How to Remove Underarm Odor Permanently: 5 Best Home Remedies

The body has two main types of sweat glands — eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are responsible for regulating body temperature through sweat, while apocrine glands are concentrated in areas like the armpits and groin. Apocrine sweat contains proteins and lipids that, when broken down by bacteria, produce an odor.

When sweat from apocrine glands mixes with bacteria on the skin's surface, the bacteria break down the sweat, producing unpleasant-smelling compounds, particularly in areas like the armpits, feet, and groin.

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase the production of sweat and alter its composition, leading to stronger body odor.

Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, can cause body odor as their compounds are released through sweat. Additionally, a high-protein diet or drinking alcohol can also contribute to stronger body odor.

Infrequent washing or not properly drying the body after sweating can lead to an accumulation of bacteria and sweat, resulting in body odor.

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or trimethylaminuria (a disorder that causes a fishy odor), can lead to unusual or stronger body odor.

Certain medications can affect the body's sweat production or its composition, potentially leading to an increase in body odor.

If you have ever wondered, 'How to cure body odor permanently?' you're in the right place. Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, is excellent when it comes to combating body odor. Its acidic nature creates an environment where odor-causing bacteria are not able to survive. To make this home remedy, dilute vinegar with water (equal parts) and apply it to your underarms or other odor-prone areas with a cotton pad. Allow it to dry completely before wearing your clothes. The vinegar scent will disappear, leaving you feeling clean and odorless.

Like vinegar, lemons are greatly acidic and feature natural antibacterial properties. The citric acid in lemons neutralises odors and prevents bacterial growth. To use this home remedy, cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on your underarms. Allow the juice to dry before covering it with clothes. You could also combine lemon juice with a bit of water and use it with a cotton pad. Remember not to apply lemon juice to freshly shaved skin, as it can burn. Lemon juice will also make your complexion more sensitive to the sun, so it's ideally to be used at night or followed by sunscreen if applied in the daytime.

How to get rid of body odor using tea? Both black and green tea comprise tannins that have an astringent effect. These tannins minimise sweating and also act as a natural deodorant by getting rid of bacteria. To make this DIY remedy, brew a strong cup of tea, and let it cool. Thereafter, apply it to your underarms with a cotton pad. Additionally, you can add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to elevate the antibacterial properties. However, use tea tree oil carefully as it can irritate your skin.

Tomatoes consist of natural antiseptic properties, which kill odor-causing bacteria. They also minimise pore size and manage excessive sweating. To use tomatoes to combat body odor, slice a ripe tomato and apply it on your underarms. Alternatively, mash a tomato and apply the paste on your underarms. Wash your underarms gently after 15-20 minutes.

Baking soda is a natural deodoriser. It also absorbs sweat and creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria to survive. To use this remedy, combine baking soda with a tiny amount of water to form a paste and use it on your underarms. While applying this paste on your underarms, be careful not to rub it in with too much pressure, as baking soda is abrasive, particularly for sensitive skin. Moreover, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda into your shoes to absorb odor.

Your diet plays an important role in your body odor. Some foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, contribute to a more pungent body odor. While you do not have to get rid of these foods completely, reducing their consumption will make a difference. On the flip side, there are foods that eliminate body odor naturally. Incorporating these into your diet can help neutralize body odor and promote a fresher, cleaner scent. Here are some options:

• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain high levels of vitamin C, which helps detoxify the body and neutralize odors.
• Green Tea: Known for its antioxidant properties, green tea has antibacterial compounds that can help reduce odor-causing bacteria.
• Chlorophyll-Rich Foods: Foods like spinach, parsley, and wheatgrass act as natural deodorants. Chlorophyll helps neutralize body odor by detoxifying the body and eliminating toxins.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This natural remedy can help balance the pH of your skin, reducing the bacteria that cause body odor.
• Probiotic Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and other probiotic-rich foods promote a healthy gut, which can, in turn, help control body odor by maintaining balance in your digestive system.

If you are searching for a natural alternative to store bought antiperspirants, use natural deodorants. Buy deodorants, which consist of ingredients such as baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Remember that natural deodorants do not combat sweating, but they help to neutralise odor.

Everyone's body is different, so what works for one individual may not work for another. Watch your body and experiment with different home remedies to find what works best for you. However, if you experience persistent or excessive sweating, speak with a healthcare professional to make sure it's not due to any underlying medical conditions.

These natural DIY home remedies provide an easy and effective way to fight body odor. Try different options to find what is most beneficial to your skin and lifestyle. Moreover, if you have sensitive skin, you should conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin first. If you have any additional questions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist.