Body Odor Even After Showering : Cause & Solution

What Causes Body Odor?

Even if you don’t sweat excessively, your sweat is primarily responsible for the odor your body releases.

More specifically, it’s the interaction between sweat and bacteria on your skin that creates this smell.

Human skin is naturally home to a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria. When these bacteria break down components of the sweat produced by apocrine glands, they generate compounds that can emit a strong and sometimes unpleasant smell.

Sweat isn’t just isolated to areas like the armpits; in fact, we sweat almost continuously across our entire body to regulate temperature—even in less obvious areas where sweat glands are active.

Why Isn’t Washing Once or Twice a Day Always Enough?

Some people have naturally stronger-smelling sweat due to genetic or hormonal factors, or, more rarely, an underlying health condition.

Even though a soap-based shower removes some bacteria from the skin’s surface, it doesn’t eliminate all of them, meaning some people may start to notice odor shortly after washing.

There are two main categories of factors that explain why some people may experience stronger body odor:

1. Genetic Factors: These are unchangeable. Both men and women may have a genetic makeup that predisposes them to heavier sweat production or higher sebum levels, which can affect body odor. Hormones also play a role in this.
2. Changeable Factors: Bacteria composition on the skin can also contribute to how sweat is broken down into odorous compounds.

Both men and women can have a genetic makeup that makes them more prone to excessive sweating or to sebum production, which can influence body odor. This is partly hormonal in origin.

You may also have a bacterial composition that promotes the breakdown of substances in sweat into odorous compounds.

Finally, certain diseases can worsen the proliferation of bacteria, and therefore bad odors (Semkova 2015):

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Intertrigo: A skin inflammation that occurs in skin folds, where skin rubs against skin.
• Erythrasma: A superficial skin infection caused by a bacteria called Corynebacterium minutissimum. It typically appears as pink or brown patches on the skin.

Much more rarely, it can be bromhidrosis, a rare condition that can cause an odor described as “foul,” “rotten fish” by those who suffer from it.

What Tips Can You Implement to Reduce Bad Odor?

If washing regularly isn’t enough to limit the bad odor from your sweat, you can:

• Prefer clothing and underwear that help promote heat and moisture dissipation (material, shape) (see my article: how to hide underarm sweat stains);
• Avoid positions or places that prevent the areas of your body that sweat from being properly ventilated (because air dries out the skin, limits sweating, and therefore reduces bad odors);
• Limit body hair growth;
• Use antiperspirants that are more effective at reducing the amount of sweat produced or deodorants that truly mask the odors, if the bad odor is mainly under the armpits;
• Use an antibacterial soap (see on Amazon) to eliminate bacteria on the skin, or shower gels with probiotics;
• Regularly exfoliate your skin. This can help remove dead skin cells, thereby reducing bacterial proliferation that may contribute to odors;
• After showering, dry yourself completely, especially in skin folds. Moisture promotes the growth of bacteria responsible for odors. The same goes for when you exercise or sweat a lot all at once.

Are Some Deodorants More Effective Than Others?

When it comes to deodorants and antiperspirants, effectiveness can vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to try different options until you find the one that works best for you!

However, there are certain ingredients and concentrations that are likely to be more effective than others.

Personally, the two antiperspirants I have found to be the most effective (after testing dozens and still testing new ones…) in terms of reducing bad underarm odor are:

For women: Nivea Invisible for Black & White Clear Roll (see on Amazon)
For men (I find this even more effective, although I don’t like the scent): Nivea Men Dry Impact (see on Amazon).

There aren’t any body-wide deodorants, but there are specific deodorants for feet, hands, face, and the groin area.

Are There Medical Treatments or Natural Remedies?

I’ve already dedicated an article to natural remedies for excessive sweating [here in french] (and, indirectly, for body odor).

Although many remedies are suggested, I remain quite skeptical about their effectiveness, especially for people who do not respond well to regular antiperspirants or deodorants designed to be more effective.

There is no medication or treatment specifically designed to reduce body odor. However, there are medical and surgical treatments available to reduce sweating in specific areas or across the whole body.

These treatments can potentially have a positive effect on body odors, especially general treatments like medication for excessive sweating. There may be side effects associated with these treatments, so it’s important to discuss them with your doctor on a case-by-case basis!

***

Do you have any comments or questions? Your comments are welcome 🙂 !

 📚 SOURCES

Malik AS, Porter CL, Feldman SR. Bromhidrosis treatment modalities: A literature review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Jul;89(1):81-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.01.030. Epub 2021 Jan 20. PMID: 33482257.

Semkova K, Gergovska M, Kazandjieva J, Tsankov N. Hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis, and chromhidrosis: Fold (intertriginous) dermatoses. Clin Dermatol. 2015 Jul-Aug;33(4):483-91. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2015.04.013. Epub 2015 Apr 8. PMID: 26051066.