How to Get Rid of Smelly Armpits

Do you have smelly armpits? We’ve all been there. The odour can hit you after a strenuous workout or during a nerve-wracking presentation. Most people can swipe on some deodorant and call it a day. But for the rest of us, no matter how much we perfume up or douse in deodorant, that unpleasant odour just won’t let go. It’s tough to feel confident when you’re constantly trying to hide the stink. But don’t fret! See ways you can get rid of smelly armpits below.

What Causes Armpit Odour?

Contrary to popular belief, sweat by itself doesn’t smell. Armpit odour occurs when apocrine sweat interacts with the bacteria on your skin, producing that unmistakable armpit smell — also known as body odour or B.O.

While it can be a result of certain medical conditions that should be treated by a doctor, in most cases, armpit odour can be regulated with simple lifestyle changes. Many factors affect body odour production, including high stress levels, personal hygiene habits, weight, and diet. For example, eating spicy and sulphurous foods may cause you to emit a nasty odour through your pores.

READ ALSO: 5 Causes Of Body Odour

Change Your Daily Hygiene Routine

If you’re dealing with bad armpit odour regularly, it might be time to take a good, hard look at your personal care routine. Practising the following good hygiene habits can help reduce the number of bacteria in your armpits. Firstly, shower more frequently. Shave or trim underarm hair to avoid it storing up bacteria and sweat. Wash your clothes regularly and also use deodorant.

Make Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Now that we’ve discussed external solutions, it’s time to consider some dietary and lifestyle changes that could impact your body odour level. Avoid too much spicy food. This can significantly increase your sweat level. Drink enough water. Water cools you down, while calcium and potassium regulate the flow of fluids through your body. Stay hydrated with ample water and fluids to help maintain your body’s temperature balance. Also, manage your stress. When you’re in the grip of stress or anxiety, having some go-to ways to cope can curb an impending sweat event.

Use Deodorant

Deodorant helps neutralise the smell of body odour. Deodorants contain fragrances that cover up unpleasant odours, providing a fresh scent. Additionally, they often have alcohol-based ingredients that create an acidic environment on the skin, which helps inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

READ ALSO: Home Remedies For Body Odour

Pick Breathable Fabrics

Wearing cotton, wool, and silk fabrics can help reduce armpit odour because they allow skin to “breathe” and sweat to evaporate more efficiently. When sweat evaporates quickly, it reduces the moisture that bacteria thrive on, ultimately minimising the production of body odour. In contrast, synthetic materials like polyester can trap moisture, enabling bacteria to flourish and creating more pronounced odours. So, if you notice you sweat too much, opt for breathable clothes.

Consider the Weather

Another thing that may cause you to sweat a lot is the weather. Nigeria’s weather is usually hot, so if you notice that you sweat a lot, it is best to wear light clothing during hot weather. As mentioned above, tight clothes can trap sweat and moisture against your skin. When sweat cannot evaporate properly, it creates an ideal environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive.