You know that smell—what part of the day do you smell it that makes you cringe? Body odor is something everyone goes through at one point or another, and it’s entirely embarrassing. Did you work a little too hard at the gym? Did you exert a little too much perspiration on a sweltering summer day? Or is it just your body doing what it typically does? Either way, that smell has the potential to be quite overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank, nor do you have to use irritating chemicals to get rid of it. Nature has several easy alternatives to keep you smelling decent. Why pay for something filled with chemicals when natural deodorants can be made from things you likely already have at home? Here are nine all-natural ways to combat body odor. They’re cheap, easy, and gentle, so prepare to smell fresh!
Why Do You Have Body Odor?
Now that you know what we’re going to do let’s discuss why you have body odor in the first place. When your body releases sweat, that happens to be a natural cooling mechanism—nothing wrong with it. But when that sweat mixes with certain bacteria on your skin—usually in high-collision areas like armpits and feet—these bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments (thanks to sweat), and things get smellier. Add things like what you eat and stress (or restrictive clothing) into the mix, and it only gets worse. But the point isn’t to prevent deodorant—sweating is good—it helps manage bacteria and neutralizes the socks. And natural options help without clogging your pores or irritating your skin. Sounds good, huh? But how can you naturally combat body odor? Here are nine ways that have worked.
1. Bathe Often with Antibacterial Soap
The most effective way to prevent body odor is from preventing your body from getting dirty in the first place. By bathing daily with an antibacterial soap, you usurp the potential for odor to occur. An antibacterial soap is made up of agents that kill germs, and in this case, it washes away smelly bacteria from the surface of the skin before smelly combinations (with sweat build-up) occurs. Be sure to focus your washing efforts on high-sweat areas, including underarms, groin area, and feet.
To use as directed, take a warm shower to open your pores. Apply all over—underarms, groin, and feet—but don’t scrub so vigorously that you irritate your skin; just put in moderate effort to clean these areas. Do take your time; allow at least one minute for soap to work before rinsing, and rinse extensively so that no soap remains on your skin. If you’re particularly sweaty during the day or after an arduous workout, consider rinsing even if this isn’t your typical bathing time; it’s important to get all soap off your skin to keep it clean and odor free. When people wake up refreshed and ready for their day, they’ll feel better about themselves!
2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great electrolyte as well as a great natural treatment to combat body odor. It’s one of the best things to help prevent scent from developing in armpits over time since its acidity makes it a hospitable place for less-than-smell-good bacteria to thrive. In addition, applying apple cider vinegar to skin helps pH balance, and over time, contributes to lower overall sweating levels.
To use, apply with a cotton swab directly upon armpits or other smelly areas. Leave on for up to ten minutes, rinse off, or remove with a damp cloth. If you’re worried about the smell of apple cider vinegar on the outside of your body while it’s taking effect, fear not; it dissipates after drying. Do this once or twice a day as needed for cleaning and after bathing efforts. Just be cautious if you have sensitive skin; it may cause a slight sting. Dilute with water as needed. This gets people smelling fresh for hours at a time!
3. Use Baking Soda
Yet another kitchen staple that reduces odor is baking soda. As a natural deodorant, it neutralizes and absorbs unpleasant scents. It also absorbs moisture, helping keep sensitive areas like underarms drier.
To apply baking soda, take about a teaspoon of it and mix it with a few drops of water to form a paste. Gently rub it into your underarms and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing. This is something that can be done a few times a week for best results. If you want to use it as an everyday deodorant, use a very small amount of dry baking soda on clean, dry underarms immediatley after getting out of the shower (post dry). Just be careful; too much or too long can irritate sensitive skin, so use a very small amount to start and see how your body reacts. It’ll be worth it—it’s an inexpensive way to smell fresh.
4. Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice does more than brighten your water! Because lemon juice is a natural antiseptic, it’ll kill the germs on your skin that create odor, and it’s scent serves well to mask any armpit issues that may exist.
To use lemon juice, squeeze half a lemon and dilute it in water so it’s not too irritating to your sensitive skin. Use a cotton pad to apply it to your underarms or any other odor-inducing area and allow it to air dry when you’re finished. This can be used daily, preferably after a shower. Just be cautious if you’ve just shaved; do not apply this until your skin has calmed as it might sting. The strong, yet clean, scent of lemon juice will make you feel rejuvenated—in addition to helping on hot, sweaty days—and it’s a nice touch to your deodorant options!
5. Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is not just for cooking. It’s a natural way to reduce body odor. Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties that combat the type of bacteria that causes the stink. It is also moisturizing, so it’s great for sensitive skin.
After showering, take a pea-sized amount of coconut oil and rub it under your arms or any place else that you sweat. It melts in quickly with your skin and has a subtle scent that is pleasant but not overwhelming. Alternatively, you can add one drop of essential oils (lavender, tea tree) to increase coconut oil’s odor neutralization properties. Use it every day, however, sparingly, as too much can cause your clothes to suffer by becoming too greasy. Coconut oil is an excellent option when searching for something natural that absorbs into the skin and keeps you smelling clean.
6. Wear Breathable Fabrics
What you wear can help combat your odor as well as how much you sweat. Fabrics like polyester are tight, synthetic, and retains sweat while making you hotter. In addition, if you’re hot and sweaty, your body is less likely to cultivate an environment where odor-causing bacteria can perish.
Wear breathable, loose fabrics like cotton, linen, and even bamboo—natural fibers are better options. Air circulates around your skin, allowing your body to cool down quicker and not sweat as much. Whenever you purchase clothes, always check the labels to guarantee you’re wearing natural fibers as much as possible. Also, when you can, wear clean clothes each day—especially shirts and socks—as residual bacteria can live in fabric over time; if you go to the gym or outside, bring a spare shirt to change in the afternoon to avoid further bacteria buildup. It’s an easy way to prevent odor before it starts.
7. Stay Hydrated
Can drinking water reduce body odor? Crazy as it sounds, yes! When you’re dehydrated, your sweat becomes more concentrated and thus, smells worse. Drinking water helps to dilute that concoction of skin secretions and also helps flush the body of any toxins that could be expelled via skin that may contribute to more pungent body odor.
Drink water. It’s a simple but effective daily regimen. Keep a reusable water bottle by your side and sip all day long. If straight water gets boring, herbal teas or fruit-infused waters can spice things up. You can also eat foods with high water content such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges to get you there. The more hydrated you are, the less concentrated your sweat will be, allowing for a more pleasant-smelling life. How much water have you had today?
8. Watch What You Eat
Believe it or not, your diet impacts how you smell. Certain foods make you smell worse. For example, garlic, onion and super spicy foods can make your sweat smell even worse as they excrete through your pores. In addition, red meat and processed foods can make other people smell worse as those scents integrate into the olfactory system and become part of the scent of one’s sweat.
You’ll want to avoid these foods to reduce body odor although it may take more than just avoiding it to make a difference—you’ll have to pay attention to how you feel afterward and how your body’s reaction in terms of smell comes into play with what you’re ingesting. To combat this, focus on fresh, whole foods that smell less. Fruits and vegetables are good options; leafy greens and fresh herbs even help deodorize from the inside out. You don’t have to completely change your diet, just try cutting back on what’s most likely to reduce body odor and see if it works.
9. Essential Oils
Essential oils are a naturally scented option to avoid body odor. For example, tea tree, lavender and peppermint oils possess antibacterial properties that kill off the bacteria that cause body odor. In addition, they smell nice which puts you in a good mood for the day.
You can apply essential oils after your shower by mixing with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation; a few drops of tea tree and a few drops of coconut oil, for example, should do the trick—or almond oil would be a great carrier option as well. You can also mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle to hydrate your armpits. Just make sure to check for sensitivity on another area of skin first. Although everyone is different with their skin responses, when you find the proper levels through testing, all you need is a little bit for a lot of success.
Tips for Long-Term Odor Control
These are all natural solutions to avoid body odor. For long-term body cleanliness without odor, just realize that it’s all about consistency for the long haul. For example, if you find using antibacterial soap when you shower every day works for you, then do that. If you find applying coconut oil on a weekly basis works better than daily, then make your adjustment—evaluate what will best blend into your routine and go with it!
And finally, pay attention to your patterns. If you sweat when you’re stressed, learn how to relieve stress—breathing exercises, a walk at lunch—this could help. Also keep your clothes and shoes dry and clean because moisture attracts bacteria. Finally, if all else fails and body odor is still a constant struggle for you, see your doctor as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. But for the rest of the population, these natural solutions should do the trick.
Conclusion
Never let body odor make you second guess yourself. Fight any stench with these nine natural solutions to avoid chemicals and expensive no-use goods. From using antibacterials soap to lemon juice to essential oils are inexpensive and easy additions to your daily regimen. So try one or two—and they’re all eco-friendly and skin-safe! Everyone deserves to feel clean and comfortable, so what do you have to lose? Which one will you try first? Here’s to naturally smelling good and feeling good about yourself!