What Causes Body Odor and How to Avoid it | Dermatologist Explains

Body odor can be really embarrassing, so today I'm going to share what causes body odor and share tips on how to avoid it. You'll also see what products I recommend to prevent and get rid of it (including antiperspirants & deodorants).

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:50 What Causes Body Odor
04:24 Cleansing Tips
05:45 Body Cleansers
06:49 Exfoliators
08:38 Deodorants & Antiperspirants
11:23 Clothing
12:10 Hair Removal
12:28 Food & Beverage Triggers
13:10 When to Seek Medical Attention

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DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my YouTube channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[kathysharp]

Laundry Tip: Oxi Clean makes an order eliminating powder. You add just a little to your laundry in the washer. I use it about once every 6 months to keep my gym tshirts from accumulating any odor. It's the Oxi Clean Odor Buster (at the store near the laundry detergents).

[elainev]

I am someone who struggles with body odor from the age of 12 and I am absolutely self-conscious because of it. To control my body odor, I use stone/salt like deodorant. It works ok on the days I don't sweat. On days I sweat, I definitely need to wash my armpit a few time a day just to get rid of the onion like smell. After watching this video, I gave the cerave cleanser I had in my drawer a try. It was incredible. It worked like magic. My body odor is gone! It was so incredible that I didn't trust my nose and I had to ask my husband to smell my clothes to confirm it. I am so grateful to have stumbled onto this video. Thanks Doc for the tip.

[zendariuskincaid]

Definitely big ups for pointing out I’ve come to realize whenever someone I know has a awkward smell it usually due to infrequent laundry routines

[totalwomanja]

My management of body odor changed completely when I learnt the difference between the two types of sweat glands and what they excrete in anatomy class in university. Thanks for sharing so eloquently!

[jenniferarmstrong]

When I changed to a whole food plant-based diet I think it changed my skin microbiome and I don't have body odor any more, even when I sweat. That was an unexpected benefit.

[cc]

I love how orgaized this was. I like the chapters and how you made it so easy to fast forward to the topics that apply to my situation. I do not think I have ever seen that before... I watched the whole thing because I was too afraid I would miss something but I like that I was given the option.

[kelseyarias]

I am someone who has struggled with body odor and sweat since middle school. working at a dermatologist office, I always had access to topical medication and I’ve tried Botox. Botox was helpful, but I still had an odor. I did a procedure called Mira dry about three weeks ago and I can honestly say that the odor and sweat has decreased tremendously. it is a bit pricey however I recommend this procedure 100%. it has changed my life and I no longer have to worry about sweating and having an odor under my armpits.

[connor_]

This was incredibly thorough yet very straightforward. Many thanks for your content: simple, to the point, yet spares no meaningful detail.

[batercap]

That is so helpful!
This what made my body odor lesser:

I drink water 30 minutes or more before and after eating foods. It really does lessen my smelly sweat.

I avoid foods that contains gluten, like bread, wheat breads, etc.

I avoid artificial sweeteners or foods that contains them as much as possible. I substitute those sweet cravings with fruits, but I also find that I smell more when I eat any sweet foods, including fruits.

Lastly, I use magnesium spray on my armpit, before I apply my deo, as well as my body, feet and hair.

And I tend to wear tank tops that are not too fit so my armpit and body won't sweat too much, especially I live in a tropical country.

Hope this helps everyone.

[LyslScentedLife]

Gosh. I'm learning so much just from this doctor's videos. She's an extrememly smart and well educated woman!

[curlykhel]

You are amazing. I tried your recommendations and it really helped a lot. I don't smell anymore.

[kathymassey]

Everything changed after I became 'elderly'. I smell totally different and have to deal with it completely opposite than I did before. I'd love to see a video on my situation. I'm still looking for it. This video was helpful though. Thank you Dr.

[tracieperez]

Wow! I wish I could give you 2 thumbs up! I feel like I have just taken a personal hygeine class. Lots of great information. I have been struggling to help my young teen daughter feel secure about her body odor, and you gave so much helpful information. Thanks for the video❤

[KiraBKADestroyerOfWorlds]

Hi, doc. What may also be helpful to viewers, under the topic of bathing, is the WAY to bathe effectively, because not only do you need to bathe daily, you have to do it correctly if you don't want to stink. So, here it is: Use a washcloth, and lather, rinse, and repeat, and if necessary, repeat again. You don't have to scrub your skin like a stubborn frying pan, but you do need to use a washcloth--your hands are NOT sufficient. Also, understand that one pass is NOT sufficient. Wet your skin, apply soap to your washcloth, then apply that soapy cloth to your skin, and rub. Then rinse it all away, and do it again. At that point, you should be clean. Another point of fact, that you usually have less of an issue with body odor, when you don't have an abundance of body hair, especially in the areas that also contain apocrine sweat glands. So, removing underarm hair, and trimming pubic hair, helps ALOT--and that goes for men AND women.
And now, I'll give you a bonus tip--many people in the West neglect this aspect of hygiene, but it's pretty important as well. I'm talking about toilet hygiene, i.e. how you clean up after relieving yourself. Alot of people only use toilet paper to wipe (and I've heard, that guys don't even do that much when they pee--they just shake and go😬). So, here's the tip: most people can't afford to install a bidet in their bathroom, but what IS very affordable, is a squeeze bottle with any type of cap on it, that you can keep in your bathroom, and fill with water to rinse yourself off with before wiping. It makes a WORLD of difference, trust me. Not only is your hygiene at its highest level, it makes laundry far easier as well. Skid marks are a dim distant memory!

[Earthto_Ayo]

Thank you for being straight to the point and providing options. Really helps! 😊

[Selena-sc]

Your hair looks so beautiful and healthy ❤

[tammyscott]

I use vinegar in my rinse water for all clothes, towels, sheets, dog bedding etc. It really gets rid of odors and if things sit in the washer too long it doesn’t get mildewy smelling.

[scifi]

Everyone thinks I smell, even if I take showers frequently and take care very much —> I ask my family and friends and they say I don’t but I don’t believe them but I don’t smell anything though, but based on people’s reactions to me I smell but I shower daily, wear antiperspirant, wash my clothes I’m so frustrated and depressed

[floritaking]

Yodora deodorant cream is very effective, especially in the groin, I prefer to lume which has a weird smell

[christinemack]

Thank you, Dr. Ellis! I have an issue when I travel out east in the summer when it's humid and the Dermdoctor Antiperspirant wipes have been wonderful for travel. I will definitely look into the products mentioned. Have a wonderful day!!