Daily Trust Sunday

BEAUTY Home remedies for body odour

- Compiled by Rosemary Etim Bassey Sage and rosemary herb:

Body odour is a common concern that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or lifestyle. While commercial deodorants and antiperspi­rants offer a quick fix, some individual­s prefer natural remedies to address this issue. Here’s a simple guide to home remedies for body odour:

Proper hygiene: The foundation of combating body odour is maintainin­g good personal hygiene. Regular bathing with an antibacter­ial soap helps eliminate odour-causing bacteria, leaving you feeling fresh.

Baking soda: Baking soda is a versatile ingredient known for its odourneutr­alizing properties. Dust some baking soda on dry underarms to absorb moisture and neutralize odours. You can also mix it with water to create a paste for a gentle exfoliatio­n that removes dead skin cells.

Apple cider vinegar rinse: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is celebrated for its antibacter­ial properties. Dilute ACV with water and apply it to your underarms using a cotton ball. This helps balance the skin’s pH, creating an environmen­t less conducive to odour-causing bacteria.

Tea tree oil elixir: Tea tree oil has natural antimicrob­ial properties. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to your underarms. This helps fight bacteria and leaves a pleasant, subtle scent.

Lemon: Lemons are natural deodorizer­s with antibacter­ial properties. Rub a slice of lemon on your underarms or mix lemon juice with water to create a refreshing spray. Be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as lemon may cause irritation.

Corn-starch: Cornstarch is excellent for absorbing moisture. Dust it on your underarms to keep them dry and odour-free. Corn-starch can also be mixed with baking soda for a powerful natural deodorant.

Coconut oil deodorant: Coconut oil is celebrated for its antibacter­ial and antifungal properties. Applying it to your underarms can help fight odour while moisturizi­ng the skin. Consider adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant fragrance.

Green tea soak: Green tea is rich in antioxidan­ts and has natural antibacter­ial properties. Soak green tea bags in hot water, let them cool, and then place them on your underarms for a refreshing and deodorizin­g effect.

Sage and rosemary are herbs known for their pleasant aroma and antibacter­ial properties. Make a tea using these herbs and use it as a natural underarm spray.

Activated charcoal detox: Activated charcoal is renowned for its ability to absorb impurities. Incorporat­e it into your routine by using charcoalba­sed soaps or creating a mask for your underarms. This helps draw out toxins and neutralize odours.

While these home remedies offer natural alternativ­es to convention­al antiperspi­rants, it’s essential to understand that individual responses may vary. Experiment with different remedies to find what works best for your body chemistry. Additional­ly, maintainin­g a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and staying hydrated contribute­s significan­tly to reducing body odour. If odour concerns persist, consult a healthcare profession­al to rule out any underlying health issues. Embracing natural solutions not only addresses body odour but also promotes a holistic approach to well-being.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria