Adolescence is synonymous with various physical and hormonal changes. One of the things that teenagers often experience is body odor that is more pungent than when they were children. This is natural because during adolescence, sweat and hormone production increases rapidly.

Sweat mixed with bacteria on the skin can produce unpleasant body odor. If not addressed properly, body odor can make teens feel uncomfortable and inferior in their activities.

Fortunately, there are several ways that teens can overcome body odor. Here are 8 ways to get rid of body odor that you can try.

Causes of Body Odor in Teens

Teenage body odor is caused by bacteria that break down sweat in the skin. These bacteria produce fatty acids that smell bad. Here are some factors that can increase the growth of bacteria that cause body odor in teenagers.

• Hormonal changes
• Increased sweat production
• Lack of water intake
• Irregular bathing
• Rarely changing clothes
• Bacteria and sweat
• Emotional sweating

How to Get Rid of Body Odor

Here are some effective ways to get rid of body odor in teenagers:

1. Maintain Personal Hygiene

Shower at least twice a day, especially after physical activity or during hot weather. Use antibacterial soap to clean the body thoroughly, especially in areas that sweat easily such as the armpits, groin, and feet.

Make sure to dry the body properly after bathing, especially in folded areas such as the armpits and groin. Use a clean, dry towel for each part of the body.

2. Eat Healthy Food

Increase consumption of fiber-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid spicy, oily, and strong-smelling foods such as onions, garlic, and durian.

Drink enough water at least 8 glasses per day to help the body flush out toxins and maintain body fluid balance.

3. Drink Enough Water

Water helps the body flush out toxins and maintain the balance of body fluids. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help the body expel sweat and body odor.

4. Dress Loosely and Absorb Sweat

Choose clothes that are loose and made from sweat-absorbing materials such as cotton. Avoid wearing tight clothes and synthetic materials that can make the body sweat easily and body odor gets worse.

5. Use Antibacterial Soap

Use antibacterial soap when bathing to help kill bacteria that cause body odor. Choose an antibacterial soap that suits your skin type.

6. Shave Armpit Hair

Armpit hair can be a place where bacteria and sweat accumulate, resulting in body odor. Shave your underarm hair regularly to help eliminate body odor.

7. Dry Your Body Properly After Bathing

After bathing, dry your body properly especially in areas with folds such as armpits and groin. Use a clean, dry towel for each body part.

8. Avoid Spicy and Strong Smelling Foods

Avoid spicy, oily, and strong-smelling foods such as onions, garlic, and durian. These foods can increase sweat production and aggravate body odor.

Body odor in teenagers is a common occurrence. However, by applying some of the methods above, you can get rid of body odor and keep your body fresh and fragrant throughout the day.

If the body odor does not improve after trying some of the methods above, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.