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Have you ever wondered why some people have a stronger body odour than others while some don’t smell remotely bad? Contrary to popular belief, sweat itself isn’t the culprit behind body odour.
Sweat is almost odourless; it’s about 99% water, with the remaining 1% containing urea, lactic acid, and other substances. The real cause of body odour lies in bacteria on your skin, which break down sweat molecules, releasing unpleasant smells as a byproduct.
Also Read: Is Bad Body Odour A Sign Of Hormonal Imbalance? Other Signs To Consider
The Two Types of Sweat
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The sweat glands in your body produce two distinct types of sweat, depending on the situation.
Common sweat: This is the light, watery sweat that keeps you cool on a hot day or during exercise. It evaporates quickly and doesn’t contribute to body odour.
Stress sweat: This is thicker and contains fats. It’s produced during times of stress and comes from areas like the armpits, scalp, and groin. Apocrine sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin, leading to odour.
Body odour occurs due to bacteria on a person’s skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat and producing odour as a result.
How Does Bacteria Create Odour?
It is essential to note that the person’s diet, natal sex, health conditions, and medications help create a unique body odour. When sweat stays on the skin, it creates a moist environment where bacteria thrive.
These bacteria digest sweat and release pungent compounds responsible for the characteristic cheesy or oniony smell of body odour. Scientists have even identified the specific enzyme, known as the “C-T lyase enzyme,” that triggers this process.
Everybody Has Bacteria, Then Why Do Some People Smell Worse?
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Your body odour is unique to you and can be influenced by various factors, such as:
Diet: Foods like garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli and cabbage) can alter your scent. Rare conditions, like trimethylaminuria, can even cause a fishy odour after eating seafood.
Hygiene: Let’s be honest, some are just not taking care of their personal hygiene. Naturally, poor hygiene leads to more bacteria on the skin, increasing odour.
Health and medications: Certain conditions or medicines can change the way you smell.
How Can I Stop Smelling Bad?
Body odour can be embarrassing, but the good news is it’s manageable. Here are some practical tips:
Maintain hygiene
Take regular baths or showers to wash away bacteria. Please don’t overdo it; every day of the week, especially after sweating, is often sufficient.
Use antiperspirants or deodorants
Antiperspirants block sweat glands, reducing moisture and odour, whereas your favourite deodorants tackle odour-causing bacteria and often add a pleasant scent. Some products also combine both functions.
Choose breathable fabrics.
Please let your body breathe, opt for natural materials like cotton, silk, or wool, and wash your clothes after each wear. For workouts, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester can help.
Shave body hair
Shaving your armpits can reduce odour by allowing sweat to evaporate faster, giving bacteria less time to do its tricks.
Can Body Odour Be A Cause For Concern?
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can sometimes lead to persistent body odour. In such cases, treatments range from prescription antiperspirants to surgery for severe cases. If body odour persists despite good hygiene, it may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
Bottomline
Body odour, while often viewed as a mere inconvenience, is a blend of biology, lifestyle, and culture. Understanding its causes and embracing effective solutions isn’t just about smelling good; it’s also about feeling confident in your own skin. By making simple changes in hygiene and diet or seeking medical advice when necessary, you can keep unwanted odours at bay!