Body Odour Causes: Why We Smell and How to Prevent It

Being a man isn’t easy. When the world’s not telling you what it means to be masculine, it’s telling you how to dress, how to shave, how to smell – no wonder things can get a little sweaty.

Sweating is a fact of life, we all do it, and body odour is part of that package. So, rather than worrying about what others expect of you, take a look at what the cause of sweating actually is and manage it properly so you can say no to bad B.O.

WHAT CAUSES SWEATING?

There are many causes of sweating – exercise, nerves, hot weather. It’s a natural bodily process that occurs as a response to hormones like adrenalin, or to help you regulate your body temperature when things heat up.

WHAT IS BODY ODOUR?

Body odour the smell our bodies give off when they sweat. Everyone is different when it comes to how much they sweat, and what it smells like, but we’re all likely to experience it in common areas like the feet, groin, and armpits.

WHAT CAUSES BODY ODOUR?

Sweat is not actually the culprit behind B.O. What causes sweat to smell is the amount of bacteria in sweat and the breaking down of sweat into acids. Why do armpits sweat and smell of B.O. more than other areas? It’s all thanks to conveniently placed sweat glands that secrete into hair follicles. Bacteria love moist areas and the hair can trap sweat and moisture to provide the perfect breeding ground. Sweat glands are found in other hairy areas too, which is why they often feel sweaty (and potentially a bit smelly).

HOW TO FIGHT B.O.

Now you know why do armpits sweat and smell, and the basic body odour causes, it’s time to look at how you banish it.

GET TRIM

Bacteria and hair follicles are friends, which is why armpits, the groin area, and other hairy areas are the B.O. hot spots. Shaving or trimming down your hair in these areas can help keep things fresh and clean.

CLEAN UP

Skipping showers and proper bathing is often at the root of what causes sweat to smell. Remember to shower every day, especially after trips to the gym. Take your hygiene one step further with an anti-bacterial soap and finish with fresh-smelling deodorants from LYNX.

DRESS TO SWEAT LESS

Perhaps you already shave and shower regularly. So why do armpits smell afterwards? The answer could be in your wardrobe. Synthetic fabrics such as rayon, nylon, and polyester don’t allow much airflow so switch it up and go for some organic options like cotton, wool, and linen.

LEAVE YOUR SHOES AT THE DOOR

Aussies might be onto something with their love of walking barefoot. Socks and shoes make it difficult for sweat to evaporate. Give your toes some breathing space by going barefoot when you can or opting for looser-fitting options.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Did you know that diet can affect the way your sweat smells? The most common food culprits behind bad B.O. include spicy foods, garlic, hot peppers, and curry. Try cutting back on them and see if you notice a change.

BANISH B.O.

What causes sweaty armpits? What causes body odour? Hopefully, you’ve got all the answers now. As much of a nuisance as sweating and B.O. can be, they are a natural part of life. Instead of worrying, learn how to manage them and say no to body odour.