Remedies for Body Odour
Body odour is a common and unpleasant problem for many people, especially when the weather is hot or you have a rigorous exercise routine. There are all kinds of reasons for body odour, with a variety of contributing factors. In this article, we’ll discuss a range of solutions for tackling the unpleasant smells that sweat causes, including common treatments and remedies with helpful tips for managing body odour.
We’ll cover what ingredients to look out for in the best products to combat sweating and undesirable armpit odours, natural and homemade solutions, and what prescriptions and medical interventions are available for people who are really struggling with body odour issues so you can keep yourself smelling fresh.
Body Odour Treatments and Remedies
Various treatments and remedies are available to tackle body odour, with most options working to reduce the amount of sweat produced or masking undesirable smells. We'll unpack some of the best solutions available.
The Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants for Body Odour
Deodorants and antiperspirants are some of the most commonly used solutions to manage sweating and body odour. If you struggle with excessive sweating or unwanted strong smells, it’s important to understand the difference between the two and to have an idea of what ingredients to look out for in the products you choose to use for them to be most effective at tackling body odour.
Understanding the Difference Between Deodorants and Antiperspirants
Deodorants and antiperspirants come in various forms, including sprays, roll-ons, bars, and creams. Whichever application type you choose doesn’t really affect its effectiveness; it's down to personal preference in terms of how you like to apply it. We’ll explain the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants so you know which ones to look out for to help manage problems with body odour.
Antiperspirants are specially developed to reduce sweating. They work by temporarily blocking the sweat glands, so are typically applied to areas prone to heavy sweating, such as the underarms. They commonly work by using active ingredients like metallic salts (such as aluminium or zirconium compounds). By reducing sweat production, they help minimise the moisture that can lead to body odour. However, they often don’t contain any fragrances, so don’t do anything to mask the scent of any body odour that is produced through any sweat that it’s not been effective in preventing.
Common ingredients used in effective antiperspirants
Many of the best antiperspirants out there contain metallic salts like aluminium in various forms. Some of the most common and effective aluminium formulas that are used in high-performance body odour solutions include:
- Aluminum Chlorohydrate
- Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate
- Aluminum Chloride
- Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (a complex that’s great for sensitive skin)
- Some cream and roll-on deodorants that contain magnesium hydroxide and potato starch have also been found to be highly effective at managing sweating and, therefore, body odour, especially when combined with natural-smelling fragrances.
Deodorants are designed to mask or eliminate body odour with added fragrances. They do not prevent sweating, but some often address the bacteria that cause body odour (bacteria reacting with sweat on the skin). Many deodorants contain antimicrobial agents to kill odour-causing bacteria, as well as fragrances to provide a pleasant scent.
Clinical Strength Deodorants
Clinical strength deodorants are stronger versions of regular deodorants, offering increased protection against sweat and odour. They are often recommended for individuals with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or those who need stronger protection than regular antiperspirants can provide. These products usually contain higher concentrations of active ingredients that are included in antiperspirants as well as fragrances to mask odours. They often require a prescription from a healthcare provider or some are available over the counter in pharmacies.
In many cases, the most effective solutions to tackle body odour are products that provide a combination of antiperspirant and deodorant properties—combos are available. We’ll now look at some of the most effective ingredients included in the best-performing products that combat sweating and body odour so you know what to look out for when selecting the right products for you.
Common ingredients found in effective deodorants
Many deodorants, especially clinical-strength deodorants, contain antimicrobial ingredients that work against body odour by killing the bacteria that react with sweat on the skin to create an unpleasant smell. The most common antimicrobial used in deodorants is triclosan, with benzalkonium chloride and glycolic acid also being effective at preventing bacterial growth.
Deodorants almost always include fragrances—essential oils like rosemary, pepper, sage, tea tree, or lavender are considered to be effective antimicrobial agents and mask bad body odour smells, so look out for deodorant products that include these rather than artificial fragrances, as they may be more effective and preventing body odour from building up.
Body Wipes for Body Odour
While less conventional than traditional deodorants and antiperspirants, certain body wipes and washcloths can be highly effective and convenient for tackling body odour if they contain the right ingredients. The chemical chlorhexidine is an antibacterial agent that’s proven to be highly effective at killing the bacteria on the skin that react with sweat to produce a strong-smelling body odour. Chlorhexidine is a key ingredient in our PDI Hygea Chlorhexidine Wash Cloths, which are essentials used throughout healthcare facilities for patients to maintain their personal hygiene.
If you’re struggling with bad body odour and traditional solutions like regular washing or antiperspirants aren’t making a difference, it’s well worth trying out these wash cloths. Simply wipe them under your armpits and any other sweaty areas to clean away the sweat and bacteria and the chlorhexidine will help to remove the bacteria that causes any unpleasant body odour, keeping you smelling fresh.
The Benefits of Using PDI Hygea Chlorhexidine Wash Cloths for Body Odour:
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Benzoyl Peroxide for Body Odour
Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to treat acne. It’s an antimicrobial, antiseptic ingredient in face washes or gels that combats acne by reducing the number of bacteria on the skin that cause it. Some people have discovered that it is also effective in tackling body odour, either by applying the face wash or gel directly to the armpit area to kill the bacteria there or by bathing in it (in carefully controlled solutions of less than 10%).
Antibacterial Soaps and Shower Gels for Body Odour
If you struggle with bad body odour, washing regularly and shaving your armpits are essential. Showering daily is recommended to keep your skin as clean and free of bad-smelling sweat and bacteria as possible, and keeping your armpits free of hair helps reduce the build-up of sweat and bacteria.
Regular soap or shower gel will help you stay clean and smell better, but the best types to use are antibacterial remedies. These help reduce the build-up of bacteria on your skin after you’ve washed and dried yourself. So, when you’re shopping for your personal hygiene products, look out for ‘antibacterial’ on the soap and shower gel labels.
Many of these products are harsher on the skin because they're stronger than regular soaps that simply remove dirt and grime from the surface of your skin. Therefore, you may want to opt for natural options that include gentler ingredients like botanical extracts, essential oils, and added vitamins that help to protect your skin from reacting to the antibacterial agents in these products.
Another top showering tip is to ensure you’re completely dry before getting dressed. Wet skin is a breeding ground for bacteria to grow, increasing the likelihood of body odour building up again.
Natural Remedies for Body Odour
Many people are keen to find natural remedies to tackle their problems with body odour, either in a bid to be more eco-friendly or healthier. There are various natural options out there that are considered to be effective in combatting body odour. We’ll break some of them down for you below.
Natural Deodorants
Compared to regular deodorants (like the ones we’ve discussed above), natural deodorants are made with ingredients derived from natural sources and typically avoid synthetic chemicals, aluminium compounds, parabens, and artificial fragrances. You are not likely to find any natural antiperspirants that prevent sweating because they would require artificial, unnatural ingredients to be effective.
Common ingredients used in natural deodorants include:
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Arrowroot powder
- Coconut oil
- Essential oils
Natural deodorants aim to neutralise or mask odour and often include antimicrobial properties, but they do not prevent sweating.
People often choose natural deodorants when they find that regular antiperspirants and deodorants are irritating their skin. Natural options tend to be kinder and gentler and are, therefore, more suitable for sensitive skin. However, it’s worth noting that many natural deodorants contain more sugar, which can increase the likelihood of yeast infections if personal hygiene isn't well maintained.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people use a solution of apple cider vinegar mixed with water as a homemade natural remedy for body odour. This is because, due to its acidity, it's very effective at neutralising the bacteria on the skin that causes unpleasant smells. Simply make up a solution and either wipe or spray it under your arms and any other areas where you sweat heavily. Many people find this to be an effective solution that doesn't prevent sweating but reduces the likelihood of bad body odour because the bacteria build-up is managed in a natural way.
Medications for Body Odour
In some cases, especially if you’ve tried all of the treatments and remedies we’ve listed above and are still struggling to manage your issues with body odour, you may want to seek the advice of a medical professional. Especially if you suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), you may need to use prescription medication to solve your issues. In most cases, your doctor will likely recommend high-performance clinical-strength antiperspirants and deodorants that contain high levels of aluminium chloride to block your sweat glands.
If these aren’t effective and your medical health allows for it, your doctor may consider prescribing a type of medication called an anticholinergic. There are many different kinds of anticholinergics available that serve various functions depending on their intended purpose, but some of them are effective at stopping sweating. They work by blocking a chemical messenger in the body called acetylcholine. They are available in oral pill form or can be applied to the skin topically.
It’s important to be aware that treating excessive sweating with strong prescription medications like anticholinergics is not recommended for most people and is often considered a last resort, so it's advisable to try all other treatment options before asking your doctor for prescription medication to treat your issues with body odour.
Tips for Dealing with Body Odour
We’ve now discussed some of the best remedies for preventing body odour. Most of these solutions work by preventing sweating, reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin, or masking the odour with more pleasant fragrances. However, there are other contributors to body odour that are worth considering for some people, so here are some handy tips if you’re still struggling to manage unpleasant smells.
Managing and Improving Body Odour: Top Tips
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Look at your diet
Reducing the amount of spicy foods, red meat, onions, garlic, and other sulphur-rich foods in your diet can make a big difference to the amount you sweat and how your body odour actually smells. Cutting out stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can also help improve any issues you’re having with body odour.
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Ensure you have a good personal hygiene routine
As we've already discussed, keeping your body clean is an essential part of managing bad body odour, as the bacteria on your skin is the main cause of unpleasant smells. Showering daily is strongly recommended for people who sweat a lot, even more often if you work out and exercise regularly.
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Manage your stress
Stress levels and poor mental health can contribute to bad body odour. ‘Stress sweat’ is believed to be stronger-smelling as it’s released from the apocrine glands, so try to maintain a balanced, stress-free, healthy lifestyle where possible. If you’re constantly under pressure and feeling anxious and burnt out, you’re more likely to struggle with body odour issues.
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Change your clothes regularly
Our clothes absorb our sweat and, therefore, our stinkiness as we wear them throughout the day. If you sweat heavily and continue to wear the same clothes into the evening or into the next day without changing them, even if you’ve washed your body, the odour will likely be carried in your clothes. Make sure to change into a fresh outfit and launder your clothes properly to ensure you’re not carrying sweaty, bacteria-infested material around with you.
How to Remove Body Odour from Clothes
The sweat and bacteria that build up on your skin can easily transfer onto your clothes. Once absorbed into the fabric of your clothing, the two will continue to react together, increasing the levels of unpleasant body odour even once you’ve taken them off and left them in your gym bag or wash basket.
Removing this unpleasant smell will often take more than a regular wash cycle in your machine. Some of the best ways to remove body odour from your clothes include:
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Soaking them in warm water and bicarbonate of soda
Put your clothes in a tub, bucket, or basin of warm water and add two cups of bicarbonate of soda, mix around well, and leave them to soak for several hours, or overnight if possible. Then, wash the load in a regular wash cycle with your normal laundry detergent. -
Add the juice of one lemon to your laundry load
The citric acids in lemon juice will help break down the bacteria trapped in the fabric, removing the unpleasant scent.
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Soak your clothes in vinegar
Submerge the smelly clothes in a container of cold water with one cup of vinegar for 30 minutes and then wash them in a regular cycle with laundry detergent.
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Wash your clothes inside-out
It might seem obvious, but most of the unpleasant-smelling sweat and bacteria you’re looking to get rid of will be trapped on the insides of your clothes, so turning them inside-out before washing them is a practical and easy way to ensure you’re removing more of them in the washing machine. -
Airdry your clothes outside on the washing line
The benefits of drying clothes outside go beyond saving money and time. The sun's UV rays kill microbes and reduce odour. -
Wash your clothes in smaller loads
If you're still struggling to remove body odour from your clothes, try washing them in smaller loads in the machine.
Getting Rid of Body Odour for Good
Many people who struggle with severe body odour ask the question, ‘Can you cure body odour permanently?’ Unfortunately, while there are many helpful and effective treatments and remedies for tackling the issue day-to-day, there are currently no guaranteed solutions that are proven to work permanently.
However, there are some medical interventions that can be made to treat people who suffer from excessive sweating and the resulting body odour. These include:
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Localised Botox injections
Botox is most commonly known as an injectable medication used for cosmetic purposes, such as smoothing facial wrinkles. However, it can be utilised to stop armpit sweat by being injected into the sweat glands and is a common treatment for people with hyperhidrosis. Localised Botox injections into the armpit work by temporarily blocking the chemical signals that trigger sweat production and are generally effective within two weeks of the procedure. While this solution for managing body odour is generally considered to be effective, it’s not a permanent solution, and the effects tend to only last a few months, so needs to be repeated to be effective over time.
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Iontophoresis treatment
Since the 1940s, the iontophoresis device has been used to treat excessive sweating on certain body parts. It passes mild electrical currents through water or specifically designed pads, depending on the targeted area. While healthcare professionals aren’t sure exactly how this procedure works, most people believe that it temporarily blocks sweat glands from releasing sweat, most successfully in the hands and feet. Iontophoresis isn’t a permanent solution, and many patients need to undergo several sessions per week for their symptoms to be relieved. In some cases, people with hyperhidrosis choose to purchase their own iontophoresis device and perform their own regular sessions at home.
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The miraDry treatment
MiraDry is a clinically proven, long-lasting treatment recommended by healthcare professionals and Hyperhidrosis UK. It is a non-invasive procedure that eliminates sweat glands by using thermal and electromagnetic microwave energy in a carefully targeted area in the armpits. The sweat glands don’t grow back, and miraDry boasts an 82% reduction in armpit sweat for most patients who undergo the procedure.
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Local surgery
There are some limited options for surgery to combat very excessive sweating if all other options have been exhausted, with varying results. Some surgeons offer localised surgery under the armpits, either with incisions or laser surgery, or sometimes a combination, either aiming to remove or damage sweat glands to stop them from working — there is little research into the effectiveness of these types of surgery for managing excessive sweating and body odour, and there aren’t many surgeons who offer these services.
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Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)
An endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a major surgical procedure that’s considered to be a last resort. It’s generally used to target excessive sweating of the palms or face and sometimes the armpits. It involves going under general anaesthetic for several hours, having both lungs collapsed to make incisions in the chest to cut the sympathetic nerve that controls sweating, and comes with a variable degree of risk, so is only recommended when all other options for managing excessive sweating have been tried, and the patient is sure they really want to go ahead with the procedure.
Give Things A Go
With so many options out there for managing body odour, with varying degrees of effectiveness for different people, the amount of choice can be overwhelming. Some of the best solutions range from thousands of different deodorant and antiperspirant products, highly convenient PDI Hygea Chlorhexidine Wash Cloths you can stash in your gym bag, various natural remedies, stronger prescription solutions and medications, and more serious medical interventions.
With so many to choose from, it’s worth evaluating how badly your issues with body odour are affecting you and taking the time to consider the best option for you. In many cases, trial and error is the best option. If you’re having no success and struggling to manage your body odour, seek the advice of a medical professional.
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