Deadly Summer: How to Tame the Underarm Beast

You’re in the midst of summer, and with that comes a plethora of sweat-inducing activities. But what’s the real culprit behind that smelly underarm smell? It’s not just sweat, but the bacteria that thrive in your armpits. You might assume that sweating alone can lead to body odor, but it’s a bit more complex than that. The body has two types of glands that release sweat, Dr. Mona Gohara, a clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, explains. Eccrine glands are located almost everywhere on the skin, and they produce an odorless, “watery” sweat that helps cool down the body when we’re hot. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are located in the “hair bearing” areas of the body such as the scalp, armpits, and groin. The sweat produced by these glands is thicker and oilier, and it’s composed of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The sweat released by apocrine glands is usually a result of emotional arousal, stress, or excitement, Dr. Gohara explains. This sweat is then broken down by bacteria that live on the skin, leading to the production of body odor. The bacteria thrive in the oily sweat produced by apocrine glands, which is why you’re more likely to smell funky in places like the armpits. If you’re wondering why some people naturally produce more body odor than others, it’s due to various factors such as hygiene, genetics, and hormonal changes. But don’t worry, there are ways to combat smelly underarms.

Antiperspirants: The Unsung Heroes of Underarm Odor Control

Antiperspirants are products that contain chemical compounds to reduce perspiration by clogging up your sweat ducts. This leaves the bacteria on your skin with less sweat to feed on, and that, in turn, allows for less of that unpleasant odor that they produce. Dr. Gohara suggests using antiperspirants with aluminum, which is effective in reducing perspiration.

When to Apply Antiperspirants

You might want to try applying antiperspirants at night, Dr. Lauren Eckert Ploch, a dermatologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology, recommends. Swiping on an antiperspirant after the sun has set, when you may be less likely to sweat, can give your sweat ducts more time to absorb the product, giving the antiperspirant “a head start to work,” Dr. Gohara explains.

Deodorants: More Than Just a Fragrance

Deodorants are generally designed to mask body odor using fragrances, Dr. Gohara says. Many deodorants also contain antimicrobial ingredients such as triethyl citrate and ethylhexylglycerin, which prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for body odor when mixed with sweat. You can also layer both types of products onto your underarms for extra protection all at once.

Combining Antiperspirants and Deodorants

Some products on the market contain formulas that serve as both deodorants and antiperspirants, which work to mask body odor, kill bacteria, and prevent sweating. You can also layer both types of products onto your underarms for extra protection all at once.

Additional Tips for Smell-Free Underarms

Here are some additional tips to help you keep your underarms odor-free:

• Swipe at night: Try applying antiperspirants at night, Dr. Ploch recommends. This can give your sweat ducts more time to absorb the product, giving the antiperspirant “a head start to work,” Dr. Gohara explains.
• Dry before applying: Make sure to dry your underarms thoroughly before applying antiperspirants or deodorants. This can help the products adhere better to your skin.
• Wash with benzoyl peroxide: Washing your underarms with benzoyl peroxide can help reduce body odor by killing bacteria that thrive in the oily sweat produced by apocrine glands.
• Look for clinical-strength protection: If you find that deodorants or antiperspirants aren’t doing the trick, consider using products with clinical-strength protection. These products typically contain higher concentrations of active ingredients like aluminum.
• Visit a doctor: If you find that you’re sweating excessively or experiencing other symptoms of hyperhidrosis, you may want to visit a doctor. They can prescribe medications to help you manage your symptoms.

Preventing Smelly Underarms

Preventing body odor is easier than treating it, Dr. Gohara says. Here are some ways to help prevent smelly underarms:

• Use glycolic acid pads: Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that can help get rid of dead skin cells, which can make your skin less hospitable for bacteria that cause body odor.
• Try salicylic acid: Like glycolic acid, salicylic acid is an exfoliant that can help break up the oils found in sweat and prevent breakouts.
• Consider botox: Botox injections can help relax the muscles of the apocrine gland, preventing the gland from making the necessary muscle contractions to get sweat to the surface of the skin.

Conclusion

Combating body odor requires a combination of understanding the underlying causes of the problem and using effective products and strategies to manage it. By following these tips and using the right products, you can keep your underarms odor-free and confident.