Beat Body Odor & Keep Your Skin Hydrated in Hot Weather

Body odor often appears when sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin’s surface. Living in a tropical country means we’re constantly exposed to heat and sweat almost every day.

As a result, the risk of body odor increases, especially during hot weather.

Where Does Body Odor Come From?

Body odor is actually a natural occurrence. When you exercise, feel stressed, or experience hormonal changes, your body produces more sweat.

However, sweat itself doesn’t smell. The odor comes from bacteria on the skin that break down proteins and fatty acids in sweat, releasing a distinctive smell.

Certain areas, such as the armpits, skin folds, and groin, have more apocrine glands—the type of sweat gland that produces sweat rich in protein and fat. That’s why odor tends to develop in these areas.

Factors That Can Worsen Body Odor

Changes in body odor can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Hormonal changes: During puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.
• Diet: Foods like garlic, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, and red meat can alter your body’s natural scent.
• Health conditions: Diseases such as diabetes or metabolic disorders may change how your sweat smells.
• Personal hygiene: Not showering regularly or failing to change sweaty clothes can make odor worse.

In some cases, a sudden change in body odor or excessive sweating may indicate a medical condition such as hyperhidrosis.

If your body odor changes drastically for no apparent reason, it’s best to consult a doctor to identify the cause.

Hot Weather and Body Odor: Why You Smell More When You Sweat

Hot weather and outdoor activities often make you sweat more.

But did you know that the amount of sweat doesn’t always determine how strong your body odor is?

Some people sweat a lot without smelling bad, while others may smell even with minimal sweating.

Your body has two main types of sweat glands:

• Eccrine glands: Help cool the body and regulate temperature by producing clear, odorless sweat.
• Apocrine glands: Produce thicker sweat that’s rich in protein and fat—the kind that often causes body odor when mixed with bacteria on the skin.

Interestingly, men’s sweat tends to smell stronger than women’s because they usually have more body hair and apocrine glands.

These glands become active at puberty, which explains why body odor typically starts during the teenage years.

Other factors that can intensify body odor include:

• Physical activity or intense exercise
• Stress and anxiety
• Obesity
• Genetic and hormonal factors

Even though sweating is a natural cooling mechanism, keeping your skin clean and using deodorant or antiperspirant is still essential to stay fresh—especially in hot weather.

How to Prevent Body Odor and Stay Fresh All Day

Fighting body odor isn’t just about masking it with perfume or body spray. The right approach should target the root causes—bacteria and excessive sweat.

Here are some effective ways to prevent and reduce body odor:

1. Maintain good personal hygiene

Shower regularly using antibacterial soap to reduce the bacteria that cause odor. Focus on areas that sweat easily, like the armpits, groin, and feet.

2. Trim or shave underarm hair

Hair in the armpits can trap bacteria. Shaving helps sweat evaporate faster and prevents bacteria from breaking it down into odor.

3. Wear clean, breathable clothing

Change clothes daily, especially after heavy activity. Choose fabrics like cotton or linen that allow your skin to breathe and absorb sweat. Don’t forget to wash your underwear and bras regularly.

4. Use antiperspirant—not just deodorant

Deodorant masks odor, but antiperspirant helps reduce sweat by temporarily blocking sweat glands. For excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), your doctor can prescribe a stronger formula.

5. Watch what you eat

Certain foods can affect body odor, including garlic, onions, curry, and alcohol. Notice if your body odor changes after consuming them.

6. Manage stress effectively

Stress and anxiety activate apocrine glands, increasing the risk of odor. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, light exercise, or getting enough rest.

By consistently applying these habits, you can keep your body fresh, clean, and confident—even during the hottest days.

References

Cleveland Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Body Odor.

Health Harvard Edu. Accessed in 2025. What’s that smell? Get rid of body odor

Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Sweating and Body Odor.