Smelly armpits after a back-breaking workout or a day out in the sun? We have all been there, done that! So let’s shrug off the awkwardness and get to real work. Here’s a foolproof guide on how to remove underarm smell naturally, featuring some effective ways to stop underarm sweating and keep those embarrassing situations at bay. Take a look:
Why Do Underarms Smell Bad?
Before we talk about how to remove underarm smell, let’s understand why they stink in the first place. You may think that sweating is the main culprit here, but that’s not the case. A host of factors can lead to bad armpit odour. Take note of these five common causes:
Sweat Breakdown
Sweating is your body’s natural defence against excessive heat produced during physical activity or due to hot weather conditions. It helps keep the body cool. Now, the sweat itself is odourless. It’s the breakdown of the protein present in your sweat by the bacteria present on your skin that releases a pungent odour.
Poor Personal Hygiene
Poor personal hygiene habits like not showering daily, wearing sweaty clothes, and not cleaning up well after a workout can make your underarms smell bad. Additionally, lack of exfoliation in this area can also clog the skin’s pores and lead to a germ buildup that can add to the bad smell.
Foods & Medicines
Certain foods like onion and garlic can make your body odour more pungent. So if you’re an onion-garlic lover and eat them in excess, you may experience a stronger armpit odour. Additionally, certain medicines can also lead to a change in body smell and make armpit odour stronger.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in the body, especially during puberty and menopause can cause excessive sweating along with hot flashes, and make your body odour more pungent. While these changes are normal, one must consult with a doctor if the changed body odour is accompanied by symptoms like fever, rashes, itching, and excessive vaginal discharge.
Armpit Hair
While removing body hair is a personal choice, excessive hair in the underarms can trap sweat, dirt, and bacteria and make your underarms smell foul.
Home Remedies For Underarms Smell
When it comes to getting rid of the underarm smell, maintaining proper personal hygiene is your best bet. However, you can try these five home remedies to remove underarm smell completely:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature and has strong antimicrobial properties. It can neutralise the pH of your armpit skin and prevents the growth of odour-causing bacteria in the sensitive area. All you need to do is dilute one part of apple cider vinegar with two parts of water and apply it on your armpits with the help of a cotton pad. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse it with water. For best results, do this twice a day.
Lemon Juice
Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice is also acidic in nature and reduces the skin’s pH to keep bacterial growth at bay. It works as an excellent remedy to get rid of the underarm smell. However, you must dilute the lemon juice with water to prevent itching, irritation, and burning sensation. The drill remains the same though. Apply the mixture with a cotton pad twice a day and wash it with water.
Milk & Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great exfoliator. It helps remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. The lactic acid from milk is also a gentle exfoliator and nourishes the skin too. You can combine four-five tablespoons of milk with one teaspoon of baking powder to get your own scrub for underarms. Apply it on armpits, let it dry, and wash it off with lukewarm water. Don’t forget to moisturise your armpits before you step out to make up for the lost hydration.
Cucumber Juice
Packed with the goodness of vitamin C and antioxidants, cucumber juice can work wonders for armpit odour. Its cooling properties can soothe any irritation. You can juice it up or apply a cucumber slice directly on your armpits.Wash it off with water after 10-15 minutes.
Potato Juice
Known for its gentle exfoliation properties, potato juice can be used to clean the sweat pores, allow the skin to breathe better, and control bacterial growth in your armpits. You can grate a potato, extract the juice from the pulp, and apply it on your underarms. Rinse it with cool water after 10-15 minutes and pat your underarms dry with a clean washcloth followed by proper moisturisation. P.S. It also works as a great home remedy for dark underarms and makes them even-toned if used regularly.
Tips To Get Rid Of Underarm Smell
These home remedies to get rid of underarm smell can take your underarm care routine to a whole new level. But here are eight tips on sealing the deal and making sure that you never have to struggle with malodorous armpits again:
Dress Wisely
An outdoor day in the scorching heat calls for loose-fitted tops and breezy dresses. So ditch those skimpy, synthetic/lycra numbers for breathable cotton.
Sirona Recommends Best Product to Control Underarm Sweat: Anti-Stain Underarm Sweat Pad
These sweat pads by Sirona aren’t just a great aid to keep sweat stains at bay, they also help keep your armpits fresh and odour-free. Made with breathable, ultra-thin fabric, they reduce friction with tight clothing. Additionally, these self-adhesive wonders are discreet and compatible with all types of fabrics. They keep rashes and irritation at bay too and can be discarded easily after use.
Maintain Hygiene
You can stop underarm sweat to a great extent simply by washing the area twice a day with soap and water. You can also use a loofah to scrub it gently and remove odour-causing germs. Also, make sure to shower and change after a workout or a day out in the sun.
Exfoliate
All the dirt and sweat buildup in your armpits can clog your pores and increase sweating and odour in this sensitive area. However, exfoliating the skin with a gentle scrub or mild salicylic acid-containing foam wash can help your armpit skin breathe and reduce sweat and odour.
Moisturise
Exfoliating your armpits can render them dry. In response, your skin may produce more oil to restore its moisture. This can make your armpits sweat more and make your life difficult. So always use an oil-free moisturiser to rehydrate your skin after washing or exfoliating your underarms and reduce sweating.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking eight-ten glasses of water in a day can help regulate body temperature and drastically reduce sweating. So make sure you’re hydrated by downing enough fluids throughout the day.
Make Smart Food Choices
Excessively spicy and salty foods, caffeine, and processed foods can aggravate sweating. So stick to home-cooked meals, fresh fruits, and green veggies especially when the temperature is soaring. Additionally, ditch caffeinated beverages and aerated drinks for drinks such as cucumber-mint juice, coconut water, and sattu to stay cool.
Use A Topical Antiperspirant
Apply a chemical-free topical antiperspirant on your armpits before stepping out to control sweat and odour. But make sure to wash and moisturise your underarms once you’re home to let your skin breathe.
Remove Armpit Hair
From a hygiene point of view, it is important to trim, wax or shave your armpit hair, especially in the summer to prevent bacterial growth and excessive sweating in the area.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Remove Underarm Hair
Aloe Boost Twin Blade Disposable Razor
Hair removal methods like waxing and even shaving if not done right, can cause darkening and pigmentation of armpits due to increased friction. These can also render the skin dry and lead to skin darkening over time. Enter Sirona’s Aloe Boost Twin Blade Disposable Razor. It comes with stainless steel blades for a close shave and an aloe vera strip that nourishes the skin and reduces friction with the blades. It is perfect for armpit hair removal and you can discard it after each use to keep any skin infections at bay.
Sirona Talc-Free Hair Removal Cream For Dry & Sensitive Skin
Packed with the goodness of aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter, this hair removal cream is ideal for your sensitive armpit skin. Its ingredients help nourish it well while the cream does a brilliant job at removing the hair seamlessly. Ditch waxing for this product, we say.
We hope that this info on how to get rid of underarm smell will help you glide through a sweaty day out in the sun or a back-breaking workout with full confidence. All the best!
Featured Image: Pexels
FAQs:
Is the underarm smell always because of sweating?
The sweat itself is odourless. It is the bacteria present on the skin that can lead to a pungent odour when it comes in contact with sweat and breaks down its protein.
Is alcohol good for getting rid of the underarm smell?
While alcohol can wipe out the odour-causing bacteria from the armpit skin, it can cause a burning sensation in the sensitive area. So you can dilute it with water if you want to try this hack.
Does underarm hair cause bad odour?
Armpit hair can trap the odour-causing bacteria, sweat, and dirt and aggravate the underarm smell.
Why do my armpits smell bad after washing?
Your armpits may smell bad even after washing due to the lingering bacteria. You must use soap and a loofah to wipe out the bacteria, dust, and dirt buildup in the underarms.
Can consuming coffee lead to underarm odour?
Excessive consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages can make you sweat more and consequently, even increase the body odour.
Also Read
How To Shave Your Pubic Hair: Here’s everything you need to know about going bare down there.
Home Remedies For Pigmented Umderarms: Try these natural remedies for feathery-soft, even-toned armpits.
How To Remove Underarm Hair: Your complete shaving guide to remove hair from your sensitive armpits.
