From the nerves of a first day at a new job to the tension-filled moments before a referee’s final whistle, many of life’s most emotionally charged experiences come with an often-overlooked companion: sweat.
Whether noticed or not, underarm moisture is a natural response to stress, heat or physical activity — and an essential part of how the body regulates temperature.
Sweating occurs when sweat glands release fluid to cool the body and prevent overheating. Health experts stress that this process is both normal and necessary. However, while sweat itself is odourless, it has earned an unfair reputation due to what can happen after it reaches the skin.
Body odour, commonly known as B.O., does not come directly from sweat. Instead, it is caused by bacteria that live on the skin. These bacteria feed on sweat and, in the process, release chemicals that produce the familiar unpleasant smell.
This is why damp areas of the body, particularly the armpits and groin, are more prone to odour.
Everyday experiences — such as a teenager climbing into the car after sports practice or an adult noticing their own strong underarm smell after a long day — highlight how common the issue is.
While body odour is often wrongly linked to poor hygiene, experts note that even people who bathe regularly can experience it if bacteria are allowed to thrive.
Health and hygiene specialists recommend several practical steps to help reduce body odour. Using antibacterial soap during daily bathing can help remove odour-causing bacteria, while paying extra attention to high-sweat areas improves effectiveness.
Thoroughly drying the body after bathing is also crucial, as bacteria multiply more easily in moist environments.
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Clothing plays a major role as well. Fabrics absorb sweat, and delaying washing allows odour to settle in. Regularly laundering clothes — and changing them more often if sweating heavily — helps prevent smells from lingering and intensifying.
Diet can also influence body odour. Foods that increase sweating, such as alcohol and spicy meals, may contribute to stronger smells. Conversely, foods like plain yoghurt and fermented drinks such as kombucha are believed to help balance bacteria in the body, potentially reducing odour naturally.
In addition to hygiene and lifestyle habits, many people rely on antiperspirant deodorants formulated to target bacteria while reducing sweat. Products designed with antibacterial technology aim to limit the growth of odour-causing germs and keep users feeling dry and fresh throughout the day.
Experts emphasise that managing body odour is not about eliminating sweat altogether, but about understanding its causes and controlling the bacteria that turn a natural process into an uncomfortable problem.
With consistent hygiene, mindful habits and effective products, staying fresh can be a simple part of everyday health and confidence.