We all know that feeling. You’re cheerfully going through your day when suddenly you’re hit with a familiar, unpleasant scent. 

“What is that? Is that me? No way,” you think as you subtly try to locate the source of the stench. Then boom – the realization hits you. That new deodorant you tried out this morning isn’t working as well as you hoped. 

Body odor is a part of life. Although you might feel embarrassed in the moment, typically it’s a sign of your body functioning normally. That being said, if you’re not a fan of your natural musk, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few steps to prevent it. 

What causes body odor? 

When you think of body odor, it’s easy to blame sweat. However, sweat on its own is odorless and keeps us cool when our bodies get too warm. So, what makes sweat smell? Bacteria and your sweat glands. 

According to Harvard Health, our body is covered in two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands cover most of our body and produce perspiration. Apocrine glands are found in areas like our armpits and groin and produce thicker perspiration. When bacteria mix with the sweat from the apocrine glands, the result is body odor.  

This is why sweat on your forehead or arms doesn’t seem to develop an odor like the sweat in your armpits. You’re dealing with two different kinds of sweat. 

What can I do to prevent body odor? 

The most obvious way to prevent body odor is to shower and bathe regularly. You can also wear breathable fabrics, like cotton, if you are prone to sweating. Your diet can play a role in your scent as well. Foods like broccoli, cabbage and garlic can contribute to body odor. Additionally, choosing the right deodorant or antiperspirant can go a long way toward keeping body odor at bay. 

Deodorant is used to – you guessed it – prevent odor. It prevents bacteria from blending with your sweat and creating an odor. If your main concern is sweat, you may want to look at antiperspirants. Antiperspirants typically contain aluminum, which prevents perspiration entirely by blocking your sweat glands.  

Typically, body odor isn’t anything to worry about. However, if you struggle with excessive sweat or the smell of your body odor has suddenly changed, talk to your healthcare provider. It could be an indication of a more complicated problem.