Summary
Body odor is unpleasant, especially when it’s yourself. It’s easy to worry that others notice it too. Most of the time, they don’t, but the thought can still make you uncomfortable. First off, remember it’s normal to smell sometimes—it happens to everyone. If it’s happening more often than you’d like, or the odor is stronger, here are some tips to help prevent body odor.
First thing first, why does sweat smell?
Sweat itself doesn’t actually smell—it’s mostly water, salt, and other harmless stuff. The real culprit is bacteria. When sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin, especially in your armpits, the bacteria break it down and release those not-so-pleasant smells. Think of sweat as the raw material, and bacteria as the workers turning it into something... more noticeable.
So don’t blame your sweat for your armpit stench—blame the bacteria living in it!
Sweating is good, always remember that
Sweating is actually pretty awesome, even if it doesn’t feel that way. It’s your body’s natural way of cooling down and keeping everything running smoothly. When you get too hot—whether from working out, stress, or just sitting in the sun—your body starts sweating to release heat. Think of it as your personal A/C system.
Sweating also helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin clear. Plus, it’s a sign that your body is working hard and staying balanced. So next time you're sweating buckets, remember: your body is doing you a favor!
So, why are my underarms smellier than usual?
Bad smells from your underarms come down to two things: more or new bacteria and/or more sweat than usual.
First, let’s focus on excessive sweat. Spicy food, alcohol, red meat, and caffeine can all ramp up your sweat production. And if you have just a bit more bacteria than usual, voilà—smelly armpits.
Hormones, heat, and exercise are also common causes of more sweat. Heat and exercise generally trigger sweat glands all over your body, which produce a lighter type of sweat. This is harmless when it comes to odor.
Hormones, especially stress-related ones, are the worst. Stress makes your body release adrenaline, which activates your apocrine glands (located mostly in your armpits and groin). This type of sweat is thicker and milky because it contains more proteins and fats, which bacteria love to break down, causing stronger odors. Stress sweat is a double whammy—more sweat, and more strong smells!
To fight this, use a deodorant that targets bacteria, with active ingredients like Zinc Ricinoleate. Our 12H Protection Deodorant does just that.
What causes bacteria to grow in my underarms?
Moisture is a key factor in bacterial growth. Sweat or water creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. After showering, make sure to dry yourself completely. If you exercise, shower and change your clothes afterward.
Dead skin cells can also trap bacteria, so exfoliating once or twice a week is a great way to prevent buildup. Our Exfoliating Soap Bar is gentle, smells great, and removes dead skin cells effectively.
Synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, trap sweat and provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Stick to natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Also, avoid wearing tight clothes, as they can irritate your skin and cause more sweating. Make sure to wear your regular size—you’re not part of an ‘80s glam rock band!
Finally, wash your clothes regularly. Do not overuse soap because it might create a residue on your clothes, which can lead to skin irritation and bacteria growth. Wash your gym clothes every time you use them.
If you feel like bad odors persist even when you're not sweating, it's often due to dead skin cells and clothing that are absorbed with those odors. Exfoliate and wear clothing made from natural fibers!
What else can you do?
Drinking plenty of water helps keep you hydrated, flushes out toxins, and improves your overall health. Shaving your underarms can also be useful. Less hair means your armpits dry faster and have less surface area for bacteria to grow. Plus, shaving exfoliates your skin by removing dead skin cells with each stroke of the razor.
Choosing the right deodorant is key. Look for one that focuses on killing bacteria rather than stopping your underarms sweating. Sweat is good, remember? Bacteria is bad. Our 12H Protection Deodorant, available in 4 scents (including Unscented), does exactly that.
Now you know! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us via chat, social media, or email.