Help... I smell!

What causes body odor and how can you control it?

Nothing is more unpleasant than smelling yourself. You move your arms a little closer to your body and wonder if others notice it too. Yet sweating is completely normal. It is even essential: your body uses sweat to cool down and remove waste products. So the problem is not that you sweat, but what happens afterwards.

Sweat doesn't smell, bacteria do

Fresh sweat is virtually odorless. The familiar smell of sweat only develops when bacteria on the skin break down the sweat. This releases odorous substances. The more active these bacteria are, the stronger the smell becomes.

There are many sweat glands under the armpits in particular. When heat, moisture, and bacteria come together, it creates an ideal environment for odor formation.

The role of clothing

What you wear has more influence than you think. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester do not ventilate well and retain heat. This causes moisture to remain on the skin longer, giving bacteria more opportunity to multiply. In addition, synthetic fibers can retain odors, even after washing.

Natural materials such as cotton, linen, or wool allow the skin to breathe and help wick away moisture more quickly. This makes the environment under your armpits less attractive to bacteria.

Insufficient or incorrect cleansing

Many people wash their armpits quickly and superficially. At the same time, deodorant residues, sebum, and dead skin cells can accumulate. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria.

Proper cleansing does not mean aggressive degreasing, but rather thorough and skin-friendly cleaning Tallow soap works in a way that is compatible with the natural oils of our skin. This effectively cleanses the skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry.

After washing, drying thoroughly is just as important. Bacteria love moisture.

Stress and nutrition

Not all sweat is the same. Stress sweat contains more proteins and fats than regular sweat. Bacteria break down these substances more quickly, which is why stress sweat often smells stronger.

Diet can also have an influence. Garlic, onions, alcohol, and strongly spiced foods can temporarily change your body odor. This varies from person to person, but it can play a role if you notice that your odor is suddenly stronger.

Why blocking is not always the solution

Many conventional deodorants try to block perspiration completely. Although this feels dry temporarily, it can disrupt the natural balance of the skin. When sweat glands are blocked for long periods of time, this can lead to irritation or buildup, which does not always improve odor problems in the long term.

An approach that works with the skin is often more effective.

Switch to Tallow Cosmetics deodorant with magnesium

A tallow deodorant with magnesium targets the cause of odor: bacterial activity.

Magnesium helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria without aggressively disrupting the skin. Tallow supports the skin barrier and helps keep the underarm skin supple and balanced. Instead of masking odor or completely stopping the natural process, it makes the skin environment less attractive to bacteria.

This often results in a more stable outcome and a fresher feeling throughout the day.

Small habits, big difference

In addition to product choice, small adjustments can make a big difference. Choose breathable clothing, wash sportswear immediately after use, consider trimming or shaving underarm hair, and gently exfoliate your skin from time to time to reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells.

You don't smell bad  your skin is out of balance

Strong body odor does not usually mean that you are unhygienic. It is often a sign that your skin's environment is not optimal. By being more conscious about your clothing, cleansing, and deodorant choices, you can restore that balance.

When your skin is in balance, freshness will follow naturally.