you often find yourself sweating when you're anxious, practice relaxation exercises that you can employ when you find yourself getting nervous.
Tips and Warnings
- Carry deodorant and soap with you. This will enable you to stop at a public restroom and clean your armpits, feet and hands if you find yourself worrying about your odor. Keep a change of clothes in your car or in a bag at your office, enabling you to make a quick change if necessary.
- Unfortunately, failing to control body odor can lead to poor assumptions about your hygiene. Enlist a few trusted friends to let you know if you start to smell.
Things You'll Need
- Antiperspirant
- Deodorant
- Natural-fabric clothing, socks and shoes
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