You might be in between an important work presentation or planning an after-work party with your friends, and suddenly a foul pungent odour hits you! Even though you might spray some Eu de cologne, smear some deodorant or douse yourself in perfume, it becomes really hard to mask the strong odour emanating from your body and it ruins your beauty game.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Body Odour: Try These Natural Home Remedies Right Now!
What Causes Smelly Armpits?
Contrary to the conventional notion, it's not the sweat that gives off the acrid odour. When a person perspires, the sweat glands (i.e., apocrine glands) secrete sweat which is high in fat, salt, water and proteins. It is the breeding bacteria that breaks down the proteins in the sweat into acids to give out the awful smell. In some people, chronic body odour is an underlying symptom of a health aberration and is medically termed bromhidrosis. Apart from this even hygiene, dietary components, certain health conditions, specific ongoing medications, food preferences and one’s genetic constitution determine the type of sweat exuding from the body.
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Although deodorants mask the armpit odour to a large extent, if you are wondering how to remove body odour permanently and prefer the au naturelle pathway, we have curated a list of home remedies to choose from, to move freely with confidence exuding a pleasant body odour.
Also Read: DIY Deodorant Bar: Invigorating Fragrances To Stave Off Body Odour
Here Are Some Incredible Home Remedies For Smelly Armpits
Apple Cider Vinegar
Imbued with potent anti-microbial properties, ACVis great for neutralizing the environment in the armpits and killing the odour-causing bacteria.
Baking Soda
This exceptional kitchen ingredient portraying anti-bacterial property is significant in arresting underarm smell by altering the pH of the underarm skin, thus absorbing sweat and keeping it dry. Baking sodaalso impedes bacterial growth and blocks the foul smell.
Essential Oils
Be it tea tree oil or lavender essential oil, the quarry of anti-bacterial and astringent properties in them are not only beneficial for minimizing underarm pores and destroying the odour-causing bacteria but also help in exuding an aromatic fragrance.
Lemon
Thanks to its acidic and potent anti-bacterial nature, the juice of lemon lowers the pH of the underarm skin while making it unfavourable for the breeding of bacteria, thus preventing their growth and any bad smell.
Aloe Vera Gel
Being a rich source of antioxidants and anti-microbial traits, not only does the colourless aloe gel flush out toxins from the body and diminish underarm odour but also arrests the growth of bacteria while giving a smooth, soft feel.
Foray through this infographic to find five awesome DIY recipes to keep armpit smell at bay.
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
FAQs
Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. The acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria. Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
How to get rid of bad armpit odor permanently? ›
Underarm odour can be an embarrassing problem, but there are natural remedies that can help to combat it. By keeping your underarms clean, using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice, wearing natural fibers, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet, you can get rid of underarm odour naturally.
How to detox smelly armpits? ›
For example, one tablespoon bentonite clay, activated charcoal or baking soda, as each help detox the armpit — or one teaspoon of all three. Then add one to two teaspoons water and one teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Mix all ingredients together into a paste, then apply the mask to your pits generously.
What ingredient gets rid of body odor? ›
Baking soda holds intrinsically alkaline traits, which balances the acidity in sweat processed by bacteria, to reduce unfavourable smells from the body. Prepare a paste with baking soda and water, apply directly on the armpits, to decrease moisture levels and rancid sweat gland secretions.
How to detox your armpits naturally? ›
To do an underarm detox, use 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay (a natural, detoxifying clay) mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, which has cleansing properties, and 1 teaspoon of water. Apply the paste to your underarms for around 10 minutes daily for a week or more until your underarm odor subsides.
What is the best detox for armpits? ›
Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.
Why do my armpits smell so bad even after washing? ›
Improper cleaning of your body — especially in the underarm area — when showering could lead to lingering bacteria, which leads to the smelly sweat even after you could've sworn you lathered up sufficiently.
Can I leave Apple cider vinegar on my armpits overnight? ›
Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits. The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight.
Can apple cider vinegar stop armpit odor? ›
"Apple cider vinegar is a great natural underarm deodorant," says Georgianna Donadio, PhD. She suggests applying it directly to your armpits to kill body odor.
What is the best soap for underarm odor? ›
15 Best Deodorant Soaps for Female Body Odor
- Tom's of Maine: Deodorant Soap.
- Mirai: Purifying and Deodorizing Soap Bar.
- Solpri: Shield Antifungus Soap Bar.
- Art of Sport: Body Soap Bar.
- Megababe: Space Bar Underarm Soap.
- Duradry: Deep Cleansing and Deodorizing Wash.
- Lume: Warm Vanilla Soap.
- Hibiclens: Soap and Skin Cleanser.
But your unique microbiome can manifest bacteria that, when engaged with sweat, results in smelly underarms. The number of sweat glands isn't the only factor in body odor. Remember, hormonal changes—including those stemming from a rise in stress and or anxiety—can contribute to stinky armpits.
Does apple cider vinegar get rid of armpit odor? ›
ACV's antibacterial properties will prevent bacteria from growing on your skin and will neutralize any odor-causing bacteria, keeping you smelling clean and fresh. If you're doing an armpit detox or are naturally a smellier person, try using apple cider vinegar to get rid of body odor in your shower routine.
Can I leave apple cider vinegar on my armpits overnight? ›
Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits. The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight.
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. However, fear not! There are actionable steps you can take to control armpit odor and boost your confidence.
