Effective Ways to Get Rid of Body Odor in Summer

Sweat and body odor are common problems that many people face in the summer, but they can be embarrassing to deal with, especially in social situation. While there’s no way to stop the production of sweat, you can certainly take some measures to deal with the effects it has on your body, such as nasty odors!

What Causes Body Odor?

Body odor, less-than-affectionately known as BO, can occur for numerous reasons. Generally believed to be caused by excessive sweating, it is actually the result of bacterial growth on the skin, and the production of fatty acids when bacteria interact with your sweat.

Factors contributing to body Odor

Here are a few reasons why you could be suffering from body odor:

• Stress
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Heart, kidney or liver disease
• Fungal or bacterial infections
• Poor personal hygiene
• Unhealthy diets and poor nutrition
• Hormonal changes, especially during menopause
• Certain types of medication
• Tobacco and alcohol abuse

What Is Excessive Sweating?

While it’s normal to sweat more in conditions of high humidity or sweltering heat, excessive sweating could be an indication of other illnesses or disorders. Also known as hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating should be investigated by a medical doctor if it’s accompanied by the following symptoms:

• You sweat visibly and your clothing gets soaked with sweat
• Your palms and soles tend to be moist or damp
• Your skin softens and breaks down (skin maceration)
• Your skin starts looking cracked or scaly
• You struggle with strong odours in your feet

How Can You Fight Body Odor?

Here are some easy tips to help you to fight body odor in the summer:

1. Use Herbal Deodorants – Start using natural or herb-based deodorants instead of chemical-based ones. Certain ingredients in store-bought antiperspirants and deodorants can cause skin inflammation or aggravate skin problems, increasing the risk of developing bacterial or fungal infections.
2. Keep Your Skin Dry – Bacteria generally need warm and moist conditions to thrive, and keeping the skin in your armpits, groin and feet dry can reduce bacterial growth. Also try using a mix of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with water to rinse these body parts after a shower or bath.
3. Wear Anti-Odor Fabric – Instead of synthetic clothing, switch to lighter natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo and linen in warmer weather that allow your skin to breathe and stay dry. You should also consider clothing made with antimicrobial copper, which prevents bacterial build-up and kill germs.
4. Use Copper Clothing – With powerful antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties, copper infused Pyjamas, Copper Compression Socks and Copper Underwear are ideal solutions for fighting odor-causing bacteria and sweat. Copper also boosts skin health, helping you fight inflammation and infection.
5. Wash Clothes Regularly – Washing sweaty clothes often is a good way to kill bacteria that may be on them. Take special care with gym and workout clothing, which may be contaminated through contact with exercise machines and gym equipment. Wash your bedding frequently as well.
6. Watch Your Diet – Body odor may increase if you eat certain spicy, fatty or highly-processed items. Eat fresh fruits, veggies and herbs such as celery, parsley, sage, rosemary and lovage, avoid garlic and other pungent foods, and drink plenty of clean water to rid your body of toxins.
7. Make Lifestyle Changes – If you drink heavily or smoke, you need to restrict these habits if you want to fight body odor. Also make sure you follow a good personal hygiene routine, showering or bathing daily (twice a day when you have been active or the weather is really hot).

With the right care and precautions, you won’t need to worry about BO ruining your summer!

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels