PROBLEM: She’s been complaining about the lingering odour coming from your underarms, especially when you perspire.
STEP 1: Get rid of sweat & dirt (3)
Bacteria feed off the sweat secreted by your apocrine glands, causing armpit odour. While fresh apocrine sweat is odourless, it develops that characteristic smell when eaten by bacteria, which are present in the armpits of most people. To beat the stink, scrub your pits to leave no fodder for the germs. Billy Jealousy Salad Days Body Scrub ($55, www.whathewants.com.sg) contains jojoba esters for exfoliating dead skin cells, and sage extract for purifying and toning the skin.
Step 2: Use a deodorant (1)
The alcohol in it turns your skin acidic, which helps to fight off bacteria. A deodorant can be used on your hands and feet, as well as armpits, and usually contains fragrance to cover up any B.O. “It’s a good idea to switch your deodorant brand every six months, to prevent resistance,” says Dr Han Lee, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California. In the meantime, use Rexona Men Adventure Special Edition Anti-perspirant Deodorant Roll-on ($3.75 from Watsons stores), which helps to control sweat output for up to 24 hours.
STEP 3: Watch what you eat
Depending on your body chemistry, certain foods may cause a strong body odour. Red meat, garlic, cumin and curry contain oils and proteins that can lead to unpleasant scents emanating from your skin, leaving their “mark” for more than 24 hours on those who ingest them. Conversely, there are foods that help to counter pong. “Chlorophyll and other plant-based nutrients will cleanse you from the inside out. Some of the best foods for that include parsley, cilantro, celery and all mint species,” says Mike Adams of Naturalnews.com. Aromatic herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme and oregano are also helpful.
Step 4: Get enough zinc (2)
This mineral regulates the detoxification of your body – a deficiency that can cause body odour. However, zinc is one of those odd little elements that your body doesn’t notice until it’s absent from it. About 30 to 50 per cent of alcoholics suffer from zinc deficiency. The mineral is found in various foods, including lean red meats, seafood (especially herring and oysters), peas and beans, according to the Mayo Clinic. Or you could take a supplement like Holland & Barrett Maximum Strength Chelated Zinc, which gives 25mg per tablet. ($26.90 for 100 tablets, #B1-61 Citylink Mall, Tel: 6884-4934)a
