Sweating is a natural body process, but underarm sweat can lead to offensive armpit odor. Some areas of the world are not offended by this odor, so it can be seen as a cultural preference. There are many grooming techniques and products to treat the majority of underarm sweat conditions. Some excessive sweating conditions, known as hyperhidrosis, may need medical treatment if the individual is unable to control armpit odor through normal means.
Armpit Odor Control Grooming Techniques
Underarm odor is not caused by sweat alone, bacteria that live on skin mix with the sweat and that is what eventually produces an odor. Regular washing with soap helps keep armpit odor under control. Staying cooler can also reduce sweating. Some fabrics, usually labeled "moisture wicking" are also capable of wicking sweat away from the body, which reduces armpit odor. Undershirts or regular shirts that use a fabric technology to remove body moisture must sit close to the skin for the process to work. The moisture wicking fabrics also leave the body feeling cooler than a non-breathable shirt.
Antiperspirants and Deodorants for Controlling Armpit Odor
Antiperspirants usually contain some form of an aluminum compound, like aluminum zirconium, or aluminum sesquichlorohydrate found in Certain Dri. This compound is what helps stop sweating in the underarm. Some antiperspirants are also blended with deodorants to create one product.
Deodorants do not deal with stopping sweat, only odor control. Some people can use just a deodorant and manage underarm odor when combined with a regular bathing routine.
There are alternatives, such as antiperspirant salt crystals, for users that are bothered by the inclusion of aluminum in an antiperspirant. These products are found online and at many specialty shops.
Armpit Odor Control
In cultures that are sensitive to underarm odor, it is important to control body odor. Job interviews are a crucial point in a career, and an offensive armpit odor might just shut down the opportunity before any words are spoken. Excessive sweating conditions may not be normal, and a medical doctor should be consulted to see if there is a problem.
Smell Great and Sweat Less
Try a technique and see how it works. By controlling sweat, armpit odor is minimized. A combination of regular bathing and an antiperspirant or deodorant should handle most of the armpit odor problems. Products are available that are prescribed by doctors to help in the extreme situations, consult a medical professional for a comprehensive list of options.
Wayne Roberts - Wayne Roberts enjoys gardening, antique tractors, antique trucks, fishing, hunting, and scuba diving.
