Let’s not mince words: when your body odor is strong, people aren’t going to hang around with you. Most people are too polite to say anything, and you might not even notice how nasty the smell coming off of you is. However, there’s no reason to freak out. There’s a lot you can do to keep that smell under control, from deodorant to showers. Here’s our top tips for not smelling funky.
Stop Smelling Funky
Stay Vigilant
Don’t just assume you smell fine after a workout, or after a long day at work. Head to a restroom and give yourself a sniff test. If you’re smelling a little weird to yourself, imagine how nasty you might smell to someone else. If you find yourself smelling gross after a shift or workout, don’t panic. There’s a few steps you can take to keep the scent under control.
Be Prepared
If your schedule includes working out or working long, hot shifts, stay prepared. Keep a pack of wet wipes and a stick of deodorant in your exercise bag or desk at work. This way, if you’re smelling a little fresh after your physical activity, you can wipe yourself down with the wet wipes to knock some of that sweat off.
If this is something you’re embarrassed about, you can do it discreetly. It’s fine to head to a bathroom stall and freshen up. It’s much preferable to take a quick cat bath after work and apply a layer of deodorant than to head to hang out with friends smelling like a gym sock.
While you’re at it, consider wearing antiperspirant for your daily activities that make you sweat a lot. Remember: not all deodorants are antiperspirants, and vice versa, though many products are 2-in-1’s. Not everyone sweats the same amount, and some people might not need to wear antiperspirants or deodorants at all. However, everyone should have at least one of each on hand for days with serious physical activity.
Shower Daily
This is one we can’t stress enough: try to shower or bathe daily. This goes double if your work is physical in nature and results in you sweating a lot. It’s rather important that you clean yourself off thoroughly after a hard day. Alternatively, if you work in an office or some similar (air-conditioned) environment, you can probably shower in the mornings to knock the sleep off of you and make you fresh for your shift.
If you’re concerned about the effect on your skin from taking a hot shower daily, fret not. There’s a solution that lets you keep the funk from emanating off of you without giving yourself dry skin: take cooler showers! Now, we’re not suggesting you take an ice-cold dip, but you don’t have to crank the heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, either. Go for a nice, even 85 degrees or so, which feels refreshing without freezing your skin off.
Wear Breathable Material
Fabrics that are lighter and breath better will help you keep from sweating immensely. If you’ve got a serious problem with sweat, you could consider getting moisture wicking shirts and underwear that help to keep you from getting… swampy. These materials are great for both your comfort as well as keeping you from getting musky and gross at the end of a long shift.
Along this track, if your sweating also makes you chafe, you could consider getting some baby powder, or talcum powder, and applying some to the affected area. This helps with both your mobility, letting things slide better, while also preventing the area from sweating as profusely. You’ll feel a lot better, and you’ll smell a lot better, too.