How To Get Rid Of Armpit Smell: 13 Simple And Effective Solutions

Quick fact: Your sweat is not the culprit behind smelly armpits. It’s the bacteria that breaks down the protein in the sweat to release a pungent odour. Moreover, sweating is simply your body’s way of regulating temperature. Who knew? Well, that establishes the guilty party here.

The underarm smell is like an awkward byproduct that doesn’t discriminate and sneaks up on all of us. Sure, everything from puberty to indulging in more alcohol and spicy treats can further ramp up some serious underarm drama. So, think of the sweat and smell as the circle of life that happens to the best of us.

What Causes Underarm Smell?

So what causes smelly underarms? When you perspire, the apocrine glands (sweat glands) in your armpit produce sweat high in protein. According to research by the American Society for Microbiology, this viscous fluid (a.k.a. sweat) is naturally almost odourless. When bacteria present on your skin break down this sweat into acids, it results in an unpleasant smell which is the body odour. Your genetic makeup, diet, and hygiene also decide the kind of smell your body emanates. According to a scientific study published in the National Library of Medicine, each human has a unique odour signature that carries information related to his or her genetic makeup, as well as information about personal environmental variables, such as diet and hygiene. Here are some other reasons that can cause underarm smell:

• Certain health conditions might cause you to sweat more.
• Certain kinds of medication might increase the level of perspiration in your body.
• Not changing clothes immediately after working out.
• Not showering enough.
• Certain foods, like garlic and onion, can also cause the underarm smell.
• Hormonal changes could be another reason for body odour.

Symptoms Of Smelly Armpits

How To Remove Armpit Odour Permanently

Maintain Proper Hygiene

A perfect underarm regime starts with continuity. Wash every day, particularly after working out, and never overlook the ease of a warm water wash. Freshness is the foundation of elegant self-care.

Use an Antibacterial Soap

Enhance your cleansing ritual with an antibacterial soap. It fights odour-causing bacteria without drying out the skin, considering freshness coupled with function, with a touch of subtle fragrance.

Apply a Natural Deodorant

Replace harsh chemicals with plant blends. Plant-based deodorants keep your skin's microbiome in balance and provide light, refined fragrances. It's wellness with a whisper, not a chemical scream.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

Choose cotton, bamboo, or linen, basically fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. These refined options minimise sweat accumulation and enable you to navigate your day odourless.

Change Clothes Regularly

A swift change of clothes can be miraculous. New clothes stop bacteria in their tracks, keeping you feeling fresh and neat, regardless of how chaotic the day goes.

Shave or Trim Underarm Hair

Keeping underarm hair at a minimum isn't merely a matter of appearance; it restricts bacterial growth. Shaving or trimming silky skin subtly enhances odour control and contributes to the perception of easy confidence.

Home Remedies For Smelly Armpits

Since body odour (BO) is pretty natural and only gets stronger as the day wears on, the best you can do is try natural cures to score fresh-smelling armpits. So, here’s a lowdown on the home remedies for underarm odour.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Step 1: In a clean spray bottle, add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and dilute it with ½ cup of water. Shake it well.

Step 2: Spray the solution on your underarms before sleeping and leave it overnight.

Step 3: In the morning, rinse off with lukewarm water.

2. Potato

Step 1: Peel a potato and cut it into thin slices.

Step 2: Rub the slices on your armpits. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Wash it off with water.

3. Coconut Oil

Step 1: Massage the coconut oil on your armpits for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse off with water and pat dry with a clean towel.

4. Aloe Vera

Step 1: Scoop the gel out of an aloe vera leaf into a bowl.

Step 2: Apply the gel to your underarms.

Step 3: After leaving it on for 30 minutes, wash it off with water.

5. Baking Soda

Step 1: In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well till it forms a paste.

Step 2: Massage this mixture in circular motions on your armpits and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Wash off with water.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Step 1: In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it well.

Step 2: Apply copious amounts of this solution to your underarms and leave it on for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Wash off with cold water and follow it up with a moisturising lotion.

7. Epsom Salt

Step 1: In your bathwater, add 1 cup of Epsom salt and 3 drops of lavender essential oil.

Step 2: Now, soak in the water for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Wash off with cold water and follow it up with a moisturising lotion.

8. Lemon Juice

Step 1: In a bowl, squeeze half a lemon and dilute it with 4 tablespoons of water.

Step 2: Directly apply this solution to your underarms and leave it on for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Wash off with lukewarm water.

9. Lavender Oil

Step 1: In a clean spray bottle, add 4 drops of lavender oil and dilute it with ½ cup of water. Shake it well.

Step 2: Spray the solution on your underarms before sleeping and leave it overnight.

Step 3: In the morning, rinse off with lukewarm water.

10. Tomato

Step 1: Blend a fresh tomato and extract its juice into a bowl. Squeeze 2 drops of lemon juice and mix it well.

Step 2: Now massage this mixture on your armpits for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse off with water.

11. Disinfectant Soaps

Step 1: Underarm odour is usually due to bacteria that decompose sweat. Ordinary soap is not efficient in killing these stink-causing bacteria. This renders it challenging to manage body odor, particularly during hot weather or exercise when the body sweats a lot.

Step 2: Antibacterial agents in disinfectant soaps eliminate odour-forming bacteria on the skin. Regularly used, they cut down on the microbial accumulation in the armpit region. This results in the appreciable reduction of bad odors and better personal hygiene.

Step 3: Washing with disinfectant soap adds to the cleanliness and increases confidence. It is an easy effective means of controlling body odor without depending too much on deodorants. Daily use keeps the underarms clean and fresh, hence it forms a crucial component of a good daily hygiene practice.

12. Clothing Style

Step 1: The cause of underarm smell is when sweat comes in contact with bacteria. Close, non-breathable clothing holds moisture and heat, allowing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This creates more potent and lingering underarm odours throughout the day.

Step 2: Loose-fitting, light breathing materials such as cotton, bamboo, or sweat-wicking materials minimise the accumulation of sweat. They permit improved air flow, drying the area under the arms and making it less friendly to bacteria, thereby lessening the severity and frequency of body odour.

Step 3: The appropriate clothing style enhances comfort and odour control of the body. Absorbent fabrics reduce sweat and bacterial growth, resulting in fresher underarms. This easy wardrobe change enhances hygiene, particularly during hot weather or engaging in activities that lead to sweating.

13. Lifestyle Changes

Step 1: Underarm smell is primarily due to bacteria that are feeding on sweat. Some habits, such as bad hygiene, unwholesome diet, or persistent stress, can make sweat production worse and increase the smell. The solution lies in eliminating these causes to minimise body odour naturally and effectively.

Step 2: Enhancing personal hygiene through daily showering, clean clothing, and underarm shaving minimises sweat odour. Consumption of reduced levels of spicy or processed foods and increased intake of water normalises sweat and body chemistry. Stress management through exercise or meditation also restricts excessive sweating.

Step 3: Lifestyle modifications provide permanent odour protection without product dependency. Improved hygiene, healthy eating, and stress management not only minimise underarm odour but also overall well-being. These small, habitual changes result in a cleaner, fresher, and more confident you.

How To Reduce Armpit Smell With These Skin Care Products

We’ve rounded up a list of super-effective products to help beat body odour.

1. PLIX Pineapple Underarm Depigmentation Spray, For Lightening, Hyperpigmentation, Odour Protection

You can’t go wrong with this odour protection. It calls upon its blend of pineapple actives and niacinamide to tackle the odour emanating from bacteria thriving on sweat. So whether you are scaling mountains or manoeuvring your way onto the train or bus for your work commute, you will remain enveloped in a cocoon of soft fragrance laced with delicate floral notes. All of this with zero alcohol content. Genius.

2. Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Mist

We are officially swooning. Who wouldn’t be? Saturated with the extracts of delicate cherry blossoms, this body mist gives your underarms (often neglected) the care they deserve. The best part? This body mist is designed with real diamond dust to last all through your deadlines and dates, leaving behind a gorgeous fragrance wherever you go. If you’ve got sensitive skin, your underarms will surely thank you for switching to this rescuer that’s easy on the skin.

3. Nykaa Wanderlust Dreaming of Paris Fruity Cleansing Shower Gel with Champagne and Berries

Indulge in a rejuvenating cleanse with Nykaa’s Wanderlust Dreaming of Paris shower gel. Formulated with kind, caring ingredients, they leave your skin feeling silky, smooth, and extremely hydrated. Let its beautiful fragrance teleport you to the warm Mediterranean, with each wash evoking the peace and tranquility of a seaside haven.

How To Stop Armpit Smell

Are you wondering about how you can get rid of armpit smell without a deodorant or any other skin care product? We’ve got your back! Here are some simple tricks and tips to keep in mind so you can keep the smelly underarm problem in control:

• Shower Daily
• This might sound incredibly simple, but you must take a shower daily. Even on weekends! In fact, if you feel unusually sweaty at the end of the day, no harm in sneaking in another quick shower before bed too.
• Change Clothes Frequently
• When your underarms sweat, the sweat gets absorbed by the clothes you’re wearing and this might lead to bad odour. One way to tackle this naturally is by changing clothes more frequently.
• Keep ‘em Dry!
• As much as possible, keep your underarms dry. This will prevent bacteria from breeding in the area.
• Don’t Shy Away from Shaving
• Further, you can also shave your armpits. This will also help in reducing sweat and odour.
• Check Your Wardrobe
• If you’re someone who sweats a lot, you should try to wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton. This will ensure you sweat as little as possible.

How To Prevent Under-Arm Smell

No matter how good a deodorant is, it won’t work well if you don’t know how to use it properly to prevent underarm odour. Always wait for the skin to dry post-shower before applying deodorant. The water molecules present on wet skin will prevent deodorant from penetrating the skin, therefore diluting its performance. The same goes for excess sweating. If you want to touch up your deodorant, absorb the excess sweat with a tissue, and allow the area to dry before reapplying the deodorant. Adding active-based skincare serums can also help prevent foul smell from your underarms. Serums are a concentrated liquids with potent ingredients that easily penetrate the skin to nourish it. Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliator that goes deep into the layers of the skin to remove excess sebum, sweat, bacteria, and body odour. You can apply this once to twice a week before going to bed. For daily use, consider using a vitamin C serum. It’s rich in antioxidants that will prevent body odour. Moreover, it will also help fade underarm pigmentation.

When To Seek Medical Help

While deodorants and skincare products can be effective, prolonged cases of body odour could be an indication of any underlying or undiagnosed health concern or hormonal change. Health concerns like diabetes, and chronic stress can lead to the body emitting more odour. To better understand, always consult a doctor to understand what may be the root cause of your body odour.

Key Takeaways

Getting fresh, odour-free underarms is about being consistent, gentle, and making the right decisions. From careful hygiene practices to considerate product choices, small daily routines can make all the difference. Whether you stick to natural home remedies or seek dermatologist-backed solutions, committing to a lifestyle that works for you will make you feel like you can take on the day, feeling self-assured, clean, and effortlessly stylish, all day, every day.

FAQs

1. How to remove the smell from underarms with the best deodorants for women?

   Once or twice a day, spray a deodorant to keep smelling fresh. Best deodorants for women include:

   1. NIVEA Deo- Pearl extracts & 0% Alcohol, for Smooth Underarms
   2. United Colors of Benetton Colors Pink Deodorant Body Spray
   3. Skinn Deodorant Spray Amalfi Bleu For Women

2. Suggest the best underarm roll-on.

   Here are the highest-rated roll-on recommendations:

   1. NIVEA Deodorant Roll On - Whitening Smooth Skin
   2. NIVEA Deodorant Roll On - Pearl & Beauty

3. Suggest some tips to get rid of the underarm smell.

   • Wearing fresh clothes helps minimise body odour.
   • Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, cruciferous vegetables, and other such dietary choices that trigger body odour.
   • Bathing with an antibacterial soap can help reduce bacteria that cause the pungent odour.
   • Prefer clothes made from wool, silk and cotton that allow sweat to evaporate faster. Synthetic clothes, on the other hand, don’t allow your skin to breathe and trap the sweat on your skin, which means a breeding ground for bacteria.
   • Hair tends to trap sweat, thus providing a friendly environment for bacteria to multiply and result in body odour. This is why it’s necessary to regularly shave or wax the hair on your armpits.

4. Why do armpits smell even after washing?

   Even after washing, smell can persist because bacteria on sweat and dead skin survive. If cleaning is not complete or if strong soaps upset your skin balance, the odour will linger. Diet, stress, or hormonal fluctuations can also be factors, making it more difficult to remain fresh.

5. How to detox smelly armpits?

   Begin by making the transition to natural deodorants and applying a gentle clay mask one or two times a week to pull impurities out of the skin. Exfoliate on a regular basis to remove residue, and moisturise with calming ingredients such as aloe or witch hazel. A simple, clean routine will reset and rejuvenate your underarms.

6. Does shaving armpits reduce smell?

   Yes, trimming or shaving underarm hair can help cut down on odour. Hair holds sweat and bacteria, which cause more pungent smells. By shaving or neatly trimming the area, you reduce bacterial accumulation and enhance the performance of deodorants or antiperspirants.

7. What do dermatologists recommend for underarm odour?

   Dermatologists tend to recommend antibacterial cleansers, the wearing of breathable clothing, and the selection of fragrance-free or natural deodorants to prevent irritation. For odour that's lingering, treatments such as topical antibiotics, prescription-strength antiperspirants.

8. Can lemon remove armpit smell?

   Yes, lemon can help reduce armpit odour. Its natural acidity lowers the skin’s pH, making it harder for odour-causing bacteria to survive. To use, rub a thin slice of lemon under your arms and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Avoid applying to freshly shaved or irritated skin, as it may cause stinging.

9. Why do armpits smell even after washing?

   Even after washing, armpits may smell due to lingering bacteria or sweat trapped in the skin or hair. Inadequate cleansing, synthetic clothing, or hormonal changes can also contribute. Using antibacterial soap, exfoliating regularly, and wearing breathable fabrics can help combat persistent odour.