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Underarm odor is truly the pits. It’s especially frustrating when it creeps up in the middle of the day, even after you’re applied deodorant. Because body odor can be embarrassing and isolating, you may find it hard to concentrate at work or socialize without worrying who may catch a whiff.
Are you wondering how to get rid of underarm odor? We’ve collected a list of tips to help you avoid the problem of smelly armpits even with deodorant so you can work and play with confidence. By the end of this post, you'll surely have at least a few new tips for how to get rid of your underarm smell.
This post was originally published in March 2020, and was updated in March 2021.
You may be fighting a losing battle if you use an all-purpose soap or shower gel. While these products are great at tackling dirt, they do not quash odor-causing bacteria. Look for antibacterial soaps or shower gels that are specifically formulated to get rid of bacteria and fight odor. By reducing the bacteria on your skin, you minimize the chances of odors forming throughout the day.
Your overgrown armpit hair may be fueling the fire of body odor. Underarm hair traps sweat and prevents it from evaporating, which allows bacteria to break it down. The best way to prevent this from happening is to shave (or trim) your armpit hair. By reducing armpit hair, your antiperspirant or deodorant can make direct contact with your skin and perform to its fullest potential.
Dead skin cells and dirt can build up in your armpits, adding to your odor problem. The best way to get rid of dead skin cells is to exfoliate your pits each week. You can do this by using a loofah or applying a scrub on your armpits. (This works best on clean-shaven or trimmed underarms.)
Dead skin cells and dirt can build up in your armpits, adding to your odor problem.
Many of our recommendations to combat armpit odor involve getting rid of the “bad” bacteria. But what about the good bacteria? There are topical probiotics available to help restore the balance of bacteria and the overall health of your skin.
Another treatment to reduce underarm odor is applying a natural astringent. This type of treatment tightens up your pores to reduce sweat. Natural astringents like apple cider vinegar or witch hazel also have antibacterial properties, which help reduce odor-causing bacteria.
Saturate a cotton ball with either apple cider vinegar or witch hazel and apply to your armpit. (Do not apply if you have recently shaved your armpits.)
Like shampoo, sometimes a deodorant works well to start and then just fizzles out. Sadly, there is no warning when this happens. One day you smell fine, and then the next day, you have smelly armpits even with deodorant.
While searching for a new product may be a daunting task, the good news is that there are a lot of products available. To help you narrow it down, consider what you need from a daily underarm product.
If you have been stressed out trying to figure out how to remove underarm odor permanently, you might want to chill out. Literally.
When you are anxious or experiencing stress, your body produces “stress sweat” which is a foul-smelling substance different than the normal sweat your body produces to cool down.
One way to manage your stress is to take up meditation, which calms the mind, focuses on breathing and tempers your emotions. Another effective method of reducing stress is regular exercise. By establishing a fitness regime, you physically release stress and increase your body’s ability to manage stressful situations.
Look at what you’re putting into your body when you consider how to stop armpit odor. Certain foods and beverages can cause spikes in body odor, while others may help keep it at bay.
Limit cruciferous vegetables like brussel sprouts and broccoli, and foods like eggs, beans, and milk. These foods increase the amount of sulfur in your body. Your body gets rid of excess sulfur through your sweat, which reeks like rotten eggs.
Red meat is another food that may contribute to body odor. Because red meat is harder to digest, it can leave residue in your digestive tract and increase sweating. Conversely, there have been studies that have shown that a reduction in red meat consumption can significantly improve the smell of a person’s sweat.
If you’re still wondering how to get rid of armpit smell by adjusting your diet, you may want to limit your alcohol consumption. Although alcohol can improve your immediate disposition, it is difficult for your body to absorb. It ends up being broken into acetate and eliminated through your sweat with a cringe-worthy odor.
Avoid smelly armpits even with deodorant by wearing clothes that work with you, instead of against you... like an Ejis sweat proof undershirt with anti-odor technology.
Just as some foods can make you smell worse, some foods may improve your aroma significantly. Citrus-bursting fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons clear out toxins and odors from your skin. Spices like cinnamon and cardamom are also known to infuse your body with a more pleasant smell.
Wearing clothes made from natural fibers helps mitigate smelly armpits because the fabric is breathable and it doesn’t hold on to foul odors. When wearing breathable fabrics, like cotton or bamboo, your sweat has a chance to evaporate, instead of getting trapped in your clothing.
As mentioned earlier, when bacteria and sweat mix, that’s when the stink kicks in. Additionally, natural fabrics don’t retain odors like synthetic fibers do.
Ejis sweat proof undershirts (buy in our shop or on Amazon) are designed to stave off sweat marks and body odor. Each undershirt is made from fabric fibers that are permanently infused with real silver to fight odor-causing bacteria. When you wear an Ejis sweat proof undershirt, it’s like giving your deodorant (or antiperspirant) a relief pitcher so you can finish the game with confidence!
