No one likes to deal with body odor, but unfortunately, it’s a natural part of life. While you might wonder, “Why do I sweat so much?” or “Why do my armpits smell so bad?” understanding the root causes can help you manage it effectively. Whether you’re noticing an unpleasant smell after a workout or just from daily activities, thankfully, with the right products and a better understanding of what causes body odor, you’ll be well on your way to reducing its effects.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the common causes of bad body odor and discuss effective ways and products to treat it.

What Is Body Odor?

Body odor develops when sweat, particularly from apocrine glands, mixes with bacteria on the skin. Although sweat itself is odorless when it leaves the body, the smell begins to form when it combines with bacteria.

Apocrine glands are mainly located in areas like your armpits and groin, where hair follicles are present. These glands produce a thicker sweat than other glands creating a more noticeable smell when bacteria break it down. The result is often what we think of as bad body odor.

In addition to sweat, other factors like your diet, hormones, and even stress can impact how your body smells. We’ll discuss these further. But to summarize it, if you ever wondered, "Why does my sweat smell so bad?" now you know it's a combination of sweat, bacteria, and how your body reacts to external influences.

What Causes Body Odor?

While sweating is one of the key body odor causes, it’s not the whole story. The two main contributors to why you might smell bad are the apocrine and eccrine sweat glands.

Apocrine glands open into hair follicles and produce thicker sweat that bacteria thrive on, leading to immediate odor. These glands become active at puberty, which explains why young children don’t typically experience body odor. In contrast, eccrine glands secrete sweat directly onto the surface of your skin. Located throughout your body, these glands help you cool down by releasing lighter sweat. While the sweat from eccrine glands doesn’t smell at first, it can produce a foul odor after being broken down by bacteria and yeasts on the skin.

And if you can’t stop asking yourself how to get rid of onion-smelling sweat, well, it could actually come down to cutting out the onions. Diet significantly influences how your sweat smells. Foods like garlic, onions, and alcohol release sulfur compounds that intensify body odor. Spicy foods and caffeine can also increase sweating, making the issue even worse.

Hormonal fluctuations and stress further impact body odor, too. Changes from menopause or pregnancy often increase sweating, while stress can trigger an overproduction of sweat from apocrine glands, resulting in stronger smells.

Lastly, clothing choice matters. Tight, non-breathable fabrics like polyester trap sweat, fostering bacterial growth. Choosing breathable materials like cotton allows sweat to evaporate more easily, helping to control odors.

How Can I Treat Body Odor?

We can't guarantee that you'll be able to prevent sweating or unpleasant odors forever, but there are plenty ways to treat the issue. With a mix of good hygiene habits, lifestyle tweaks, and even medical solutions when necessary, you can stay fresh and confident no matter what the day demands.

Personal hygiene and lifestyle

Maintaining good hygiene is your first line of defense against body odor. While daily showers might not always be essential, washing away noticeable sweat is crucial. OffCourt’s Deep-Cleansing Body Wash helps tackle the root causes, eliminating sweat and bacteria at the source. With ingredients like glycolic and lactic acids, it deeply cleans pores for softer, smoother skin, all without stripping away your skin's natural moisture.

But treating body odor doesn’t end in the shower. Simple habits like changing into clean clothes regularly and choosing breathable fabrics can help stop odor from lingering. Trimming body hair, especially in areas like your armpits, can also minimize odor by reducing the surface area where sweat and bacteria combine.

Your lifestyle choices are just as important. What you eat and how you handle stress can significantly influence body odor. Cutting back on foods that intensify the smells like garlic, onions, and alcohol can help you smell fresher. Additionally, managing stress can lower sweat production during high-stress moments, helping to reduce both sweat and odor.

And don’t forget to use deodorant or antiperspirant regularly. While antiperspirants work to reduce sweating, deodorants focus on neutralizing the odor caused by sweat. 

Deep Cleansing Body Wash - Fig Leaves + White Musk

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Medications or Procedures

If you’ve made lifestyle changes and maintain good hygiene but still find yourself wondering, "How do I stop sweating so much, once and for all?", it might be time to consider medical solutions. Prescription-strength antiperspirants can help manage excessive sweating, and in some cases, oral medications may be prescribed too.

For more targeted treatment, small injections of botulinum toxin (like Botox®) in areas like the armpits can temporarily block sweat glands, providing relief. In cases of chronic or severe sweating, such as hyperhidrosis, more invasive options like sweat gland removal or electromagnetic therapies might be considered.

How Do You Get Rid of Body Odor Naturally?

If you're looking for ways to remove body odor naturally or to enhance your current routine, several effective remedies can help you stay fresh. Here are a few tried-and-true options to consider:

• Baking soda: This household staple is excellent for absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors, making it a great natural deodorizer. Its alkaline properties help balance your skin’s pH, which can further combat odor.
• Green tea: Packed with antioxidants, green tea helps detoxify the skin and reduce odor-causing bacteria. Drinking it regularly can promote overall skin health, and you can also apply it topically for direct benefits.
• Apple cider vinegar: Known for its ability to balance your skin’s pH, apple cider vinegar creates an environment where bacteria struggle to thrive. Applying a diluted solution to your skin can help you stay fresh throughout the day.
• Lemon juice: Thanks to its natural acidity, lemon juice is an effective antibacterial agent that fights odor-causing bacteria. When used in moderation, it can leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed, though be cautious with sensitive skin.
• Coconut oil: Renowned for its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil forms a barrier that protects against bacteria while also moisturizing your skin. It’s a gentle, effective way to stay fresh and hydrated.

What Deodorant Is Best for Armpits That Smell?

OffCourt’s Performance Body Spray is the best deodorant and body spray combo, designed to work in harmony with your skin. Sweating is essential for your body to breathe and cool down, and our formula allows you to do just that while still keeping you smelling your best. Powered by prebiotics and active deodorizing ingredients, it doesn’t just mask odor—it neutralizes it, keeping odor-causing bacteria at bay for up to eight hours of freshness.

Our long-lasting product supports your skin’s natural biosphere, so you can stop wondering how to get rid of bad body odor. Plus, it offers fresh, modern scents that rival luxury fragrances, without overpowering your skin with artificial smells.

Performance Body Spray - Fresh Citron + Driftwood

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Final Thoughts: How to Prevent Body Odor

You don’t have to put up with smelly body odor every time you want to get your sweat on. In fact, you don’t even have to focus on preventing sweat in order to smell better at the gym.

By paying attention to your clothing and putting the right products on your skin, you can walk out of the gym smelling like you hardly broke a sweat. 

Ready to upgrade your hygiene routine? We've got everything you need to keep your skin healthy and smelling great. Check out our shop for products that offer effective solutions to natural problems.

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