For some of us, smelling nice comes so easily that it seems outrageous for there to be instructions on it. However, we've all experienced standing next to someone who didn't get the memo, and a waft of their unpleasant smell can make you incredibly uncomfortable (even nauseous). While the sense of smell is rather subjective, the following steps will help anyone eradicate what are commonly considered to be unwanted odors.
Step 1
Shower or bathe regularly. If you don't, your body's natural oils, sweat, and dead skin cells will begin to accumulate. That isn't necessarily bad or dirty, because they themselves aren't what make you smell. It's bacteria that eats dead skin cells and thrives in moist conditions that creates an unpleasant odor. As for how often you need to shower or bathe, that really does vary culturally. In the United States, it's common for people to take a shower daily. In Europe and parts of the world where water is scarce, it may be acceptable to shower 3-5 times a week, sometimes even just once a week.
- Soap (which acts as a detergent) is needed to wash away oils. Since oil is not soluble in water, it will not rinse off without some kind of soap. Although not necessary, using soap with fragrance will help the overall cause.
- A washcloth can help with sloughing off dead skin cells.
- If you shower less than daily, it's not a bad idea "spot treat" your odor zones (underarms, crotch area, feet) with soap and water or wipes daily.
Step 2
Dote on your underarms. If you choose to do so, shaving the hair under your arms can help with odor issues. The hair in this area, combined with sweat, helps to create a comfortable home for stinky bacteria (dark and moist). In fact, the same goes for the hair on your genital area. Whether or not you do away with the hair, use an antiperspirant/deodorant. Antiperspirants slow down sweating, while deodorant covers up odor resulting from any sweat that did get through. Wear layers with a sleeveless shirt as your base so that if you get hot and start sweating, you can cool off and air out your underarms a bit. Otherwise, you'll create even more of a clammy, bacteria-friendly environment. When you peel off the layers, take a private moment to sniff your underarms. If there's an unpleasant odors starting to emanate, apply more antiperspirant/deodorant or wash your underarms. A touch of mouthwash or antibacterial gel will do the trick in a pinch.
Step 3
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. Brush your tongue with toothpaste or use a tongue scraper. Follow up with mouthwash, if you like. Go to the dentist twice a year to keep your teeth in optimal condition.
Step 4
Wear socks. Sweaty feet trapped inside shoes are a recipe for bacterial growth. When at home, wear flip-flops or something that opens your feet to the air but doesn't let them touch the floor. Leather shoes and natural fibers (like canvas) will generally let feet breathe better than vinyl, rubber, and other synthetics. If your feet sweat heavily, consider using a foot powder.
Step 5
Use a touch of cologne/perfume. Drugstore colognes typically smell cheap; avoid them. Splurge a little and get something that you like. Then just put a dab on you.
- Remember that you will become accustomed to a smell you smell all the time, including your own perfume. It's easy to put too much on if you wear it all the time.
- There are also essential oils that can give you a nice, simple scent in rose, vanilla, lavender, etc.
- Body sprays are a lighter option if you don't want the stronger scent of a perfume.
- Never use fragrances as a substitute for cleanliness since the mingling of odour and cologne/perfume smells as foul as the odor itself. A dab of perfume behind the ears and on the wrists is sufficient.
- Remember that not everybody likes fragrances, especially strong ones. Also, remember that some people are sensitive or allergic to fragrances. If in doubt, don't wear fragrances, especially if you will be in closes quarters with many other people.
Step 6
Wear clean clothes once, then wash them. Wearing them several times will negate the benefits of taking baths and wearing perfumes, deodorants, etc.
- Reduce the number of 'dry clean only' clothes in the wardrobe. It is impractical and costly to dry clean clothes after every wear and dry-cleaning isn't as effective as standard washing to remove stains and smells. Use a good laundry detergent and softener. Some are available without scents or dyes.
Step 7
Throw out shoes that smell. If they really smell, throw them away and buy new ones. Use the odor-absorbing baking soda based foot sprays. Also try wearing a pair of shoes every other day. Use shoe trees to keep shoes open in storage.
Step 8
Use talcum or some other moisture-absorbing powder. Use talcum powder with odor-absorbing baking soda immediately after taking a bath wherever there are major sweat glands, i.e., back, underneath the breasts, the back of your knees, etc.
- Using talcum powder near the genitals has been linked with ovarian cancer, but the cornstarch kind is safe.
Step 9
Avoid certain foods. If you have body odor problems, avoid garlic, onion, cumin, fenugreek, curry, cheese, coffee, and anything else that smells. Your sweat odors will mix with these smells.
Step 10
Prepare onions carefully in cooking. When cutting garlic or onion, rinse with tomato or lemon juice to neutralize the odor. Simple soap and water does not quite do the job.
Step 11
Change your bed sheets often. If you have body odor problems, change your bed sheets at least twice a week.
Step 12
Don't smoke. Many non-smokers strongly dislike the smell of smoke. Even if you only smoke outdoors, you'll come in smelling strongly of smoke. What's more, smoking dulls the senses of smell and taste, so you won't know if something else about you is smelling bad to others.
Step 13
Keep gum or mints with you. Breath can get gross fairly quickly. Alternatively, make a point to eat fresh, crunchy fruits or veggies if you can't brush. They will tend to clean your teeth. Besides, they're good for you.
Tips
- Focus first on preventing odor through keeping clean. Then, use fragrances sparingly and selectively if you want, so they don't clash with one another.
- If you sweat a lot, Mitchum has a higher percentage of aluminum than other antiperspirants and is therefore stronger and more effective. (However, it is said that deoderants with aluminum in them can lead to breast cancer)..
- If you shave the pubic region, applying antiperspirant there will prevent any red stubble/irritation, provided the skin is not broken.
- Vanilla is a scent that appeals to many men, so if you are out on a date with one, it can encourage the romantic mood.
- Wear your cologne lightly, don't overdo it.
- Apply deodorant or lightly-scented lotion just after showering. This puts moisture back into your skin that your soap may have taken out, and keeps your body sweat-free from the start. Remember to thoroughly dry areas before applying deodorant, especially if you haven't shaved underarm hair.
- Check your hands after eating food with really strong flavors because the smell can stain your skin for ages. It is not very appealing! You may need to scrub your hands to get rid of it.
- White vinegar can also remove strong odors on the skin.
Warnings
- Poor hygiene can lead to health problems. Take care of your body so your body can take care of you.
- If you're a woman, do not douche or use feminine wash products. It upsets the natural balance of the vagina/vulva and can cause infections. Avoid using talcum powder, strong soaps, sprays and deodorant in the groin area. Washing the external parts of the area daily with a gentle soap will be sufficient if you are healthy. Talk to a doctor or gynecologist if you suspect a yeast infection or other problem.
- Don't overdo it on the perfume or cologne, if you choose to wear it. A little goes a long way, and your sense of smell will acclimate to it, so you may stop smelling what to others is too much. Be aware that some people are highly allergic to fragrances and many more just don't like them, especially in crowded spaces.
- With antiperspirants, be aware of allergic reactions. The zirconium in "superior odor protection" can cause a reaction, while aluminum-based ones may not, so don't give up completely on antiperspirants if one causes a reaction. Also, do not rely upon your antiperspirant scent for a pleasant smell, as most conflict with other scents or leave you smelling soapy at best.
- A few medical studies have linked Aluminum-Zirconium deposits with Alzheimer's. Although this is unproven, be sure to thoroughly wash under your armpits when showering.
