"8 Myths About Body Odor: What Dermatologists Want You to Know"

Everyone's armpits stink – not mine! Sweating is a good way to detox, may I have that one? Sure, go for it. This one’s good: "Smelly foods only affect your breath." That's false.

Today, we’re debunking myths about body odor. Dermatologists are skin experts, so who knows more about sweat glands than us?

"Sweat is smelly" – not true. There are two types of sweat: eccrine glands, found all over the body, help with thermoregulation by cooling us down; and apocrine glands, found in areas like the underarms, groin, and chest, often associated with body odor. However, the sweat from apocrine glands doesn’t smell. It’s the bacteria in those areas that feed on the sweat and produce the odor.

Fun fact: there are thousands of types of bacteria, fungi, and yeast on your body, which is normal and part of our microbiome. Here are some tips to reduce body odor: shower daily, eat a healthy diet, and seek medical advice if you notice excessive odor, as some conditions can cause it.

"Everyone’s armpits stink" – this is a myth. About 2% of the population has a mutation in the ABCC11 gene, so not everyone’s armpits smell. There are many treatments for body odor, including showering with antibacterial soap, oral medications, prescription antiperspirants, and even Botox, which reduces sweating for about three months.

"Smelly feet mean bad hygiene" – incorrect. Smelly feet result from sweat creating a moist environment ideal for bacteria and yeast. The feet have one of the highest concentrations of sweat glands and are often enclosed in shoes, providing a perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. To combat this, wash your feet thoroughly with antibacterial soap, dry them well, and wear absorbent cotton socks.

"Your signature scent never changes" – this is false. As we age, our hormones, diet, and skin barrier change, affecting how we smell. For example, teenage boys smell different from when they were children, and older people can have a distinct odor due to changes in their skin and oxidation of chemical compounds.

"Sweating is a good way to detox" – this is a myth. Our body detoxifies primarily through the liver and kidneys. Sweating helps regulate body temperature, not detoxify. Saunas are great for relaxation but don’t aid in detoxification.

"You won’t sweat if you put on deodorant" – this is a myth. Deodorant masks odor, while antiperspirants, which contain aluminum-based ingredients, reduce sweating by blocking sweat glands. Natural deodorants can be harsh on the skin, so it’s essential to find one that works for you.

"Antiperspirant is dangerous" – people often worry about aluminum causing cancer, but there is no conclusive data linking aluminum-based antiperspirants to breast cancer. The FDA approves aluminum as an antiperspirant ingredient, and while some choose alternatives, it’s essential to stay informed and comfortable with your choices.

"Blocking underarm sweat makes you sweat more elsewhere" – another myth. We have so many sweat glands that the sweat redistributes evenly across the body. Botox in the underarms can reduce odor by minimizing sweat in areas where bacteria thrive.

"Smelly foods only affect your breath" – false. Foods like cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), red meat, fish, and alcohol can alter your body odor. These foods produce compounds that the body excretes, which can interact with bacteria and change your scent.

Everyone is different, and that’s okay. The key takeaway is that body odor is normal and varies from person to person. If you notice a significant change in your body odor, consult your dermatologist or family physician. Remember to be kind to yourself and others because everyone can be a little stinky sometimes.