u/Smiling_Blues

▲ 636 r/HygieneTips+1 crossposts

I finally got rid of my underarm B.O.

I struggled with really bad (and I mean, REALLY bad) underarm odor since I was a young teen. I was using tawas at the start then switched to antiperspirant deodorant when the smell got stronger. I’ve tried all forms of antiperspirant deodorant - spray, stick, roll-on, gel, and lotion type. Nothing worked.

I got desperate and started searching for “hacks” and “tips” on how to get rid of B.O. and tried almost everything. From making sure to take a bath twice a day to buying different kinds of products. These are a some things I’ve done, to name a few:

  • daily bath + deodorant
  • switched to men’s deodorant when the underarm smell got stronger
  • applied benzoyl peroxide 2x a week
  • laser underarm hair removal
  • changed diet
  • applied lemon juice / apple cider vinegar / baking soda on my UA
  • bought “organic” deodorant from Healthy Options

Still, nothing worked. Then I decided to stop using deodorant completely. It was a risk but it was the only thing I wasn’t able to try. At first, I really SMELLED. I had to keep wiping my underarms with wipes, alcohol, or washing it in a bathroom even when I would be out in public.

I knew I had to detox from deodorant so I remained persistent. I began to notice that my BO started to go away a few months into my detox. When I reached a year, I found out about Nuud deodorant which I applied 1-2x a week. Eventually, I didn’t have to put anything on my underarms and I wouldn’t smell! The detox worked!

It’s been 3 years since I threw out all my deodorant and said goodbye forever. Now, I don’t put any deodorant at all and I don’t smell. Of course, there are certain days when there is a little smell especially when it’s very hot or when I’m working out but definitely not as horrible as before. In fact, I think I may be the only one who can smell it. I’ve also been using glycolic acid 1-2x a week for whitening and to kill bacteria.

To those struggling with underarm BO, don’t give up! Maybe all you need is a detox.

EDIT: Some comments are saying this is an ad for Nuud but let me add that I also use Coconut Matter Natural Deodorant on rare times when I feel like I’m going to be very sweaty (maybe 2-3 times a month lang).

My understanding (& research) of body odor going away WITHOUT deodorant is that deodorant changes the types of bacteria living in your armpit. When you stop using antiperspirant, the environment (armpit) gradually returns to a more normal, balanced mix, and smell becomes milder. Deodorants also block sweat glands so bacteria + blocked glands = bad body odor.

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u/Smiling_Blues — 6 days ago