r/beauty • u/Flyin_Fork • 1d ago
Seeking Advice How to smell even decent?
Hi all, first post here. I have struggled a lot with my hygiene in the past years. I even have had numerous comments that I just actually smell bad, and it's taking a toll on my mental health now. Currently I shower 6/7 times per week with body wash and shampoo (shampoo 2/3x a week). I put on some nivea antitranspirant before going out the door, but when I smell my armpits it smells horrible. I have no idea what to do?? My brother and dad use the exact same stuff and they smell fine so i have no idea what the problem is.
42
u/Flyin_Fork 1d ago
So sorry y'all, I obviously meant 6/7 times per week**, per day would be crazy
27
u/401LocalsOnly 1d ago
lol this has caused such unrest among this post! I came late and that’s most of the comments haha
6
36
u/Remarkable_Life_5013 1d ago
Hello there! U NEED BENZOL PEROXIDE GEL!! That shit kills odor causing bacteria. Use it on your armpits after bathing. And you will not smell anymore. U can use your deo/perfume and stuff in top of it as well that thing will still work. This is most definitely stop you from smelling bad. I use it every single day and have never smelled since. My goal is to either smel good or to not smell like anything at all. Benzol peroxide 2.5% gel takes care of the latter.
6
u/JuxtheDM 1d ago
Upvoting and commenting because this is absolutely what has helped me. The Glycolic acid trick did not, but switched to this wash and it was an immediate difference. I also use men’s stick anti-perspirant, but keep a bottle of spray on deodorant to apply later as I believe it helps.
3
6
u/Rose_Mortem 1d ago
Yes, this is a good option that works. I use OTC Hibiclens, too, and my armpits barely smell. I followed up with Vanicream deodorant because everything else would clog up my pores.
3
5
u/No-Secret-9073 1d ago
Doesn’t this stain clothes?
1
u/Remarkable_Life_5013 1d ago
Nope. If you're in India there is this gel called persol. Just buy that. THE BEST. even works wonders for body acne
8
u/No-Secret-9073 1d ago
Well benzoyl peroxide has been used as an acne medication forever where I come from (the US). But it bleaches fabrics. The “peroxide” is what does it….
2
u/Remarkable_Life_5013 1d ago
Idk man the soap and gel that I have been using for years have never bleached anything. I use the soap on my face (2.5%) and it hasn't bleached anything. Same with the gel.
32
u/BalladofBadBeard 1d ago
Make sure your towels are fresh as well. Towels can hold funk after a bit and you need to switch them out or they'll make you stinky when you dry off. Seriously though, please see a doctor about this. We on the internet aren't able to help specifically as you need. Get an expert opinion.
25
u/Pannieroos 1d ago
I had the same issue when i was young, but i was allergic to the deoderant i was using. I thought the tingly feeling when putting it on was normal, but the allergic reaction made my sweat smell worse. Now i use milder deoderants and no issues so you can try switching that out.
Can you still smell yourself after showering? Cause it sounds like you do enough, but if you can still smell the sweat after you can maybe try changing some products to.
If deoderant and showering doesnt solve the issue then it might be something else. You can try going to the doctor to get it checked out.
22
u/Abject-Variation6224 1d ago
The way you smell on the outside can be an indication of what's going on inside. If you think that may be a possibility with you, maybe clean up your diet for a month and see if changes with your scent occur. Drink a ton of water, limiting alcohol and processed food. Eat and drink stuff that is as close to what youd find in nature as possible. Good luck 💜
12
u/Wrong_Persimmon_7861 1d ago
Underrated comment. My dad had this problem. He smelled super pungent all the time, and especially if he perspired. Turned out he’d been stopping by Burger King for a Whopper with onions on his lunch break almost every day. Problem magically went away when he retired and quit doing that.
3
11
u/Neul7334 1d ago
Hello, I only see one solution: you have to block your sweating under your armpits. 2 methods:
Use a deperspirant with aluminum salts (I know that these types of products are very controversial) like Etiaxil. Etiaxil is applied 2 evenings in a row and that's it for the week, it continues to act for 6-7 days. Radical.
have botox injections under the armpits from a dermatologist to block the activity of the sweat glands. It works very well and for several months. People with serious problems with sweat odor often turn to this solution.
For my part, I don't have this problem. But sometimes when it's summer I use Etiaxil to keep my armpits dry for a whole week.
35
u/HotFloorToastyToes 1d ago edited 1d ago
Change your deodorant, no one needs 6 showers per day as stated in original post. Brush teeth and use mouthwash. Wash clothes separately with new detergent. Wash sheets and make sure room is clean. Wash shoes. Keep us updated!
23
u/MrsLucienLachance 1d ago
I don't think 6 or 7 showers is overdoing it for a week? That's once a day.
Agree with the rest though.
0
u/HotFloorToastyToes 1d ago
This person said PER DAY. Of course once a day is rad.
3
u/PurelyCanadian 1d ago
Did they edit their post? Where does it say per day?
-17
u/HotFloorToastyToes 1d ago
"currently I shower 6/7 times a day with body wash..." Read, people.
19
u/PurelyCanadian 1d ago
It .. it says "per WEEK", not per day. I genuinely can't tell if you're trolling or not.
5
u/HotFloorToastyToes 1d ago
This is what I am reading.
16
-9
u/Here_IGuess 1d ago
They provided the exact quote from OP. The only part that says per week is the 2 or 3 shampoos. The 6 to 7 shower is daily. You need to reread it.
11
u/PurelyCanadian 1d ago
I don't know how to link a screenshot but I can assure you, the post I'm reading clearly says "per week". They must have edited.
1
4
u/Vegetable_Tension985 1d ago
I take a shower every day after work and after my daily workout on weekend days (so always once per day). Not sure what y'all do but I will NOT be skipping a shower day...I love them too much and I feel too ick if not.
0
u/UsedRequirement4870 1d ago
Not everyone sweats as much as you and our skin isn't smelly or greasy.
16
u/SoapsandRopes 1d ago
Showering that much is a lot. It can’t be good for your skin and I wonder if it might be making issues worse because your skin (and towels) are never drying.
13
u/tiibii 1d ago
Its per week. 1 shower a day. Totally normal.
5
u/SoapsandRopes 1d ago
Wild, I read the comment multiple times before posting and swear it said day.
6
9
4
u/sarahkazz 1d ago
I’m curious what would happen if you put a little 7-8% glycolic acid on parts of your body that are prone to being stinky (like your armpits.)
4
4
u/Silent-Giraffe6691 1d ago
Liquid chlorophyll to fight odor internally.
1
1
1
1
u/Silent-Giraffe6691 8h ago
It really works! You can use the pills or the liquid. I think the liquid works better, but it’s messy.
6
u/Naive-Special-7526 1d ago
You have a lot of bacteria under your armpits - the bad kind of bacteria that causes the smell. Use a benzoyl peroxide wash in the area, leave for five minutes, then use a regular body wash. Also stop using antiperspirant, use a regular deodorant that allows you to sweat. I swear by rexona (not sure where you live and if this is available for you). I would not go for a natural deodorant now. You can also do a glycolic acid wipe a few times a week. Stick with a very simple routine, once your natural bio stabilizes you can use a natural deodorant.
4
u/Lazaraleen 1d ago edited 1d ago
This is it. This kind of bacteria can also transfer to your clothes and washing your clothes will not help if you wash at 30-40°C. If your clothes smell bad once the bacteria is activated by your body heat, soak them in a vinegar and warm water mix over night and then wash them the next day.
It doesn't matter how often you shower per day, if you clothes carry the smell the bacteria is then transferred to your armpits.
Also, I don't know if you have body hair in your armpits. The hair can carry the bacteria much more easily, so I recommend to at least trim this hair.
1
u/Flyin_Fork 1d ago
Do you maybe have a link where to buy?
And when do I apply it? Before or during shower?1
u/Naive-Special-7526 1d ago
I purchase on iherb - panoxyl acne creamy wash. I squirt a generous amount on my hands or loofah (natural loofah), wet it a bit, lather, then spread really well on the area. Get out from under the water, leave for 5 minutes then you can continue your shower. I do this twice a week. You can also do this on the other areas you sweat from. If you sweat from your feet I heard that doing salt soaks are amazing. I don’t have more info on this tho.
5
u/Scary-Package-9351 1d ago
I’ve heard chlorophyll can help with body odor! 6/7 showers a day is crazy! And may actually be damaging to your skin and hair.
5
u/abbsjanko 1d ago
No, they said 6-7 showers per WEEK
3
3
u/jibbers91 1d ago
Are you using a loofah or flannel or something to scrub your armpits? I swear by Hibiscrub/Hibiwash on my armpits and back and anywhere that gets spots. Also you might need to wash your clothes on a higher temperature or get some new T-shirts as sometimes I find they get ingrained with sweat and there’s nothing you can do to stop them smelling immediately after putting them on
2
u/AdministrativeIce383 1d ago
No offense, but how old are you? Could it be a hormone thing? Diet?
2
u/Flyin_Fork 1d ago
17
2
u/AdministrativeIce383 1d ago
I’m obv no doctor, but this could be it. I would really make sure you’re limiting bad fats, sugars, etc and drinking a looot of water. The deodorants are a band aid for the root cause, which just sounds like normal teenage hormones going nuts. 💕
3
2
2
u/Magical_Land_of_Az 1d ago
you can also take harmless supplements that really work from the inside out. they contain chlorophyll & mint.
2
u/Pinkthang99 17h ago
Pour witch hazel on a cotton ball/pad, rub it on your pits, feet, behind the ears/neck, and even the crack of your butt. Let it dry. Then apply your deodorant. Works like a charm. Use antibacterial soap once a day when showering like dial, then go in with a second layer of a smell good soap like caress.
2
u/bunny1481 11h ago
Sometimes deodorants stop working as they should, for me at least, so i try and rotate using a couple different ones every few weeks. It's often not enough to just use soap on your underarms as it doesn't get all of the deodorant residue off. Keep an exfoliating glove in the shower and scrub your armpits with a decent amount of shower gel 3-4 times (scrub-rinse-repeat) then leave some shower gel on them whilst you shower everything else. Same with everything else -soap up- rinse - repeat. Same with shampoo, wash your hair twice and really lather up. Don't forget to wash places like in and around the ears. Same with private parts - soap up and rinse at least 3-4 times. Once your armpits are dry apply a decent amount of deodorant, I find the original Dove one to work well and it's neutral.
As others mentioned it could also be an idea to look into your diet as everything you eat, you do sweat out. Biggest culprits being garlic and onions, maybe try and cut these out for a couple weeks and see how you're doing. This is the foundation of smelling good, perfumes and such will just mix with body odour so it's best to fix the source. Also make sure you're always putting on fresh clean clothes after the shower. Everyone gets a bit stinky sometimes, especially as a teenager.
2
u/Far_Cycle3949 8h ago
Are your clothes and environment clean? You can be freshly showered but put on an unclean shirt and smell terrible.
4
u/Glow_Up_Heaux 1d ago
I would start with a conversation with your primary care physician, probably asking him for an allergist referral while there. The two of them can figure out if there’s a skin condition happening or perhaps an allergy to something as the root cause.
Showering that much though means you’re stripping away your skins protective layer before it ever has a chance to protect you. Overly dry skin from over bathing can be an issue that’s factoring in here too. Our bodies will naturally reach a sort of equilibrium once we find a balanced cleaning routine that’s right for us. Yes, your personal anatomy matters greatly here.
Also, your deodorant could be poisoning you, or at least be an underlying or root cause of some extra smells too. Once my sister stopped using hers and let it mellow out with nothing for a while, she noticed an insane decrease in the amount she sweats (and she used to be pretty… pungent) She says she now uses more natural deodorants or nothing at all. She smells normal now. Hallelujah.
For her it was a pretty self diagnosable and easy fix, I hope it’s as easy for you, but I’d definitely recommend starting with your medical professionals to make sure you’re not harming your end goal more than helping.
Once you balance out, a scented lotion after my morning shower and a spritz of perfume then and a little refresher in the afternoon keeps me smelling extra fresh. I recommend bath and body works products— though I’d make sure your med pros can approve of scented lotions first. As well as regular hair washing and the use of hair perfume (no or less alcohol so it doesn’t damage our hair) is a major factor.
Lastly paying extremely good attention to diet and oral hygiene is so important. And don’t skimp on your flossing.
Good luck!
1
u/raralu97 1d ago
Do you use roll on or spray deodorant? I find roll on is far better when it comes to actually preventing BO coming from there.
1
1
u/TaleRoyal6141 1d ago
I struggle with task paralysis a lot. On days when I can't shower I use hibiclens in my pits and dips. It's medical grade and does a great job of destroying bad-smelling bacteria and gives me a little refresher. It may help during your showers if you use it as a pre-cleanser in your armpits.
1
u/fastfishyfood 1d ago
A high strength deodorant (usually in a twist package, not a roll-one) should ideally be applied, every night, before bed.
1
u/Unique-Manner-8356 1d ago
I had the same issue. What helped was putting on my antiperspirant at night after my shower. And then the next morning I just use a regular deodorant to keep the smell away. I also stopped using the white solid stick. That's never worked for me. I decided to try a gel, a soft solid, and roll on. That's helped more than anything. Idk what's in the solid stick but it always made me stink like no other. ETA: everybody mentioning the glycolic acid is spot on. That's also made a huge difference
1
u/Flyin_Fork 1d ago
Would you say glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide? I'm seeing very positive things about both
1
u/Unique-Manner-8356 1d ago
I tried both, but glycolic acid worked better for me. If you can, maybe try both to see what's best for you.
1
u/Flyin_Fork 1d ago
Do you know the underlying reason of why they work, maybe I can choose one that matches better for me
1
u/Unique-Manner-8356 1d ago
They both kill the bacteria that can make us smell. Beyond that, unfortunately, I don't know enough about the science behind it.
1
u/poopoopeepeecrusader 1d ago
Find this deodorant called Dry Idea. Shit changed my life and I bought it on a whim. I don’t even know what my own sweat smells like anymore
1
u/raggy_17 1d ago
My husband works construction and can not get the sweat smell off of him at times. We got him benzoyl peroxide wash for his armpits and it immediately kills any stinky smell!
1
u/Comfortable_Solid864 1d ago
Put on dove spray deodorant after your regular deodorant. It smells so good!
1
u/ChaneLBraT3 1d ago
Have you tried using a hibiscrub soap? It’s a medical grade soap and apparently it’s Ireally good for odours, also try using a men’s deodorant (one that doesn’t smell manly but clean or even unscented if possible). Is it still continues it might be a hormonal problem and maybe you might have to speak with your GP
1
u/No-Secret-9073 1d ago
Do you wear a lot of artificial fibers? They trap and hold BO - and it’s almost impossible to get out. Change your clothes to natural fibers - cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp…no polyester, fleece, spandex, etc. Wash with minimum detergent and no fabric softener / use a cup of vinegar in the softener compartment.
1
1
u/No-Substancepokes 1d ago
Wash armpits with bar soap, youll be amazed at how “squeaky clean” they feel, shower gel / bodywash leaves a film that can affect deodorant, mine is much more effective when i use bar soap as a last step (tho you can replace shower gel with it i just like the moisturising effect and feels weird to avoid pits so i do bar soap rinse body wash rinse n finish with bar soap on armpits to remove any film left.
If youre struggling with scent id get one antibacterial soap bar or body wash and use once every week or two (too often is bad for you just like any antibac skin product as you can kill the good bacteria too) dettol do one but so do many other brands and whenever not using pick up any bar soap (i use lush now as i love their scents but began with nivea bars as theyre so cheap).
What brand deodorant are you using? Switch to mitchum and if thats not working or its really bothering you i use driclor when i know ill sweat a lot as im a little sensitive to it but it stops sweat completely and since having my daughter i smell awful when i sweat (i know everyone does but this is x1000 🤣) so i can promise it works lol its meant for people with disorders that cause excess sweating but works brilliantly for normal sweat issues if a little itchy, follow instructions to a t tho or it stings like hell (dry clean skin NOT after shaving!)
1
u/lilmisse85 1d ago edited 1d ago
I was recommended this by other moms with stinky teen boys and it’s really helped my son.
Old Spice Pure Sport body wash. It has to be that scent. It’s specifically for really sweaty stinky dudes. You can find it on Amazon or at the grocery store.
Oops sorry OP for assuming you were a boy. When you said you used what your bro and dad did I just assumed
2
1
u/PrettyPinkDiamond 1d ago
Antiperspirant and deodorant are two different things. Also, if you aren’t using a washcloth or something to wash your body during your shower that can contribute to not smelling fresh. Using your hands isn’t going to cut it.
1
u/Runningprofmama 1d ago
For one thing, not all deodorants work with everyone's body chemistry the same! I bought a Dove deodorant a few years back, and after like 15 minutes I stunk like BO. It was quite shocking and I've never had it happen before. My sister uses the same deodorant and it's fine on her. I am really not a stinky person (not a big sweater, don't get stinky feet and my hair doesn't get oily quickly, all of which can contribute to becoming smelly), but that stuff, for whatever reason, did *not* work for me. I got a different brand - the brand I was using before - and it was fine again. Have you tried other brands or formulations of deodorant?
If this isn't the root of your issue, I second others' suggestions of gylcolic acid. I have a friend who uses it on her pits and she swears by it.
1
1
u/PicoPicoMio 1d ago
Make sure your clothes and towels are freshly laundered with enzyme based detergent too.
1
u/TheRebelSith 1d ago
Try body mint they sell it online. It's natural and I felt like it helped my overall body odor.
Glycolic acid helps make skin look better and helps w odor.
In an emergency use hand sanitizer on your pits if you find yourself being stinky in an unconventional place.
Also I have so many containers of deodorant that were used once then tossed in the cabinet after NOT WORKING it's embarrassing. "Pro strength" "clinical strength" blah blah. Recently tried this Nivea brand clear deodorant online (never seen before in my life) and Holy crap IT WORKS. I HAVE THREE NOW.
Good luck.
1
u/Bumbaeire 1d ago
Try using an antibacterial soap to wash your armpit. You can try mildly exfoliating the area as well. I used to face the same issue even though I shower twice a day and this totally solved it for me
1
u/Thin_Assistance_6782 1d ago
Make sure you’re putting deodorant on as soon as you get out of the shower. If I shower at night, I also reapply it in the morning.
1
u/Aone2032 1d ago
Ever thought about changing your diet and maybe doing a detox? That may help, I’ve discovered that as we age certain foods affect us differently
1
u/silvasmurfy 1d ago
I would go to the doctor and check out my hormones. When everything is ok bad body odor can come from food and drinks. The others already recommended glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Those are really good options!
1
u/Antique-Scar-7721 23h ago
I had to solve the same thing on myself and this is what helped me…
Washing body and hair with distilled water instead of tap water (honestly you might be surprised what a massive difference this makes…maybe the microbiome uses the tap water metals and minerals as food so you get a totally different microbiome within days on distilled water, which has nothing in it except water)
Taking “binder” supplements like chlorella or activated charcoal (not permanently but just when the armpit odors are worst)
Taking gut microbiome supplements like diatomaceous earth …this helped my leaky gut by killing some bad stuff that contributes to leaky gut, and then the good gut microbiome can thrive.
I know a lot of people say things like “don’t eat onions” too but I don’t include that in my list personally because I love onions and I can still eat them and smell good as long as I do the other stuff in this list 😊
This list helped me get to a point where I actually don’t need any deodorant on most days, and my armpits smell only slightly warmer than my arm.
Diatomaceous earth is the only really tricky thing in that list but there’s a facebook support group for it if you want to try it.
1
u/poopoopeepeesub69 23h ago
try witch hazel under the arms after you shower. i put it on a cotton round and just wipe my underarms. then use the lume cream, i think you can get it at target or walmart.
you want to kill the bacteria on your skin. also hibiclens will kill bacteria very well and should help control the odor. it’s a medical grade antibacterial foaming soap.
1
u/Educational_Place_ 23h ago
Don't eat food which smells like garlic, use acids like glycolic acid to prevent the bacteria smell, don't wear synthetic material because the sweat smell lingers there even after washing and maybe get botox in your armpits so that you sweat less
1
u/Jealous-Bowl6343 22h ago
Dr teals deodorant I swear by it - my ex-husband was the same way and he would have to travel with multiple shirts if we went anywhere just in case he needed to switch them out. Switched to Dr. teals significantly cut down sweating issues and smell it was literally night and day.
The only thing is, I’ve only found it in store one time I can only buy it on Amazon normally
1
u/Expensive_Lake_1698 21h ago
Benzoyl peroxide body wash, shower twice a day focusing on your under carriage and pits
1
u/livinginanimo 20h ago
On top of other people's advice, check your clothes as well! Smell them in the stinky areas to see if they're not contributing. When I was a teenager, I used to wear my tshirts a couple times before washing and I realised pretty quickly that the pits stink if I do that. Wash clothes after every wear, if you can. Especially synthetic fibres seem to hold onto those smells.
1
u/ElkComprehensive8995 17h ago
6 times a week means not every day…IMO you should be showering once a day at minimum. I tend to shower at least twice a day - once before work, and once in the evening before bed (I live in a hot climate) otherwise you’re dirty when you get into bed). I would also say makes sure you’re drinking a tonne of water
1
1
u/tinysweetpetite 16h ago
Too much protein in your diet or an overly acidic diet sometimes can cause bad smells. You can also try wearing a clinical strength deodorant and freshen up before bed too and put deodorant on then again in the morning
1
u/LetFroggy 16h ago
Honestly it doesn’t sound like your hygienic habits are a problem so long as you’re properly bathing yourself when you shower. I would see a doctor
1
u/sizexspntyxo 15h ago
hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle mix with warm water then spray on underarms while you shower
1
u/TeslaOwn 8h ago
Sometimes diet (like eating certain foods or drinking alcohol) can mess with your body odor. Also, make sure you're drinking enough water because being dehydrated can make you stink more. You might want to try a clinical strength antiperspirant, or something with a different formula.
Another thing to think about is your clothes, sometimes odors stick to fabrics even after washing.
1
u/FarAstronomer4706 5h ago
Apply deodorant at night before you go to sleep. Don’t reapply in the morning. No more body odor from your armpits.
1
u/Amazing-War-195 2h ago
Would you consider taking a shower two times daily… soaping your armpit and groin area. Consuming extra water. And having less of sulphur based foods onions garlics etc. In few weeks you will solve it 😍
1
u/kylieab00 1d ago
Wash under your arms really well with a good body wash and washer. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water. I use a roll on antiperspirant. Make sure your clothes are clean.
0
u/dormilonsita 1d ago
I rubbed lemon on my armpits for a bit when I was having some BO problems. I did it in place of deodorant for maybe 2 weeks? I noticed it helped a lot with BO when I resumed deodorant.
Also, use a stronger deodorant! Maybe this one is not cutting it for you.
-1
u/not-a-pipsqueak 23h ago
you use the same products as your dad and brother?
i know that’s not affecting anything, but…
124
u/Pebblebox 1d ago
Use this: the Ordinary glycolic acid. Put it in a spray bottle, spray a few sprays and rub it into the skin a little. Follow-up with your deodorant.
Use on armpits, soles of feet and anywhere else that is producing odor. You’re welcome.