Say goodbye to body odor with these 8 easy and effective home remedies

Body odor is a common problem, especially during the warmer months due to increased heat and sweat. But no one smells bad on purpose! Sweating, often referred to as perspiration, is a natural process that helps the body regulate temperature. But don’t worry! There are various natural remedies that can help you avoid this unpleasant odor. From basic diet changes to innovative hacks, here are some easy, handpicked home remedies for body odor to keep you feeling fresh all day long.

What is body odor?

Body odor is a characteristic odor produced by the human body, mostly caused by the breakdown of sweat and bacteria on the surface of the skin. “Sweat glands produce a mixture of water, salt and organic substances. When these compounds come into contact with bacteria, they will undergo a chemical reaction that produces odor-causing substances. “Areas of the body with a high concentration of sweat glands, such as the armpits, groin and feet, are particularly susceptible to body odor,” says dermatologist Dr Reshma T. Vishnani. During puberty, hormones and sweat glands become more active, causing increased body odor, as found in research published in the journal Microbiome.

What causes body odor?

Body odor is mainly caused by the interaction of sweat and bacteria on the surface of the skin. The sweat glands in the body secrete a mixture of water, salt and organic compounds. This sweat provides an ideal moist environment for bacterial growth, as found in research published in Harvard Health Publishing. When bacteria break down the organic components of sweat, they produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have a pungent odor. Factors such as diet, genetics, and hormone levels can also influence the intensity of body odor.

What are the symptoms of body odor?

Here are some common symptoms of body odor as stated by Reshma.

• Unpleasant aroma: The most obvious symptom of body odor is an unpleasant odor coming from the body, especially in areas such as the armpits, groin and feet.
• Self-awareness: Body odor can often lead to feelings of self-consciousness and shame, as individuals may worry about how they smell in the eyes of others.
• Social discomfort: The presence of body odor can make social interactions uncomfortable and can even lead to social isolation.
• Increased sweating: Body odor is often associated with excessive sweating, which can create a more favorable environment for bacterial growth.
• Yellowing of clothes: Body odor can cause yellow stains on clothes, especially in areas where there is a lot of sweat and bacteria.

8 home remedies to prevent body odor

Here are some easy and effective home remedies you can try to prevent body odor, as recommended by dermatologist Dr Priti Karde.

1. Baking soda scrub

This scrub exfoliates dead skin cells, preventing them from trapping bacteria. It also absorbs sweat and moisture, thereby reducing the ideal environment for bacterial growth. It also helps neutralize odors.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water

Method:

• In a small bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and water.
• Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste.
• Gently apply the paste to your skin, focusing on areas prone to odor such as your armpits, groin, and feet.
• Use circular motions to exfoliate your skin.
• After scrubbing, rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water to remove the paste.
• Pat the skin dry with a clean towel to prevent moisture from trapping bacteria.
• For best results, use this baking soda scrub once or twice a week.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural deodorant because of its acidic properties which can help balance the skin’s pH and reduce bacterial growth.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water

Method:

• Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a small spray bottle.
• After showering, spray a diluted vinegar solution on your underarms or other areas that are prone to odor.
• Let the vinegar dry naturally on your skin.
• After a few hours, rinse off the vinegar with water.
• For best results, use this method every day or as needed.

3. Rinse the green tea bag

Green tea contains polyphenols which have antibacterial properties that can help fight odor-causing bacteria.

Ingredients:

• 1 green tea bag

Method:

• Soak green tea bags in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
• Allow the tea to cool completely.
• After showering, pour cold green tea into your armpits or other areas that are prone to odor.
• Let the green tea dry naturally on your skin.
• After a few hours, rinse the green tea with water.

Notes: You can also apply cold green tea directly to your underarms using a cotton ball. For a stronger aroma, add a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or tea tree oil to green tea.

4. Witch hazel toner

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and control excess oil production. These properties may contribute to preventing body odor.

Ingredients:

• Old witch

Method:

• After showering, apply a small amount of witch hazel toner to your underarms or other areas prone to odor using a cotton ball.
• Let the toner dry naturally on your skin.
• For best results, use witch hazel toner daily or as needed.

5. Coconut oil and essential oil mask

Coconut oil and essential oils can be combined to create a natural deodorant. It has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacterial growth, while essential oils can provide a pleasant aroma and additional antibacterial benefits.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil
• Essential oil of your choice (e.g. lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus)

Method:

• In a small jar, mix equal parts coconut oil and essential oil.
• Stir well so that the ingredients are evenly mixed.
• Use your fingers to rub a small amount of the mixture into your armpits.
• Rub the mixture until it is completely absorbed.

Notes: For best results, store the mixture in a cool, dry place. If the mixture becomes too hard, you can warm it up a little before applying it.

6. Coffee ground scrub

Coffee grounds can be used as a natural exfoliant which can help remove dead skin cells and reduce bacterial buildup. This can help prevent body odor by creating a cleaner, healthier environment for your skin.

Ingredients:

• Coffee grounds (used or unused)
• Water or oil (e.g. olive oil, coconut oil)

Method:

• In a small bowl, mix the coffee grounds with enough water or oil to make a thick paste.
• Gently apply the scrub to your skin, focusing on areas prone to odor such as your armpits, groin, and feet.
• Use circular motions to exfoliate your skin.
• After scrubbing, rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water to remove coffee grounds.
• Pat the skin dry with a clean towel to prevent moisture from trapping bacteria.

7. Tomato mask

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to have antibacterial properties. Although specific scientific research regarding the use of tomato paste to treat body odor is limited, some experts believe that tomato paste can help neutralize odor and reduce bacterial growth.

Ingredients:

Method:

• Blend 1 tomato into a thick paste.
• After showering, apply a thin layer of tomato paste to your armpits or other areas that are prone to odor.
• Let the tomato paste dry completely on your skin.
• After a few hours, rinse off the tomato paste with warm water.

8. Neem leaf mask

Neem leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties, including antibacterial and antifungal effects. This property can help reduce body odor by preventing the growth of bacteria that cause body odor.

Ingredients:

• Neem leaves
• Water

Method:

• Grind the neem leaves into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or blender.
• Apply neem leaf paste to your underarms or other areas that are prone to odor.
• Let the paste dry completely on your skin.
• After a few hours, rinse off the neem leaf paste with warm water.

Are there any side effects to this home remedy?

Here are some potential side effects to watch out for:

• Skin irritation: Some ingredients, such as baking soda, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar, can irritate sensitive skin. If you experience redness, itching, or burning, discontinue use.
• Allergic reactions: Allergy sufferers may experience reactions to certain ingredients, such as coconut oil or essential oils.
• Odor problem: Some remedies, such as tomato paste or neem paste, may have a strong odor that you find unpleasant.
• Interactions with drugs: If you have an underlying health condition or are taking medication, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using these home remedies.

It’s important to test new products on a small area of ​​skin before applying it to a larger area. If you experience an adverse reaction, stop use and seek medical attention.