Why does my BO really stink?
By Josefina Loza
We've all been there - it's a hot summer day, you're out with friends, and suddenly you catch a whiff of something... not so pleasant. Yup, we're talking about B.O. (body odor). Ever wondered, “Why does my B.O. really stink sometimes?” Let’s dive deep into the mysterious world of B.O. and debunk the myths.
Sweat vs. Bacteria: The Epic Battle
First things first, sweat by itself is actually odorless! 😲 Yup, those beads of moisture that appear when you’re dancing your heart out or running a mile don’t actually stink. It's when sweat meets the natural bacteria on our skin that things get, well... smelly.
Why Me? Puberty and B.O.
During the rollercoaster of puberty, our bodies undergo numerous changes. One of them? Our sweat glands become more active. And no, it's not just you; it's a universal teen girl thing, said Kimberly Thomas, executive director of EPIC for Girls, a dedicated nonprofit championing equity in sports and forging dynamic sports avenues for girls of color. Pair puberty with the bacteria party on our skin, and you've got a recipe for some strong B.O.
“Sports can get you sweaty and smelly on all the wrong places,” Thomas said. “Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed - this is normal. It is best to seek a doctor’s advice for anything that doesn’t seem normal; however, don’t turn to all the quick fixes you see on TV, your body was perfectly made to address these issues.”
The B.O. Breakdown:
Apocrine Glands: These glands are found in places like our armpits and produce a thicker sweat when we're stressed or anxious. Bacteria love this kind of sweat, and when they break it down, it can get stinky.
Eccrine Glands: These are all over our body and produce the clear, watery sweat to cool us down. This sweat is less appealing to bacteria.
Freshen Up Your B.O. Game:
Thomas suggests “regular bathing, anti-perspirant deodorant, change socks regularly, try to wear higher quality shoes, and ask an older adult/mentor for help.”
Omaha athlete Hannah Adangnihoude, 15, knows the problem too well.
“I’m a dancer, so even after a couple jumps or turns, I’m sweating like CRAZY,” she said. “I always carry deodorant, perfume, and lotion to freshen up after a performance. I also carry chapstick and lots of water.”
We asked young teens to share their tips to fight the stinky pits. Here’s what they had to say:
Stay clean: Shower regularly, especially after activities that make you sweat, says Omahan Aviana Briones, 12.
Deodorant: Not just a fancy accessory! It masks the odor, and antiperspirants can reduce sweating. Adangnihoude recommends Sol De Janeiro products. “It’s long-lasting and smells super good (Brazillian Crush Cheirosa 62, specifically).”
Wear breathable fabrics: Natural materials, like cotton, can allow your skin to breathe and reduce sweating, Thomas suggests.
Watch what you eat: Spicy foods, onions, and garlic can increase body odor for some. So Omahan Clara Meeker, 12, says she watches how she eats as food affects your natural body odor.