Body odor is not a very pleasant phenomenon as it disturbs and irritates the person suffering from it and everyone around. It is more common during the summer season when the humidity and temperature are higher and cause the sweat glands to produce more sweat. No matter how hard one might attempt to fight body odor, there still remain a number of ways that can make it return.

Reasons such as choosing the wrong fabric or one that wasn’t washed and even hormones could be a causing factor for body odor.

Wear fast drying and sweat-absorbing outfits
One of the most significant causes of body odor is perspiration and the bacteria present that cause the odor to be foul-smelling. Therefore, if one wants to know how to stop body odor, they should ensure to wear the right clothing for the right weather. The ones who experience body odor would want something that minimizes sweat in the first place or that makes sure it does not stay on their body.

Nylon/polyester – When working out, go for nylon since it dissipates the sweat, dries quickly, breathes easily, i.e., it allows air to pass through and resists mildew. Though it is true that polyester has many of the same qualities as nylon, one must be sure to wash it immediately because polyester is more prone to the accumulation of bacteria.

Cotton – For everyday wear, cotton should be anyone’s first and foremost choice. Lightweight cotton, among all the other types, is the most breathable of them all and allows ample airflow to help dry out dampness and sweat. However, on very humid days, one must remember that the cotton would absorb moisture instead of repelling it.

Other fabrics – The market offers many fabric options if one is not content with cotton. While dressing up for the likes of parties and other occasions, one can consider merino wool, which has a natural capability to keep sweat and odor away. Many doctors have agreed on the fact that it both breathes well and is a heat insulator. To add to that, it fends off bacteria better than most synthetic materials and fabrics.

Wash important body parts
Washing right is crucial if one is thinking about how to stop body odor. Doctors have pointed out four important sections of anyone’s body that most actively lead to odor; the armpits, groin, feet, and scalp. The first two—the armpits and groin—are the places where the majority of the body’s apocrine glands are located. These glands are the ones that are responsible for most of the odorous sweat on the body and are activated during puberty, which is between twelve and fourteen years of age. One can attempt to minimize the odor from these parts by showering daily with soap along with proper cleaning of these parts.

One should remember to wash their feet daily as well. Though it is true that they do not possess any great power to generate odor on their own, when they are inside socks and shoes, they can create a very stringent smell. Foot creams and powders can often prove helpful in such cases.

For smell-free and fresh scalp, wash one’s hair with a good shampoo at least thrice a week. Brush it daily and use conditioner after shampooing to make the tresses smooth and pleasant smelling.

Deodorants and antiperspirants
If one is still wondering how to stop body odor, natural or vegan deodorants or antiperspirants can help. Men can look for an antiperspirant instead of deodorant because the latter only reduces odor-causing bacteria and does not reduce perspiration. The most important thing to remember in this context is the fact that not every antiperspirant suits everyone, so one should keep trying until they find their appropriate fit.

Before going to work, one can apply an antiperspirant in the morning and again before going to sleep to make sure they clog and block the sweat glands. This is effective because these glands are less active while one sleeps and thus the antiperspirant cannot be washed away by sweat immediately. Deodorants based on extracts from peppermint, lime, jasmine, shea butter, coconut, or lavender can help immensely.

Thus, these small steps can help one to prevent and stop body odor from affecting them and the people around them.