Everybody has body odor. Try as we might to hide or minimize it, it’s there. It occurs due to sweat on our skin, the action of bacteria, and other natural processes.
The quality and intensity of body odor varies from person to person, but we all have a particular scent. That odor can evolve due to changes in our diet, hygiene, and other factors. Body odor also tends to change as we age. This article explains why that occurs.
Yes, Your “Baseline” Body Odor Changes Over Time
If you’ve suspected that your body odor is changing as you age, you’re correct. It happens to everyone, and contrary to a harmful misconception, the change is not due to a lack of good hygiene.
While it’s common for older adults to bathe less frequently — due to sweating less, their skin producing less oil, concerns about falls in the tub or shower, etc. — this change in hygiene habits isn’t what’s primarily responsible for a change in their body odor. Instead, there are multiple possible causes, including changes in chemical processes.
The Chemistry of Body Odor
Experts aren’t sure precisely what prompts changes in body odor with age. However, one likely cause is a compound called 2-nonenal. It’s a byproduct of the age-related breakdown of certain chemicals, including omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids.
Research indicates that 2-nonenal is only detectable in people over 40 and increases with age. The compound seems to be responsible for the odor associated with older adults.
Other potential causes of body odor differences include changes in the type of bacteria on the skin, the interaction between those bacteria and gland secretions, and other chemical processes. But the bottom line is that changes in body odor are normal with age. This is crucial to understand since more frequent bathing or more vigorous cleaning of the skin can actually cause problems and aren’t generally effective at changing the body’s natural scent.
And while no one should feel obligated to educate others on the changes their body is going through, sharing information (like this article) with loved ones isn’t a bad idea.
Body Odor and Menopause
Body odor tends to evolve gradually, but changes can happen more rapidly as women approach and enter menopause. That’s why a common question doctors get is, “Does a woman’s body odor change with age?”
The decrease in estrogen levels in menopause means women have a higher percentage of testosterone. As a result, they typically have more bacteria in their sweat, which leads to a more noticeable body odor.
Talk with Your Baptist Health Doctor About Body Odor Changes
It’s normal to wonder, “Why does my sweat smell different as I get older.” While specific diseases can produce changes in body odor, the cause for most people — particularly when it tracks with their age — is normal changes in body processes. Still, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your doctor if you have concerns about your body odor.
You can use our online provider directory to find a Baptist Health physician if you don’t have one.
FAQs
Experts aren't sure precisely what prompts changes in body odor with age. However, one likely cause is a compound called 2-nonenal. It's a byproduct of the age-related breakdown of certain chemicals, including omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids.
Why is my body odor changing as I age? ›
Body odor naturally changes as you age. For older people, this change in smell is likely due to an increase in levels of a compound called 2-nonenal. No matter the cause, there's no reason to run from these changes.
How to get rid of old person smell on body? ›
Drinking plenty of water dilutes fatty acids. Similarly, drink green tea, which breaks down the compounds responsible for causing the nonenal smells. Exercise and eat nutritiously. Also bathe with a sugar scrub to exfoliate the skin and remove oils.
What soap gets rid of old person smell? ›
Mirai Clinical is THE only brand that eliminates nonenal in the U.S.
What does it mean when your body odor changes? ›
Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
Why can I smell myself through my pants? ›
Limiting frequent bathing can lead to dirt, sweat and dead skin cells build up leading to Your clothes have a strong smell. You can reduce these effects by showering regularly and washing with mild soap and warm water. Sweating in the groin area can attract fungi and bacteria that lead to bad odors.
What does kidney disease body odor smell like? ›
Liver or Kidney Problems - The kidneys and liver help remove toxins from our bodies. When they cannot function properly, toxins can build up in the blood and digestive tract, creating odor. Kidney disease can cause build of urea and make your sweat and urine smell like ammonia.
What is the old lady's smell? ›
Nonenal odor, also known as old people smell or aging body odor, is a common, harmless condition that is a natural part of the aging process. This odor has a musty, grassy, or greasy scent that is reminiscent of aged beer or buckwheat. Nonenal odor is common in the elderly and it can start as early as age 40.
What is the best deodorant for seniors? ›
Lume Whole Body Deodorant is a truly senior friendly deodorant because it is formulated to use anywhere, and pH optimized to control odor. It contains no baking soda, which can be rough on sensitive skin because it has such a high pH.
How do I get my body odor back to normal? ›
Self care
- Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
- Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
- Try relaxation techniques. ...
- Change your diet.
- boailydi.
- Candleology.
- MAREE.
- Phytomer.
- Nextrino.
- VERMONT SOAP.
- DR. DR. NATURAL.
- WINGO.
Steps To Remove Musty Smell From Clothes:
Add a cup of vinegar or a cup of baking soda to the wash to combat odors. Consider using a clothesline to dry your clothes outside to get a fresh outdoors scent. Use half a cup of pine-scented cleaner in the washer (the pine smell will be eliminated after a cycle in the dryer).
What actually gets old body odor out of clothes? ›
Vinegar: Add one cup of vinegar to a bucket of cold water and soak your smelly clothes for up to 30 minutes. Baking Soda: Add one cup of baking soda to your wash load with your detergent and wash in cold water. Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into your wash load to extinguish odor-causing bacteria.
What naturally kills body odor? ›
Popular Kitchen Ingredients That Significantly Reduce Body Odour:
- Rock Salt. Rock salt or sendha namak possesses powerful cleansing properties, which eliminates surplus sweat and influences the action of microbes dwelling on the surface of the skin. ...
- Green Tea Bags. ...
- Baking Soda. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Tomato Juice.
A healthy vagin* usually has a slight scent, but choices of food, drink, hygiene practices, and clothing can all affect it. A stronger odor can also indicate a health problem that needs medical attention. Nutrition, health status, and other factors can affect the natural fragrance of the vagin*.
Why does it smell when I open my legs? ›
“The most common cause of odor coming from that area is caused by the action of bacteria on sebum,” explains Dr. Robert Brodell, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “The other major cause is what I'm going to call a 'yeast infection. ' We call it intertrigo.
Is it normal to lose your sense of smell as you age? ›
Some loss of taste and smell is natural with aging, especially after age 60. But other factors can contribute to loss of taste and smell, including: Nasal and sinus problems, such as allergies, sinusitis or nasal polyps.
What autoimmune disease causes body odor? ›
Disease Overview
Trimethylaminuria is a rare disorder in which the body is not able to metabolize the chemical trimethylamine, and this causes body odor.
Why do my armpits smell so bad even after a shower? ›
Smelly armpits occur when bacteria break down the otherwise odorless sweat on your skin. Some people sweat more than others and have a condition called hyperhidrosis. This excess sweating can lead to body odor. While it might cause people to be self-conscious, there are many solutions that can help.
Why do my armpits smell bad even with deodorant? ›
Even if you're using deodorant, you might still experience smelly armpits. This could be due to various factors such as diet, stress, hormonal changes, or even the type of bacteria present in your underarms.
