When it comes to a man’s grooming regime, learning how to remove body odor is the most important. You can grow the hippest beard, you can wear the sharpest suit or have the sultry looks of a James Dean but if you stink like a truckers crotch after he’s pulled a double shift then you are going to make negative impressions on the people you interact with throughout the day.
Everyone has been in a situation where they have caught a whiff of a fellow worker or one of the guys in the bar after work on a Friday and right now you are remembering when this happened to you. That’s because those memories tend to stick with you for a long time.
Men can miss out on promotions at work due to the lasting negative impression of body odor. It might have only been the once. They were late up, had to rush to work, a brief meeting with the boss and from then on every time his name is mentioned all the boss remembers is that the guy had BO.
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What Is Body Odor?
BO can become a problem for men once they get to puberty. Sweat is actually odorless to humans. Body odor is caused by the bacteria that thrives in moist conditions breaking down the sweat into various acids.
Sweating is actually good for you. It’s how your body gets rid of toxins from your body and keeps your temperature down when you get hot so using antiperspirants to block up your sweat glands is not a great idea. Keeping the bacteria growth in check is the best plan of attack if you want to ensure you don’t have any body odor problems.
Diagnosing Body Odor
Perhaps you caught someone in the corner of your eye giving you a strange look or your absolute best chat up line failed twice in the same night and you can’t figure out why. For whatever reason, if you suspect you might have BO you should confide to a good friend or family member and ask for their opinion.
How To Remove Body Odor
Shower or bathe daily if you are lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, at least every other day if you don’t. Warm water kills the bacteria present on your skin.
Use a good shower gel all over but paying particular attention to all the places vulnerable to bacteria growth – feet, groin and between your butt cheeks, belly button, armpits, behind your ears etc.
If the marketing has worked its magic and you must use an antiperspirant don’t apply it as soon as you get out of a hot shower as your body is still trying to regulate your temperature. Your sweat will simply wash it away before it has had time to dry.
Wear clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton, silk and wool as they allow sweat to evaporate quicker.
Wear clean boxers and socks daily.
Avoid hot spicy foods – your body will will simply excrete the spices via the pores of your skin causing a strong odor.
Avoid processed foods – Junk foods are a source of the chemicals your body wants to excrete by sweating.
How To Get Rid Of Underarm Odor
If you find you’re susceptible to armpit odor carry some anti-bacterial or alcohol wipes to keep the bacteria in check. Try shaving or trimming the hair under your armpits as it slows down evaporation of sweat.
Deodorant V Antiperspirant
Deodorants work by making it more difficult for the bacteria that causes body odor to thrive. Antiperspirants work by blocking your sweat glands and thereby lowering the amount of sweating you do.
As already mentioned, sweating is necessary to cool down your body so I always avoid antiperspirants. They also use aluminum to block your sweat glands which has been linked to prostate and breast cancer.
Smelly Feet Cures
Smelly feet are only a problem if you are asked to remove your shoes as the smell is usually contained by the footwear. It can be a nightmare scenario though if you know you suffer from foot odor and you are asked to remove your shoes. Try these tips to keep foot odor in check:
- Wear socks made with a mixture of wool and man made fibers as these allow sweat to evaporate.
- Trainers are for the track and gym. At all other times wear quality leather shoes.
- Don’t wear the same shoes 2 days in a row to work as the sweat won’t have fully dried overnight.
- Remove all dead skin regularly from your feet as bacteria thrive on it.
- Get out of your shoes as often as you can. If you work at a desk slip them off while you’re sat at it and take them off as soon as you are home.
- Wash your feet in warm water as often as possible and at least once a day.