It happens to everyone, but what causes body odour & how can you help keep BO under control?
BO doesn’t have to be the pits. Whether you find you’re a bit whiffy at the end of the day or just notice it every now and then, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
What is body odour?
Sweating is not only normal, it’s also important for regulating our temperature and keeping us from overheating. Sometimes sweat can get trapped in places like armpits, and things can start to get a bit stinky.
BO (or Bromhidrosis, to call it by its proper name) happens when sweat gets trapped in the nooks and crannies of our bodies (like armpits). “It’s an unpleasant smell which many people think is caused by bacteria,” says Dr Sophie Shotter. “But it’s actually caused by the bacteria breaking our sweat down into acids.”
What causes body odour?
“Sweat itself doesn’t actually smell,” Sophie adds. “However, sweat does provide a breeding ground for bacteria. When we sweat, these bacteria have the perfect environment to multiply. They break down our sweat into acids, which is what gives the smell of body odour.”
Why do some people have more body odour than others?
“Body odour is common if preventative measures aren’t taken after puberty starts,” warns Sophie. “People who are obese, those who regularly eat spicy food and those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, may be more prone to body odour.”
Does puberty affect body odour?
Sophie says yes. “We have two types of sweat gland on the body,” she explains. “Eccrine glands help us to cool off if we overheat, and apocrine glands which are always active.
“The apocrine glands become active during puberty as hormone levels start to change. We have three million apocrine glands on the body, and teenagers will start to sweat from places they’ve never sweated before.”
What body odour treatments are there?
“Keeping armpits clean is crucial for minimising body odour,” says Sophie, who recommends washing with antibacterial soap.
Shaving can also help keep sweaty armpits in check. “Hair slows down the evaporation of sweat, giving the bacteria longer to break the sweat down and for body odour to develop,” Sophie says.
Wondering what the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant is, and which one you need? Antiperspirants help prevent sweating in the first place, whereas deodorants help reduce the smell. Psst! Why not try an eco-friendly deodorant? Check out Salt of the Earth’s 100 percent natural range next time you’re in Boots.
Dr Sophie’s top tips for keeping BO at bay:
• Clean your armpits – if you’re prone to body odour, carry anti-bacterial wipes to freshen up throughout the day
• Reapply antiperspirant during the day after you’ve freshened up
• Wear natural fibres like cotton, to allow your skin to breathe and minimise over-heating
• Avoid spicy foods
• If sweating and BO becomes a big problem, have a chat with your GP about what other options are out there
And there you have it: the lowdown on BO. Take note and you’ll come up smelling of roses.
