Why do my armpits stink more when I shave?

Author: Dr. Rozella Corkery Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, July 21, 2023

Shaving, Sweating and Smell
These glands will continue to produce perspiration even when the hair is shaved down to skin level. The perspiration will continue to leak out of the hair's openings, even if there are fewer openings because the hair is shorter or shaved down to the skin [source: Mayo Clinic].

Does shaving your armpits make you smell worse?

Less body odor

When you remove hair under the armpits, it reduces trapped odor. A 2016 study involving men found that removing armpit hair by shaving significantly reduced axillary odor for the following 24 hours. Similar results were first found in a 1953 paper .

Why do shaved armpits smell more?

Regardless of how manscaped you are, hair-producing areas like your armpits and your groin are particularly prone to these smells because they're home to large populations of apocrine sweat glands.

How do you stop your armpits from smelling after shaving?

The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Using antiperspirant or deodorant and shaving the armpits can also help. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases.

Why do my armpits smell more when I have hair?

Your hair can enhance the odor.

And once they break down the fats in apocrine sweat, the stay-away-from-me aroma appears. The more hair you have, the more surface area bacteria has to cling to, which keeps the smell so pungent, says Bowe.

Should Men Shave Their Armpits | Can Shaving Armpits Reduce Odor? Shaved Armpit Not Smell?

Do hairy armpits smell worse?

Studies have found the difference in the smell of regularly shaven pits compared to hairy ones is minimal at best. That's because our sweat is actually odourless and it's the bacteria it comes into contact with that causes a nasty smell.

Why do my armpits smell even after I shower?

These glands release a milky fluid when you are stressed and are odorless until they come into contact with bacteria. Hair is particularly prone to trapping bacteria, which is why men are more likely to smell even after showering. In other words, lingering underarm odor is caused by enduring bacteria.

Is shaving armpits good hygiene?

By having less hair under your armpit (or none at all), there's less room for sweat-based bacteria to multiply. Crucially, this means a fresher post-gym grooming routine and less questionable smells once you're back at your desk.

Why you shouldn't use deodorant after shaving?

Putting deodorant on after shaving may seem strange, but just like the skin on your body, your underarms can get dry or irritated post-shave. Look out for products that prevent skin drying out and moisturize skin effectively, like our Clean Comfort Deodorant Stick with ¼ moisturizer technology.

What kills underarm bacteria?

Shower daily and wash your underarms with an antibacterial soap (consider showering twice a day if you sweat excessively) While in the shower fill your hand with hydrogen peroxide and splash and rub it into each of your underarms.

Why you shouldn't shave your armpits?

Not shaving reduces skin-on-skin contact friction, which means when you do activities that involve arm movement, like running or walking, your skin is much less likely to get irritated by the friction. This might lead to fewer skin issues like rashes and ingrown hairs.

How often should you shave your armpits?

"It's safe to shave your legs, bikini area, and armpits every day if necessary," says Francesca Fusco, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. "It's not unhealthy, it just needs to be done properly." So, in short: It comes down to your personal preference and the routine you like to keep.

How do you detox your armpits?

How to Detox Your Armpits
  1. Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps your body remove everyday toxins in an efficient, natural way. ...
  2. Mind What You Eat: Believe it or not, certain foods can change the way that your body odor smells. ...
  3. Dry Off Carefully After a Shower: Think back to high school science.

Does deodorant work better with shaved armpits?

Your sweat glands just so happen to be located under your pits. However, eliminating or keeping armpit hair short can make your antiperspirant more effective, thereby reducing underarm sweat and the appearance of sweat stains.

How many swipes of deodorant do you need?

For those wondering, “How much deodorant should I put on?” We recommend 2-3 swipes under each arm for the best results. If you find that residue is transferring to your clothes, it's likely that you're applying too much.

Should you moisturize your armpits after shaving?

It's important to apply a moisturizing lotion or oil after you shave to help keep your skin hydrated and ready for next time. Shaving may cause even more irritation to your skin if not done correctly.

What deodorant can I use after shaving?

RAZOR BURN- G.B.S Alum Block Can be used to soothe irritation post-shave or as an astringent to stop bleeding. Rubbing an alum block on your face after a shave helps to fight razor burn. NATURAL - G.B.S Alum Block deodorant is made from crystallized natural mineral salts.

What culture does not shave their armpits?

Culturally, the Chinese consider it bad luck to alter their physical appearance in any way. Women in the U.S. have been on quite a roller coaster ride when it comes to their armpit hair, or lack thereof, over the past century.

What happens if you don't shave your pubic hair?

Protection from bacteria and other pathogens

It follows that pubic hair may protect against certain infections, including: cellulitis. sexually transmitted infections (STIs) urinary tract infections (UTIs)

How can I reduce body odor?

How do doctors treat bad body odor?
  1. Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. ...
  2. Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. ...
  3. Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes.
  4. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton.

How can I permanently get rid of underarm odor naturally?

Home Remedies for Smelly Armpits:
  1. Green Tea. Green tea might help you block the pores on your skin and reduce sweating. ...
  2. Lemon Juice. Lemon juice has citric acid, which kills the bacteria. ...
  3. Baking Soda. ...
  4. Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Turmeric. ...
  6. Antibacterial Soaps. ...
  7. Clothing. ...
  8. Lifestyle Modifications.

What is the best soap for underarm odor?

15 Best Deodorant Soaps for Female Body Odor
  • Tom's of Maine: Deodorant Soap.
  • Mirai: Purifying and Deodorizing Soap Bar.
  • Solpri: Shield Antifungus Soap Bar.
  • Art of Sport: Body Soap Bar.
  • Megababe: Space Bar Underarm Soap.
  • Duradry: Deep Cleansing and Deodorizing Wash.
  • Lume: Warm Vanilla Soap.
  • Hibiclens: Soap and Skin Cleanser.

What is the best women's deodorant for smelly armpits?

The Best Deodorants for Smelly Armpits (2023)
  • Blu Atlas Deodorant. ...
  • Native Cashmere & Rain Sensitive Deodorant. ...
  • Oars + Alps Natural Deodorant Fresh Ocean Splash. ...
  • Schmidt's Sensitive Skin Stick Jasmine Tea. ...
  • Lume Natural Solid Deodorant Stick Clean Tangerine. ...
  • Harry's Odor Control Deodorant Fig.

Why men shouldn't shave armpits?

As with shaving any part of your body, shaving your armpits also opens up the possibility of getting razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritation, and the underarm area is definitely one of the more uncomfortable areas to experience this in.

Does rubbing alcohol clean armpits?

Deodorize your armpits

Rubbing alcohol can get rid of the bacteria that leads to armpit stink. Wipe or spritz the lower or middle concentration alcohol onto clean pits to stop the odor-causing germs in their tracks (but you probably don't want to do it right after shaving — it can sting).

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