Body Odor Through The Decades

Teens and Twenties

Owing to a plentiful and active supply of hormones and skin oils, these decades present the greatest challenge when it comes to body odor. Underarms, feet and scalp may be less than fresh. Puberty often marks the beginning of this unwanted smelly surge. It can be very frustrating. If the suggestions below do not offer you necessary relief, see your dermatologist for an evaluation. 

Thirties

Many of us hit our career and family stride in our thirties. We are busy with family, work and hosts of obligations. With increased stress, increased issues with body odor can emerge. During or after pregnancy, due to hormonal fluctuation, a change in your skin microbiome may occur. All of these factors can lead to an uptick in body odor. You may notice you can be odor free for long stretches, then all of a sudden— smelly. This is generally related to stress.

Forties and Fifties

While the actual sweating volume may decrease as we age (there are some positives to getting older), odor often does not diminish. Since severe sweating is a thing of the past during these decades, we may be prefer switching from a product that blocks sweat— antiperspirant and choose instead a treatment that can minimize odor—deodorant. This typically results in using less chemicals such as aluminum and going more “natural” in your daily routine. Also during these decades, women are typically undergoing yearly mammograms, remember that antiperspirants and deodorants are to be avoided on the day of your exam. Why? These products can leave residue on the skin that can affect the reading of the mammogram. 

Sixties and Over

Great news! Both odor and sweating tends to be less of an issue in these decades when it comes to underarm and foot odor. However, other skin sites, the skin folds, may retain moisture and allow foul odor to emit. Skin under the breasts or in thigh creases need to be attended to.

Advice for all ages:

1. Odor prevention begins in the shower. Rotate your body wash regularly. Some soaps and cleansers may leave residue on the skin which can disrupt the natural microbiome of the skin. Using different cleansers and “clarifying” washes can help a lot. Also be sure to rinse off any body wash thoroughly.
2. Dry the skin well. In addition to using a towel to pat the skin dry, also make use of a hair dryer on the cool setting to target specific skin areas. Air drying the skin eliminates lingering moisture in skin folds, which will in turn reduce some of the risk of odor occurrence.

3.   If your skin is sensitive, avoid products that contain heavy fragrance or perfumes.

4.   Unless you have severe sweating, you may be able to eliminate aluminum from your daily 

It is possible to allow your body to sweat, but still prevent body odor. 

“Sweat is intentional, odor is preventable”