Body odour happens when your sweat meets the bacteria on the surface of your skin and makes an unpleasant smell.

Sweating is your body’s way of regulating temperature. While sweat itself is virtually odourless, bacteria use it as a breeding ground and multiply rapidly.

What you smell are the products related to bacteria breakdown of keratin protein on the surface of your skin. Another word for body odor is bromhidrosis.

However, here are 8 tips for reducing and eliminating body odour:

1. Keep Yourself Squeaky Clean
   Shower at least once a day, and you’ll wash away sweat and get rid of some of the bacteria on your skin. Shave regularly under your arms. Armpit hair increases body odour because it traps sweat and bacteria.
   Sweat by itself is basically odourless. But when the bacteria that live on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply quickly and raise quite a stink. Washing thoroughly, especially the areas where you tend to sweat, can help with body odour.
2. Using Antibacterial Soap
   Washing thoroughly with an antibacterial soap bar will help get rid of some bacteria, which can help with the offensive odour. Look for the word “antibacterial” on the soap’s packaging.
3. Towel Off Well
   Once you’ve showered, dry yourself completely, paying close attention to any areas where you sweat a lot. If your skin is dry, it’s harder for bacteria that cause body odor to breed on it.
4. Antiperspirants
   Once you’re clean and dry, use a strong antiperspirant on your underarms. These have aluminum chloride, a chemical that helps keep sweat at bay, and they often also have a deodorant in them. Use it twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening.
   You don’t need a prescription to get a powerful antiperspirant. Look for ones that say they’re higher strength. If you think you need more help, ask your doctor about prescription antiperspirants.
5. Keep Your Clothes Clean
   Change clothes often when you’re sweating heavily. Fresh clothes help keep body odor down.
   Be sure to change your socks as well, especially if you tend to have foot odour. Use deodorant powders in your shoes.
6. Wear Light Clothes
   Another golden rule and especially for hot climates is to wear cottons and all other natural fibers. Avoid synthetic clothes that do not allow the skin to breathe and avoid tight fitting clothes. Wear loose airy clothes that allow air circulation, thereby keeping you cool.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
   It is good for your entire body, inside and out, because it balances pH and eliminates bacteria. Use it on your hair every once in a while to remove build-up and act as an alternative to a clarifying shampoo. Dab it under your arms a few minutes before showering each day to naturally balance out your armpit pH. Yes, armpits also have pHs! You can even add apple cider vinegar to your daily bath and soak your whole body to restore balance to your skin.
8. Cutting off on certain foods and drinks
   What you eat affects your body odour. Foods that tend to make you sweat more, such as hot peppers or other spicy foods, might also lead to body odour. And the aroma of foods like onions or garlic can be carried in your sweat. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol may also make you sweat more.