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Alright, I’m basically the queen of sweat during the summer. Seriously, the second the thermostat hits above 75°F, I find myself questioning every wardrobe choice.
Sleeves? Too risky. Gray shirts? Forget it. And body odor? Don’t even get me started—I used to be so paranoid about it that I carried three deodorants in my bag at all times (and no, this is not an exaggeration). 🥺
So, when I say I’ve mastered a foolproof toolbox for keeping BO at bay—even during the most sweltering summer days, you have to believe that. Let’s get started!
But first, what Causes Body Odor, anyway?
Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand what’s causing the odor in the first place.
Contrary to what you might think, sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. (WAIT, WHAT?) It’s your skin bacteria breaking down sweat that creates that, um, less-than-lovely scent.
So, you basically don’t need ways to stop sweat but to not let that bacteria linger upon your skin for too long (FYI, it likes damp places). And I’ve got just that!
Here are all the ways to get rid of body odor for real this time!
1. Upgrade Your Soap Game! Go Antibacterial
Your regular soap might not be cutting it. Bacteria are the sneaky culprits behind body odor, so you need to switch to an antibacterial soap to stop them in their tracks. Look for products with tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, or triclosan for an extra punch.
Pro Tip: Make sure to lather up extra in areas like your armpits, feet, and groin where sweat glands are most active.
2. Turn Up the Shower Frequency (Especially in Humid Weather!)
If you live in a humid or hot climate, sweating is probably your daily nemesis. Consider showering twice a day, especially after workouts or long hours outside. A morning shower freshens you up for the day, while an evening rinse-off prevents bacteria from building up overnight.
Pro Tip: Use cold water to rinse off your armpits during the last minute of your shower. It helps close your pores and reduce sweating.
3. Towel Off Like You Mean It
Always dry yourself completely before putting on clothes. Damp skin creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Gently pat yourself dry, paying extra attention to areas like underarms and between toes.
Either invest in a lightweight, quick-drying microfiber towel or use a blow-dryer on a cool setting to dry hard-to-reach areas like underarms or toes.
If you’re highly sweaty, you can even try dusting cornstarch or a talc-free body powder to keep sweat-prone areas drier for longer. If you cannot go about your day smelling/looking like a talc commercial, make sure you powder yourself at night before sleeping.
4. Your Armpits Need Love Too – Exfoliate Them!
When was the last time you exfoliated your armpits? Yes, that’s a thing! Dead skin cells and leftover product buildup can trap bacteria, making your underarms an odor factory. So, exfoliating a couple of times a week can make a HUGE difference.
Use a gentle scrub with sugar or opt for chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid pads. Not only will it tackle odor, but it’ll also make shaving smoother if you shave.
Pro tip: Swipe some antiperspirant after so you don’t sweat just as much. But don’t make it a habit, because sweating is actually good for your body. You just don’ want it to stink!
5. Natural is the New Cool – Skip the Traditional Deodorant
Most commercial deodorants are full of synthetic chemicals and fragrances that might not work for everyone. And if you would’ve noticed, they’re scents are really short-lived too!
Natural crystal deodorants, made from mineral salts, are a gentler and more effective alternative for many. They work by killing bacteria instead of masking odor with overpowering scents.
Pro Tip: Wet the crystal slightly before applying, and make sure your underarms are clean and dry!
6. Apple Cider Vinegar & Glycolic Acid = BO Busters)
Did you know apple cider vinegar or glycolic acid can help banish odor before you even apply your deodorant? Both act as toners that lower your skin’s pH, making it tough for odor-causing bacteria to survive.
Apply them using a cotton pad after a shower and wait for them to dry before layering on deodorant for a double-duty defense.
Warning: Avoid using acidic toners on freshly shaved skin. Test on small areas first to avoid irritation!
7. Heard of Magnesium Oil spray? Now you have.
This one’s coming straight from my doctor and I’m almost sure that it’s one thing missing from your bathroom cabinet.
Magnesium oil spray can enhance your body’s magnesium levels AND help tackle odor when applied topically. Spray it on underarms post-shower and see the magic happen.
Pro Tip: Start slow if your skin is sensitive, as magnesium can tingle a little the first few times you use it.
8. DIY Armpit Mask? Absolutely!
Oh the wonders this one clay mask can do! If you don’t already love bentonite clay for acne, you’re going to LOVE it for your underarms.
It draws out toxins and clears your sweat glands, leaving you feeling fresh and clean.
Just mix bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar or water into a paste, apply it to your underarms, and leave it for 10-15 minutes. This helps remove toxins and leftover deodorant residue. Do this weekly for best results!
9. Rub some Lemons or Limes
Lemon and lime slices can do more than flavor your drinks! Their natural citric acid neutralizes bacteria and freshens up your underarms in a pinch. Plus, I can almost guarantee that it will get rid of dark underarms in a week.
Simply use a fresh slice and gently rub it on your skin. Wait for it to dry before dressing.
Pro Tip: Be careful if you have cuts or sensitive skin or if you’ve just shaved your underarms. Those citrus juices PACK a sting!
10. Rethink Your Diet
What you eat can affect how you smell. Foods like red meat, garlic, onions, and spicy dishes can intensify body odor. While you don’t have to cut them out entirely, reducing them can help.
Pro Tip: Swap out red meat for lean proteins like chicken, fish, or plant-based options and notice the difference!
You can even add foods rich in chlorophyll, like spinach, parsley, and kale, to your diet. They act as natural deodorizers because they help cleanse your bloodstream of toxins. Plus, they make your skin glow—major bonus points!
Try blending these superfoods into a green smoothie for an easy, delicious way to up your chlorophyll intake.
11. Hydrate! Keep Yourself Smelling Fresher Inside Out
Staying hydrated isn’t just great for your health; it also helps dilute sweat and flush out odor-causing toxins. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water every day.
Pro Tip: Throw in slices of cucumber or mint leaves for added detox benefits (and a super refreshing sip).
13. Probiotics Aren’t Just for Your Gut
Gut health affects EVERYTHING, including how you smell. The healthy bacteria in probiotics can help balance your body’s microbiome, inside and out.
Pro Idea: Look for probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut or kombucha, or opt for a high-quality probiotic supplement.
14. Supercharge Your Laundry Routine
Body odor (bacteria) loves hanging out in your clothes, especially in sweat-prone areas like armpits. Washing your clothes the usual way might not always cut it. The secret trick? White vinegar or baking soda!
Here’s how it works:
- Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar or baking soda to your washing machine along with your laundry detergent.
- Both will help break down stubborn odor-causing bacteria and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
Pro Tip: Avoid using fabric softener on activewear; it can trap odors instead of removing them!
15. The Power of the Sun (Seriously)
Your drying method matters more than you think! Whenever possible, air-dry your clothes in direct sunlight. Why? UV rays from the sun act like nature’s disinfectant.
16. Say Bye-Bye to Synthetic Fabrics
Ever notice how sweat clings more to polyester than cotton? Synthetic fabrics like spandex and nylon can trap heat and moisture, making you sweat more, a.k.a., inviting odor-causing bacteria to make things worse.
Instead, opt for breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo for everyday wear.
Pro Tip: For gym clothes, look for moisture-wicking options that are also anti-odor. Your workouts won’t smell funky anymore!
17. Rotate Your Shoes
Sweat + shoes = odor disaster. Make sure you’re not wearing the same pair every day. Give your shoes time to dry out completely before their next wear.
Here’s what to do:
- Have at least two pairs of go-to shoes and rotate them to give each pair time to breathe.
- Toss in dryer sheets or sprinkle some baking soda inside to absorb odors overnight.
Pro Tip: If you notice your shoes smelling funky, freeze them in a plastic bag for a few hours. Strange, but it works!
18. Change Immediately After Workouts
Sweaty clothes are ground zero for odor-causing bacteria. The longer you stay in them after a workout, the more time you give bacteria to thrive, not only causing body odor but back acne as well.
Solution? Change out of your workout gear ASAP, and either rinse it or toss it into a separate laundry bag until you’re ready to wash it.
Bonus Tip: Keep a pack of wet wipes in your gym bag for a quick refresh before heading out.
19. Stay Fresh On-the-Go with an Emergency Kit
Life happens, and sometimes we don’t have the luxury to dash home for a quick shower. That’s where your emergency kit comes in!
What to include:
- Travel-sized deodorant or antiperspirant.
- Baby wipes for quick clean-ups.
- A small bottle of body mist or perfume.
- A spare shirt (just in case).
Pro Tip: Keep one kit in your bag and another in your car or office. You’ll thank yourself when unexpected situations pop up!
