UPDATE: |Adding one ingredient into skincare routine can help to banish body odour fast News

A dermatologist has shared a simple hack to ensure your sweat never causes you to stink – and it involves using one skincare product that is commonly used to treat acne

A common skincare product could be the answer to your smelly armpits.

As the weather warms up, you might find that you’re starting to sweat more. Sweating may make you develop body odour, particularly under your arms, but it’s not the sweat itself that causes the smell. Instead, body odour is caused by a reaction between sweat and bacteria on the skin.

One dermatologist has shared her top tip for combating body odour, claiming that we should use one skincare item commonly used for tackling acne.

Doctor Aamna Adel took to TikTok to reveal the secret, stating it’s something “every dermatologist wants you to know”.

Dr Adel explained: “If you have body odour, stinky feet, or stinky pits, then you need to try hypochlorous acid. The same hypochlorous acid that has been going viral for acne, back acne, and butt acne can also be used to treat your stinky pits. Your sweat itself doesn’t stink, but when it reacts with the bacteria on your skin, that’s when it starts to smell.

“Hypochlorous acid is an antiseptic, so it’s going to reduce the bacteria on your skin that causes your sweat to smell. It’s going to help your pits and your feet literally smell like nothing. All you need to do is spray it onto your pits, spray it onto your feet, and thank me later.”

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a disinfectant naturally produced by the body’s immune system, is also a key ingredient in skincare thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dermatology Times notes that hypochlorous acid is adept at fighting bacteria, which can block pores and exacerbate acne. It also accelerates healing, which could lessen the visibility of acne scars.

The website adds: “The benefits of hypochlorous acid are not just limited to the treatment of acne.

“Through its ability to combat inflammation on the skin, it is also a valuable ingredient in the treatment of other dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and other dermatoses. Additionally, hypochlorous acid can help with itch reduction and treat flaking and redness on the skin.”

How to reduce body odour

In tackling body odour, hygiene is paramount. Regular showers, particularly after sweating, and the use of antibacterial soap or body wash can reduce bacterial presence on the skin.

To further control body odour, it is recommended to wear breathable fabrics, frequently wash clothing, and use effective deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants work by neutralising odour, and antiperspirants help cut down on sweat production.

Keeping an eye on your diet could also be a key factor in managing body odour. Certain foods such as garlic, onions, spices, and alcohol can exacerbate body odour, whereas whole grains and foods rich in probiotics can encourage a healthy microbial balance.

If these strategies don’t yield results, you might consider trying natural remedies to help diminish your body odour. Apple cider vinegar, when diluted, can help regulate your pH levels and decrease bacteria, while applying a small quantity of baking soda to dry underarms can neutralise odours.

We’d also recommend seeing a professional – whether it be a dermatologist or doctor – for advice on how to tackle your specific situation.