5 Common Causes of Men Body Odor and How to Get Rid of Man Body Odor

Body odor, or bromhidrosis, is a common condition for being a human. Our bodies can produce a series of substances that carry a smell, often known as odorants. Most of these are essential for regular bodily function. Typically, they don’t produce any unpleasant smell in small quantities. An excessive amount of such substances on the skin, however, may cause noticeable smell. Body odor is more likely to occur in some specific body parts, such as the mouth, the underarms, the groin, and the hair. Body odor is usually becomes more evident when a person is stressed, in puberty, or more active. Many people can easily handle the smell simply by using over-the-counter products. The others, unfortunately, should put extra efforts to get their body odor under control. As much as we hate it, body odor isn’t something that can be solved overnight. Before you learn how to get rid of it, it’s important to know what causes the smell in the first place. Here’s how to get rid of man body odor.

Understanding Body Odor

There are two types of glands in human skin, namely eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are present all over the body, particularly in the lower layer of the skin called the dermis. Its main functions are to regulate body temperature and helps cool your skin down. Meanwhile, apocrine glands glands are found in hairy areas such as armpits, scalp, and groin. It releases sweat when your body temperature rises and when you’re stressed.

Contrary to popular belief, the sweat produced by your body is actually odorless. Instead, body odor is caused by sweat interacting with the bacteria on your skin. The bacteria simply break down the sweat into smelly fatty acids which they can then consume, producing a noticeable smell.  

What Causes Men Body Odor?

If you are wondering why your armpits smell bad, here are some possible reasons:

Excessive Sweating

Body odor can occur if there are bacteria building up in sweaty areas. The sweat produced by aprocine glands is usually smellier because it contains high protein, which is easier for the bacteria to break. This is why certain areas like armpits typically have stronger odor compared to other body parts.

It is also worth noting that some people may naturally produce more sweat than others due to their genetics. Some may also have this condition called hyperhidrosis, which basically can cause them to sweat a lot.

Puberty

When a man hits puberty, his sweat glands start becoming more active. As a result, he will produce stronger odor. It’s actually quite normal and it happens to most people. Strong odor during puberty can also be caused by the change in hormone levels.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress can actually do a lot of things to your body, including making it smell worse. Stress causes your apocrine glands to be more active, which is why some people might produce more sweat and stronger odor when they’re under stress. Anxiety can also give the same effect on your body.

Diet

Your body functions depending on what you eat. Foods like garlic and drinks like alcohol can leave your mouth smelling for the whole day and cause your sweat to smell more. Other foods that can cause your sweat to smell are red meat, spicy foods, onions, red pepper, and more.

Medical Reasons

Body odor is mostly harmless, but there are some cases where body odor is a sign of something more serious. There are some medical conditions that can change your natural body scent, such as diabetes, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, or special genetic conditions. If you notice some changes regarding your body odor, it’s highly recommended to contact a doctor immediately.

Do Men Smell Worse than Women?

Some people believe that men typically smell worse than women because they are more active and seem to produce more sweat. However, it’s important to understand that such assumption is highly inaccurate.

The truth is that men don’t produce any stronger odors than women do. The issue is that men often find it more difficult to get rid of the unpleasant smell that women do. On the other hand, women are known to be more sensitive towards smell, so they can easily notice the slightest smell of body odor. This is probably the main reason behind the assumption, but nevertheless, the truth remains the same: men do not smell worse than women.

How to Get Rid of Man Body Odor

Now that you know the possible causes of body odor, it’s time to learn how to get rid of man body odor. There are several methods that you can try, such as:

• Use Antiperpirant Deodorant

Most body odor is caused by excessive sweating. If this is the case, then you need to do something to reduce your sweating. Instead of masking the smell with perfume (which might make it worse), try to tone it down with antiperspirant deodorants.

Dove Men+ Care Extra Fresh Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-on for Men is a brilliant choice to get started. It comes with a variety of scents and a formula that will keep you feeling fresh and dry for no less than 48 hours. If you’re looking for something more unique, you can choose the David Beckham Classic Set. It comes with a bottle of natural spray and deodorant spray to maintain the longlasting freshness for the whole day. Suitable for day-to-day uses.

Change Your Hygiene Routine

Apart from sweating too much, you also need to do something with the bacteria. The easiest way to get rid of them is by keeping a good hygiene. Shower at least once a day and even twice during the summer. Don’t forget to use an antibacterial soap for the maximum result.

Change Your Diet and Exercise More

As explained before, some foods can produce smelly sweat. Try to avoid those foods and opt for healthier menus. In addition, it’s also important to stay active. Working out can produce more sweat, but it also reduces stress and increases stamina.

Shave More Often

Lastly, it is worth pointing out that hair might also be the cause of body odor because hair is an easy breeding ground for bacteria. Shaving your pits regularly can help reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin and thus, reduce body odor as well.