Summer is upon us, and this means high temperatures, lots of sunlight, and plenty of sweat.
Sweat, unfortunately, carries with it a bunch of other concerns, chief among them body odor.
Sweat causes parts of the body to become damp and warm, two perfect places for odor-causing bacteria to grow. Sweat also removes certain waste products from the body, which can contribute to odor. Fortunately, there are various ways that you can limit body odor so that you don’t have to be self-conscious about your body odor.
Shower More With Quality Soap
This one might seem self-explanatory, but you’d be surprised how easy it is not to change your showering habits from winter to summer, simply because you’re stuck to a routine. Showering every few days might work when it’s cold outside, but it’s not going to cut it in the summer.
Try showering daily, or as often as you need to remove sweat. Along with showering daily, make sure to wash with a high quality soap. We aren’t talking about those big bulk packs you find in the cosmetic section that are made with synthetic chemicals and substances that “scrap” the skin clean.
Good soaps balance hardness, lather quality, and moisturizing properties. When you use these soaps, the ingredients will agitate dirt, oil, and bacteria, causing them to lift from the skin and wash free. At the same time, it leaves beneficial oils and doesn’t harm the skin.
Look for soaps made with fats from vegetables, pure lye, and essential oils or other natural fragrances.
Use Deodorant
Deodorant is a summertime staple. Even if you don’t like to wear it, make an exception for the hottest months of the year. Your family and co-workers will thank you. If you’re not so hot about the ingredients of mainstream deodorants, instead try one or more of the following alternatives.
- OregaSpray from North American Herb & Spice is the only completely natural, multipurpose, wild spice oil spray available with hundreds of uses for cleansing and deodorizing.
- Wild Rose Deodorant Spray from Weleda is made with all-natural rose leaf extract to neutralize bacteria and funky smells.
- Coconut Roll-On Deodorant from Eco Tan helps keep you dry and smelling fresh while also allowing your body to get rid of toxins. It contains no hidden chemicals and is a great option for the whole family!
- Foot Deodorant Cream from Lavilin, when used properly, frees you of unpleasant perspiration odor regardless of the amount and extent of physical activity. It allows you to bathe, swim, exercise and engage in strenuous sports.
- Underarm Deodorant Cream from Lavilin is an ideal, all-natural, and healthy way to combat foot odor, even in leather and sports shoes. Bathing, showering, sports, and other strenuous activities will not interfere with the performance of this product.
Each achieves pleasant scent and odor protection using only natural ingredients. Lastly, if you don’t shave your armpits, consider giving it a try — even if you’re a man. Underarm hair harbors moisture and bacterial life, which can counteract the effect you’re going for with your deodorant products.
Dietary Changes for Better Body Odor
Believe it or not, the way you eat has an important impact on the way you smell. Garlic and onions can make a noticeable change in your body’s smell, especially if you have not showered recently.
You may have noticed the effect of the oils on your face after eating a very garlicky meal. Caffeinated beverages also tend to make you smell bad, as they increase sweat and seem to impart a change to your body’s natural scent. If you plan to consume any of the above, plan ahead for an extra shower or use of deodorant.
Practice Summer Laundry Hygiene
When it’s summertime, wear summer clothes. And we’re not just talking about short pants and sleeves. Choose summer fabrics like linen, which allow air to pass through your clothing, helping to prevent sweat and staleness.
If you don’t want to buy new clothes, make sure to properly launder your normal clothes. Keeping your clothes clean will greatly reduce the scents we associate with body odor. Finally, rotate your shoes in the summer. When we wear the same shoes day in and day out, the moisture from our feet doesn’t dry, and our shoes grow to harbor the most smelly of bacterial cultures. Try to give your shoes a wash and two days rest for every day worn.
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, not for worrying about the way you smell to others. Fortunately, we can manage the way we smell by practicing summer hygiene and learning some basic practices. Incorporate these into your summer routine, and you’ll be smelling sweet until the fall.