Ever thought while we try so passionately to remain cool when gearing up for an important presentation, or preparing for a date, we begin sweating intensely from our armpits? We have all encountered that situation before. Our attention instantly shifts from our important task to our pesky armpit odour. Because body odour can be distinct and embarrassing, you may have difficulty to focus at work or socialize without bothering who may catch a whiff.

As humans, our bodies are programmed to sweat to discharge excess cool and heat of our body. While sweating is healthy for our body, the sweat from our armpit carries a pungent smell which can be a great put off. 

Underarm odour generally occurs when our body is in the fight and flight mode as a result of stress. If you have checked out every deodorant present in the market, and still being plagued with armpit smell, follow these effective tips to get rid of underarm odour.

Removing Armpit Smell – The Basics

While we are exploring ways to eliminate it, we must initially understand what causes armpit odour. The sweat glands beneath our arms are separate from those in different parts of the body. Majority of the body sweat emerges from eccrine glands and sweat below our arms are secreted through apocrine glands. According to research, sweat does not smell itself. Underarm smell emanates when sweat engages with the bacteria on the skin, creating that unpleasant armpit smell.

Apart from smelling, the sweat also causes rashes and itchiness in our underarms. The best ways to prevent underarm odour is by keeping a good hygiene, bathing with anti-bacterial soap, a clean and wholesome diet and sprinkling deodorant. But these are not permanent ways to remove underarm odour. 

The following are natural ways to become free from underarm odour by applying ingredients readily present in your kitchen.

#1 Apple Cider Vinegar

Both Apple Cider Vinegar and white vinegar are acidic in nature and possess antimicrobial properties. It counterbalances the environment in the underarm region and kills the bacteria. It also operates by reducing the pH of the underarm area and unblocks the pores of your skin. The fall in the pH levels stops the foul odour forming bacteria. Astringent properties of apple cider vinegar also aid close the pores, and lessen the production of sweat.

Frequent use of apple cider vinegar can work to prevent buildup of bacteria in the underarms.

#2 Lemon

Lemon is also acidic in nature and will balance the level of pH of the skin in underarms. The acidity of the lemon will aid exfoliate the skin, eliminating the dead cells from the surface and assist in lightening dark underarms. 

#3 Tea Bags Can Do Wonders

Tea bags or green tea bags are renowned for their detoxifying and antioxidant properties and are a boon to heal smelly underarms. Tannins available in the tea maintain the skin dry and stops sweat formation thus lowering the chances of body odour.

#4 Tomatoes

Tomatoes are normal antiseptic and can kill an assortment of bacteria including the ones leading to underarm odour. Tomatoes also tightens the pores, exfoliates the skin, and eliminates dead cells.

#5 Baking Soda

Baking soda aids in counterbalancing underarm smell by balancing the pH levels, absorbing sweat, and restricting bacterial development. Baking soda can be used as a talc by patting it in your underarms and dusting off the excess once dry.

#6 Apply Antibacterial Soap

You may be waging a losing battle if you employ a shower gel or an all-purpose soap. While these products are excellent at countering dirt, they do not quell odour-forming bacteria. Search for antibacterial soaps or shower gels that are especially prepared to keep out bacteria and combat odour. By lessening the bacteria on your skin, you reduce the chances of odours developing throughout the day.

#7 Exfoliate Dead Skin

Dirt and dead skin cells can accumulate in your armpits, aggravating your odour issue. An effective way to remove dead skin cells is to peel you pits every week. You can achieve this by employing a loofah or administering a scrub on your armpits.

#8 Shave Your Armpits

Your unkept armpit hair may be worsening the body odour. Underarm hair captures sweat and stops it from evaporating, which permits bacteria to disintegrate it. The best way to avoid this from occurring is to trim (or shave) your armpit hair. By decreasing armpit hair, your deodorant or antiperspirant can make direct touch with your skin and work to its fullest potential.

#9 Revive Good Bacteria

Many of the suggestions to fight armpit odour involve removing the “bad” bacteria. But what about the good bacteria? There are topical probiotics present to help reinforce the balance of bacteria and the general health of your skin.

#10 Apply A Natural Astringent

Another therapy to lessen underarm odour is using a natural astringent. This kind of treatment firms up your pores to decrease sweat. Natural astringents like witch hazel or apple cider vinegar also possess antibacterial properties, which help lessen odour-creating bacteria.

#11 Use The Proper Deodorant

Like shampoo, occasionally a deodorant function well initially and then simply fizzles out. Unfortunately, there is no cautioning when this occurs. One day you smell pleasant, and then the following day, you get smelly armpits even while using deodorant.

While looking for a new product may be a challenging task, the happy news is there are plenty of products present. To help you zero in, think about what you require from a daily underarm product.

Do you require deodorant, antiperspirant or a mix of both? (Deodorant combats odour only: antiperspirant stops sweat).

Do you prefer a gel, solid, or spray?

Will you like an unscented, or completely natural product?

Do you require a stronger product for instance when you step up your physical activity?

#12 Work On Handling Your Stress

When you are experiencing stress or anxiousness, you body secretes “stress sweat” which comprises a foul-smelling substance separate from the normal sweat your body creates to cool down.

One way to control your stress is to practice meditation, which relaxes the mind, concentrates on breathing, and soothes your emotions. Another successful method of lowering stress is frequent exercise. By implementing a fitness regime, you physically relieve stress and raise your body’s ability to handle stressful situations.

#13 Evaluate Your Diet

Pay attention to what you are pouring into your body when you think how to prevent armpit odour. Certain beverages and food can hike body odour, while others may aid to keep it away.

Stay Away From Sulfuric Foods

Restrict cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussel sprouts, and foods like beans, eggs, and milk. These foods raise the quantity of sulphur in your body. Your body removes excess sulphur through your sweat, which smells like rotten eggs.

Avoid Red Meat

Red meat is another food that may cause body odour. Because red meat is tougher to digest, it can deposit residue in your digestive tract and elevate sweating. Conversely, there has been research that have displayed that a decrease in consumption of red meat can considerably improve the smell of a person’s sweat.

Restrict Alcohol Consumption

If you are still thinking about how to remove armpit smell by modifying your diet, you may want to restrict your alcohol consumption. Although alcohol can boost your disposition instantaneously, it is hard for your body to absorb. It finishes being disintegrated into acetate and removed through your sweat with a cringe-worthy smell.

Consume More Veggies & Fruits

Like some foods can worsen your smell, some foods may better your aroma substantially. Citrus-bursting fruits like limes, oranges, and lemons flush out toxins and odours from your skin. Spices like cardamom and cinnamon are also believed to infuse your body with a sweeter smell.

#14 Select Clothing With Natural Fibers

Wearing clothes prepared from natural fibers aids reduce smelly armpits since the fabric is breathable and it does not cling to foul odours. When donning breathable fabrics, like bamboo or cotton, your sweat gets a chance to evaporate, rather than becoming trapped in your clothing.

As stated previously, when sweat and bacteria combine, that is when the stench sets in. Moreover, natural fabrics do not hold odours as is done by synthetic fibers.

Final Thoughts

Underarm smell is a popular concern for most of us. Fortunately, it can be prevented by following proper hygiene and healthful habits. You can even try out simple yet effective home solutions to control your body odour. Ensure to religiously pursue a healthy diet, don loose clothes, and refrain from stress that can cause excessive sweating. Nevertheless, if you observe abrupt changes in your body odour, get in touch with your doctor to obtain medical advice.