Beat the B.O.: Your Comprehensive Guide to Body Odor

We're all unique, right down to the way we smell. Research shows that every single one of us has our own distinctive body odor.¹ It's influenced by our genetics, lifestyle, and the environment around us.

While we’re all about embracing individuality, there are times when our scent might not be a fragrant delight – and that's perfectly okay. But if the fear of body odor is hindering your active lifestyle, it's time to take charge and eliminate it.

Below, we’re going to help you discover what causes body odor, understand what exacerbates it, and show you effective ways to banish it.

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Sweat and body odor

Despite what you might think, it’s not our sweat that smells. So, does bacteria cause body odor? Yes, it’s the bacteria feasting on our sweat that produces body odor. The warm, damp conditions of our underarms make them an ideal environment for body odor bacteria to thrive and for the sweat from our apocrine glands – which are more prone to releasing odor – to get trapped. This can also leave sweat patches on our clothes.

Find out more about how to get rid of sweat stains from your clothes here.

Body odor and adolescence

In a 2012 study,² 41 young people rated body odor samples from different age groups. Surprisingly, the odors of people aged 75 to 95 were perceived as less intense and unpleasant than those of younger individuals.

So, why does this happen? Well, body odor hits hard during puberty, when sweat glands kick into action. Men tend to suffer more from body odor, as they sweat more from their apocrine glands than women, even though women have more sweat glands overall.

It's a simple equation. Sweat meets bacteria on the skin, and voila – body odor is created. But the intensity of the scent depends on the unique combination of your genetics, lifestyle choices, and environment.

Stress and anxiety

Body odor bacteria thrive when you're stressed and anxious. That’s because, when we’re stressed, our bodies secrete a different kind of sweat, rich in nutrients, which serves as a feast for bacteria.³ As these bacteria grow, they release odors. So, taking charge of stress doesn't just boost your mental well-being – it also helps keep body odor under control.

Learn more about stress sweat and coping strategies here.

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy

While the pregnancy glow is delightful, many pregnant women notice a change in their scent⁴ during pregnancy due to hormones and night sweats. This intensified body smell serves a unique purpose: it helps your baby identify you. The strong scent from your armpits can guide your baby's head while nursing. However, if the scent becomes overwhelming beyond your personal space, consider addressing it.

Menopause

Menopausal women also report⁵ stronger body odor because of hormonal shifts. Profuse perspiration from hot flashes and night sweats can nourish body odor bacteria. The menopausal drop in estrogen also leaves our bodies with relatively higher levels of testosterone. This can attract more bacteria to sweat, making its smell more intense.

Read our guide to everything you need to know about menopausal sweat.

Food and diet

What you eat affects how you smell. Eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, can make your body odor more noticeable. Also, foods containing onions and garlic affect the way you smell. It doesn't matter if you eat them raw or cooked; it's all about how your body breaks them down.
These foods might change the pH of your skin or create a friendly environment for bacteria, making the odor even stronger.

However, there’s not enough research to establish a definite relationship, so you don’t need to avoid sulfurous vegetables entirely. But if you notice they’re affecting the way you smell, switch things up.

Read about how your favorite foods can impact body odor here.

Medical conditions

In some cases, body odor can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of medications.

What diseases can cause body odor?

Certain medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease can make body odor stronger. These conditions affect the chemicals in sweat and bodily fluids. For instance, diabetes might cause a sweet or fruity smell in breath and sweat, while kidney or liver disease can change the chemicals in sweat, affecting body odor. Understanding these connections can be important for managing and addressing body odor concerns.

Learn about excessive sweating due to medications, surgical interventions, and related illnesses here.

Excessive sweating

If your sweat is not triggered by the weather or stress, it might be a symptom of hyperhidrosis. While hyperhidrosis can be made worse by exercise, stress, or heat, it is not caused by any of these factors.
Read more about the causes and cures of excessive sweating here.

While there's no miraculous pill or instant remedy for body odor, you've got the power to make a difference. Here, we share four proactive steps you can take to combat body odor and keep things fresh.

1. Incorporate deodorant into your daily routine

Make deodorant an essential part of your daily regimen. Take your pick from our range of antiperspirant deodorants, that are all designed to keep up with your active lifestyle.

If you feel like regular deodorants and antiperspirants just don’t cut it for you, try the Degree® Clean Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant. It delivers prescription-strength wetness protection with 72-hour sweat and odor control to keep you feeling dry, fresh and always motivated to move.

2. Prioritize regular showers

Combat trapped sweat by showering regularly. Focus on sweat-prone areas such as armpits, feet, toes, and the genital area. Use an appropriate antimicrobial soap or shower gel to ensure thorough cleansing. Make sure your armpits are completely dry after showering. Bacteria thrive in moisture, so keeping the area dry will keep B.O. at bay.

3. Consider trimming your pits

Shaving or trimming your underarms is a strategic move to reduce B.O. Underarm hair traps sweat and can create a moist environment, ideal for body odor-causing bacteria to flourish.

4. Choose natural fabrics

Breathable cotton fabrics are your best bet against body odor. Let your armpits breathe freely, so you stay cool and fresh all day long.

Why do my armpits smell even after a shower?

If these tips don't bring relief or if you detect other health changes, seek guidance from a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized advice.

Now that you've got the tools to manage body odor, it shouldn't hold you back from doing what you love. Stay fresh, stay active.

References:

1. Lundström JN, Olsson MJ. Functional neuronal processing of human body odors. Vitam Horm. 2010.Opens in a new window
2. Mitro S, Gordon AR, Olsson MJ, Lundström JN. The smell of age: perception and discrimination of body odors of different ages. PLoS One. 2012Opens in a new window
3. Stress Sweat Stinks! Here's Why & What to Do About It. International Hyperhydrosis Society.Opens in a new window
4. Arora M. Body Odour During Pregnancy – Causes and Remedies. FirstCry Parenting. 2020Opens in a new window.
5. Golen T, Ricciotti H. Why has my natural scent changed during perimenopause?. Harvard Health Publishing. 2023.Opens in a new window