Ever wondered while we try so hard to stay cool when preparing for an important presentation or getting ready for a date, we start sweating excessively from our armpits? Yes, we’ve all been in that situation. Our attention automatically shifts from our important work to our smelly armpit odor. As humans, our bodies are designed to sweat to release excess heat and cool of our body. While sweating is inevitable and good for our body, why does the sweat from our armpit have a pungent smell?
Underarm odor can be the biggest turn off and usually happens when our body is in the fight and flight mode caused due to stress. But how to get rid of underarm odor permanently? If you’ve tried every deodorant available in the market, and still being troubled with armpit odor, below we will tell you five ways on how to get rid of underarm odor naturally. Home remedies have always worked when everything else fails.
Get Rid of Armpit Odor – The Basics
While we are trying to find ways to get rid of it, we must first understand what causes underarm odor. The sweat glands under our arms are different than those in the other parts of the body. Most of the body sweat comes from eccrine glands and sweat under our arms are excreted through apocrine glands. As per studies, sweat does not smell itself. Underarm odor occurs when sweat interacts with the bacteria on the skin, producing that unpleasant armpit odor.
Not only does the sweat smell, but it also causes itchiness and rashes in our underarms. But how to get rid of underarm odor and wetness? The best ways to keep underarm odor at bay is by bathing with anti-bacterial soap, keeping a good hygiene, a clean and healthy diet and spraying deodorant. But these are not long-term ways to get rid of underarm odor. Below we will tell you natural ways to get rid of underarm odor by using ingredients readily available in your kitchen.
Fight Bad Underarm Odor – Natural Remedies
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Both white vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV are acidic in nature and have antimicrobial properties. It neutralises the environment in the underarm area and destroys the bacteria. It also works by lowering the pH of the underarm area and unclogs the pores of your skin. The drop in the pH levels prevents the foul odor causing bacteria. Astringent properties of apple cider vinegar also help close the pores and reduce the production of the sweat.
Regular application of apple cider vinegar can help prevent accumulation of bacteria in the underarms. Dip a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar and rub it on your underarms twice a day. The smell of the vinegar evaporates in 15 minutes so don’t fret about smelling like a salad dressing. You can also do an armpit detox by preparing a mask using apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and bentonite clay. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
2. Lemon
Lemon is another ingredient that is acidic in nature that will balance the pH level of the skin in underarms. The acidity of lemon will help exfoliate the skin, removing the dead cells from the surface and also help in lightening dark underarms. You can directly rub a lemon slice on your underarms. If you have sensitive skin, dilute lemon juice with water and rub it using a cotton pad. Let it dry and rinse it after 10 minutes. Make sure to moisturise after hence it can leave the skin dry and irritated.
3. Tea
Tea bags or green tea bags are famous for their antioxidant and detoxifying properties and are a blessing to treat smelly underarm odor. Tannins present in the tea help keep the skin dry and prevents sweat formation thus reducing the chances of body odor. Dip tea bags in warm water and once completely soaked, press it against the underarms. Wait for five minutes and rinse off.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are natural antiseptic and can destroy range of bacteria including the ones causing underarm odor. Tomatoes also exfoliates the skin, tightens the pores and removes dead cells. Rub a slice of tomato or extract the pulp and apply it on the underarms. Rinse after five minutes.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda helps in neutralising underarm odor by absorbing sweat, balancing the pH levels and suppressing bacterial growth. You can use baking soda as a talc. Pat it in your underarms and dust off the excess once dry. You can also make a semi-solid paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply this paste on your underarms and allow it to dry. Once dried, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Always do a patch test before going ahead with any of these remedies. If it causes itching or irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to stop it immediately. Despite using all the treatments and remedies, if underarm odor still persists, consult a dermatologist. Body odor can sometimes be a result of a medical condition that needs medical attention. The medical term for chronic, excessive armpit odor is bromhidrosis. Certain medications also can be the cause of excessive sweating. With it maintaining basic hygiene is also super important. Use the Love Beauty & Planet Natural Tea Tree Oil and Vetiver Sulfate Free Body Wash for deeply purified, detoxed skin followed by Dove Eventone Deodorant Roll On to keep odor at bay and leave the skin fresh and clean throughout the day.
FAQS about Tricks to Get Rid of it Permanently
Q1. Can certain foods cause bad underarm odor?
A. Yes. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower contain sulphur which body absorbs and secretes through sweat. Red meat and fish can also lead to body or underarm odor.
Q2. Can diseases cause body or underarm odor?
A. Yes. Diseases like diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney or liver dysfunction and genetic disorders can cause excessive sweating. Some people also develop a condition known as hyperhidrosis, which makes them sweat in extreme amounts and could prompt body odor.
Q3. Does underarm hair cause bad odor?
A. Yes. Since underarm hair traps more moisture, excess sweat is produced. And this gives sweat more time to mix with stench-causing bacteria. Hence, it is important to shave or trim underarm hair to keep bad odor under control.
Q4. Can consuming coffee lead to underarm odor?
A. Yes. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and increases sweating. It also increases the heart rate and puts the sweat glands into high gear. Limiting coffee intake is advisable for people who are prone to excessive sweating.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on Oct 10, 2022