Sweat Glands
These glands are the most widely distributed and most active of
the three glands. This is the reason we all have heard about them and try
to combat body odor by using deodorants and antiperspirants. Since heat,
activity and stress activate these glands, we have to tackle them accordingly.
The best way to sweat less with the fluctuation of temperature is
to wear fabrics that allow air to circulate and helps the sweat to evaporate.
In extremely hot and humid conditions, one must take extra precautions
to wear loose clothes made from natural fibers. This will not only allow
air to circulate, but will also absorb the sweat and bring it to the outer
surface. This helps in speedier evaporation of water.
We have all experienced sweating when we exercise. Exercise increases
the metabolic rate of the body, thereby increasing the body temperature.
This results in a greater secretion of sweat. Therefore, it is very important
that we shower after we exercise. This destroys the breeding ground for
the odor causing bacteria and keeps you feeling fresh.
Stress and anxiety also result in the increase in perspiration. When
a person is emotionally charged, a hormone called adrenalin is released,
which gears us to face danger. This hormone is connected with an increase
in the metabolic rate of our body and as a result, greater sweating. So,
if you are the anxious or aggressive type, you have to learn to relax and
cool yourself. This will not only keep your mind cool, but your sweat under
control. Meditation or yoga is the best way to tackle this problem.
Apocrine Glands
These glands are mostly related with sexual hormones and are activated
when we reach puberty. The secretions from this gland are mainly responsible
for the specific body odor that is very peculiar to every single one of
us. These are also supposed to the greatest aphrodisiacs. So here, we cannot
do anything to change that particular odor. We can only try to mask this
odor with perfumes and deodorants. But it does not help much in changing
the way you smell.
Sebaceous Glands
Regulating your thoughts can control these glands, as your thoughts
regulate your hormones. Since these glands are extremely sensitive to stimuli,
they are the ones responsible for making your face look greasy in your
teen years or when you are emotionally disturbed. The oil-like secretions
from these glands are the culprits behind acne and smelly scalps. Apart
from trying to regulate your hormones through your thoughts and activities,
you also need to remove this layer of sebum to do away with odor. So, once
again, washing is the best way.
General tips on reducing body
odor, naturally.
Always, use cotton or natural fibers for your clothes during the
hot months. Keep the clothes loose and the fabric light to help the sweat
to evaporate faster.
Knitted or handloom fabrics are better than machine made fabrics,
as they are slightly loose in their weaving and this lets more air to circulate
around your body aiding the drying of sweat.
Shoes and socks also trap sweat causing the bad odor to emanate from
your feet. Wear cotton socks, and wear strappy, open shoes to keep your
feet dry. If you can’t avoid wearing shoes, dust your feet with pure sandalwood
powder, which keeps your feet cool and infection free.
Dusting cornstarch on the feet before getting into socks and shoes
helps to keep them dry (moisture encourages bacteria to grow and flourish),
or one can try soaking them daily in warm water with white vinegar or Epsom
salts added.
Yoga or meditation keeps your mind and body under control, thus controlling
the hormonal secretions in your body. The more relaxed you are, the less
you have to get stressed about body odor.
Drink plenty of fluids. This will Keep the body cool inside and slow
the metabolic rate, there by slowing down the rate of perspiration.
Go light on hot spices, onion and garlic, as these aggravate the
body odor. Drink curd and coconut water to keep your system cool. Fruits
like lemon, oranges and watermelon can be used for the same purpose.
Shower with an antiseptic soap after strenuous activities. This gets
rid of the harmful bacteria. Last rinse can, with a few drops of sandalwood
or lavender oil added to it, keep your body smelling fresh for a longer
time than most deodorants.
Sweat glands are generally found under the hair follicles. These
hairs trap the sweat and become a breeding ground for bacteria, causing
bad odor. So, hair in the pubic area and armpits should be removed or trimmed
to ensure personal hygiene. Scalp hair should kept clean with regular shampoos
to avoid bad odor and infections of the scalp.
The armpits and the pubic area are the main area of concern when
it comes to body odor. The reason being that these areas is generally covered,
and the sweat does not dry soon enough causing the bacteria to decompose
it. So wear loose, Cotton undergarments and avoid wearing tight clothes
in warm weather.
Medically Speaking
The aluminum compounds in antiperspirants may be helpful in reducing
the amount of sweat, limiting bacterial growth.
In addition to deodorant, wash daily with antibacterial soaps, such
as chlorhexidine.
Use solutions such as povidone-iodine that can also help in reducing
body odor.
Application of topical antibiotic cream or ointment on the underarms
might also help.
Prescription drugs that supposedly reduce sweating, such as those
that contain aluminum chloride, whether applied to the skin or taken by
mouth, may help some people. But, this has to be done under medical supervision.
Going through the above article would have helped you understand
the reasons behind body odor and some natural and effective ways to combat
this ugly phenomenon. These steps can reduce the time and money spent on
products to help make us smell better.
