A common theory suggests that abstaining from underarm products might reset the body, leading to a natural reduction in body odor over time. This belief posits that traditional deodorants and antiperspirants interfere with the body’s natural processes, potentially making the armpits smell worse when product use is stopped. To evaluate this claim, it is necessary to investigate the biological mechanisms that create body odor and how underarm products interact with these functions.
The Science Behind Body Odor
Body odor (BO) does not originate from sweat itself, as human sweat is initially odorless. Sweat glands are divided into two main types: eccrine glands, which secrete watery fluid for cooling, and apocrine glands, concentrated in the armpits and groin.
Apocrine glands release a milky fluid rich in lipids and proteins. This nutrient-dense secretion is what odor-causing bacteria on the skin surface feed upon. Bacteria, primarily Corynebacterium and certain Staphylococcus species, metabolize these compounds into volatile organic compounds.
These byproducts, such as 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid, are responsible for the characteristic pungent or musky odor. The presence and activity of these specific bacteria are the true source of underarm smell.
How Products Change Your Natural Scent
Underarm products are categorized into two types, each with a distinct mechanism for managing body odor. Deodorants are classified as cosmetics and work by targeting odor-producing bacteria. They typically contain antimicrobial agents, like alcohol, which reduce the bacterial population on the skin surface.
Deodorants often use fragrances to mask any remaining scent, but they do not stop the body from sweating. Antiperspirants, conversely, are classified as over-the-counter drugs because they affect a bodily function. They address the smell problem by physically blocking the sweat from reaching the skin surface.
Antiperspirants use aluminum-based compounds, such as aluminum chloride, to form a temporary gel plug within the sweat duct. By obstructing the pores, antiperspirants prevent the apocrine secretions from reaching the surface where bacteria can metabolize them.
Does Stopping Deodorant Reduce Odor Long-Term?
The claim that stopping product use leads to a permanent reduction in odor is not supported by current scientific understanding. When a person stops using an underarm product, especially an antiperspirant, they often experience a distinct “transition period.” During this time, the armpit microbiome shifts significantly as the suppressing effect of the product is removed.
Studies show that antiperspirant use changes the ecology of armpit bacteria. When use is discontinued, the population of odor-causing bacteria, particularly Corynebacterium, often increases rapidly. This spike in bacterial activity results in a temporary, but noticeable, increase in the intensity of body odor, often referred to as “rebound odor.”
After this temporary surge, the armpit microbiome stabilizes and returns to the individual’s natural, pre-product state. The natural baseline odor is largely determined by an individual’s genetics, such as the ABCC11 gene, which influences sweat composition and bacterial activity. While the microbiome returns to its unsuppressed state, there is no evidence that the long-term odor is less intense than the original baseline.
Natural Ways to Manage Body Scent
For those who wish to manage body odor without using traditional antimicrobial or aluminum-based products, the focus must be on managing moisture and controlling the bacterial population. Several natural methods can be employed to manage the underarm environment:
- Regular and thorough washing is the most direct way to physically remove bacteria and their food source from the skin surface. Using an antibacterial soap can further inhibit bacterial growth.
- Baking soda has an alkaline nature that helps neutralize the acidic compounds produced by bacteria and acts as a moisture absorber.
- Ingredients like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can lower the skin’s pH, creating a less hospitable environment for odor-causing microbes.
- Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, possess natural antimicrobial properties that help keep the bacterial population in check.