In humans, armpits offer a moist, warm environment where microbes can thrive, making them a microbial hotspot.
NIVEA Antibacterial Deodorant
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Deodorant users may have had microbial populations comparable in size to those with stinky pits, but the perfumed product seems to turn the bacterial ratio on its head: Those subjects had an average of 61 percent Staphylococcaceae and 29 percent Corynebacterium, with 10 percent left to other opportunistic microbes.
Expect to Detox
If you've been using conventional deodorant or antiperspirant for years, it can take 2-4 weeks to detox and release all of the aluminum in your pits that's been preventing you from sweating. During this time, you might notice that you're a little more stinky than usual.
ODOR AFTER A SHOWER IS DUE TO LINGERING BACTERIA
In addition to bacteria, oftentimes there is deodorant residue and other impurities that are trapped in the underarm pores and within the hair if you have armpit hair.
How is an armpit yeast infection treated? Treatment for your armpit yeast infection may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment, powder or other solution. You can apply the antifungal directly onto the infected area of your skin.
The culprit is an enzyme called C-T lyase, found in the bacterium Staphylococcus hominis, which dwells in human armpits. These bacteria feed on odorless chemicals released in sweat, which the enzyme then converts into thioalcohols—a pungent compound responsible for the offending smell.
Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.
You can complete an armpit detox using natural products like baking soda, clay, charcoal, apple cider vinegar and essential oils on your armpits. These products work by killing bacteria, absorbing sweat and residue that clog your pores, and balancing your skin's microbiome and pH.
Apply some apple cider vinegar
"Apple cider vinegar is a great natural underarm deodorant," says Georgianna Donadio, PhD. She suggests applying it directly to your armpits to kill body odor.
Deodorants and other personal care products contain ingredients that can affect your pH level. When a person uses products that are too acidic or alkaline it can upset the natural pH levels of your skin. This can cause skin irritation and long-term skin issues. Even natural deodorants can cause pH imbalance.
How Often Should You Detox Your Armpits? To help with the smell and excess sweat from eliminating conventional deodorants and antiperspirants, you can do an armpit detox two to three times a week up to daily if your skin can tolerate it. It is ok to do it every day if it is helping and you get no irritation.
Shower daily and wash your armpits well. If you tend to have a strong underarm smell, use germicidal soaps to help kill bacteria in this area.
According to Callewaert, there are two types of bacteria native to the human armpit: the 'good' kind, known as staphylococci epidermis, which don't cause much in the way of odour, and the 'bad' kind, corynebacterium, which do, transforming lipids and amino acids in our sweat “into compounds which have a particular ...
Antibacterial soaps
Dial® is a great example of a common antibacterial soap. It can be a little too harsh to wash the entire body with, but is great for the areas that have a tendency to produce unwanted odor. My male patients particularly love it. Hibiclens® is another alternative and also available over-the-counter.
Body Odor Treatments
Try a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to fight body odor. Use 1 teaspoon of peroxide (3%) to 1 cup (8 ounces) of water. Wipe this on affected areas (underarms, feet, groin) with a washcloth. This may help destroy some of the bacteria that create odor.
Dettol Anti-Bacterial Body Wash
This product from Dettol has long been considered to be one of the best antibacterial body washes, and continues to be a favorite among customers in 2023. This pH-balanced, pine-scented daily wash kills bacteria and refreshes the skin without causing irritation or dryness.