Summer can be a challenging time for those who struggle with armpit odor. With temperatures soaring and humidity levels rising, sweating is a natural response to keep the body cool.
However, this can cause embarrassing and unpleasant body odor, which can be a source of anxiety and discomfort. Here are five tips for beating summer armpit odor:.
1. Keep Your Armpits Clean and Dry
The first and most important step to beating armpit odor is to keep your armpits clean and dry. Shower or bathe at least once a day, and use a mild soap or body wash to cleanse your armpits thoroughly.
Afterward, make sure to dry your armpits completely before getting dressed. This will prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
2. Use Antiperspirant or Deodorant
To combat armpit odor, use an antiperspirant or deodorant. Antiperspirants help control sweating by blocking sweat ducts, while deodorants neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
Look for products that contain aluminum chloride if you suffer from excessive sweating. If your armpit odor is particularly strong, you might want to consider using a clinical-strength antiperspirant.
3. Wear Breathable Clothes
Wearing breathable clothes is another effective way to prevent armpit odor. Opt for natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk, which allow air to circulate and sweat to evaporate.
Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon, which trap sweat and bacteria and can make armpit odor worse. Loose-fitting clothes are also better than tight-fitting ones, as they reduce friction and irritation.
4. Watch Your Diet
What you eat can also affect armpit odor. Certain foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, and alcohol, have a strong odor and can be excreted through sweat. Try to limit your intake of these foods, or at least eat them in moderation.
On the other hand, foods high in chlorophyll, such as parsley, wheatgrass, or chlorella, can help neutralize body odor.
5. Try Home Remedies
If you prefer natural remedies, there are several options you can try to fight armpit odor. Apple cider vinegar, for example, is a natural astringent that can help kill odor-causing bacteria.
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply to your armpits with a cotton ball. Let it dry before putting on clothes. Baking soda is another effective odor-fighting ingredient. Mix equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch and apply to your armpits as a powder.
You can also make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to your armpits for 15 minutes before rinsing off with water.