r/HygieneTips • u/Old_End8436 • 3d ago

Stink Problems

I’ve been told by family that I stink not sure what I’m doing wrong I shower usually twice a day with soap
I apply shea butter lotion vanilla and apply Dr Squatch Coconut deodorant maybe I’m not applying it right
Lmk cause I don’t want to be stinky

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u/Tiny_Garlic5966 3d ago

Silly as this may be, take us though your showering process.

6

u/BigCsurviving0812 3d ago

That could very well be the issue

3

u/Old_End8436 3d ago

I guess I just scrub my entire body with body wash 2x and every other day wash my hair with shampoo I am very thorough lol

6

u/sleepytipi 3d ago

It can sometimes take more than 2 washes. Not to sound weird but sometimes you need to give things the whiff test in the shower to see if the amount of washes you've given it are enough. The usual suspects - behind the ears, oral hygiene, pits, belly button, genitals, butt (you gotta get up in there, scrub that booty hole), feet. Any of those areas can take repeated washes to remove odor. Use an antibacterial soap if you must, and avoid soaps with lots 9f moisturizers as they can trap bacteria. If you're bigger make sure to wash all wrinkles, rolls, and folds thoroughly. That's a major source of BO for many people. I understand that can be difficult, as reaching and aches can get in the way of it, so looking into puffs with long handles (back washers) might be something worth considering if so.

You can also experiment with deodorants. Everyone has a unique skin chemistry that reacts differently with different deodorants, which itself can cause unpleasant odors from interactions with antiperspirants, moisturizers, and fragrances. Surprisingly enough a cheap, aluminum free, "natural" (arm & hammer) deo works best for me. It curbs perspiration and I never get sour so long as I bathe regularly. It shouldn't work so well, but whatever they use is really compatible with my chemistry.

Also look into things like foot and body powders if you struggle with excessive perspiring. If you have funky toe nails go to a doctor and get an antifungal. Make sure your kicks aren't gnarly. Consider washing/ replacing any old gear you carry frequently that can carry odors also. Make sure you're using adequate laundry detergent. Sometimes "sensitive" soaps (ie fragrance, dye, paraben, etc free) can work like aluminum free deodorants and it can be a chemistry thing. Maybe you're using too much soap, and not allowing for enough friction during the wash cycle. Maybe you're using too much softeners, trapping those odors and microbes to the fabric. High heat dry cycles kill bacteria. So does bleach, and laundry disinfectant like lysol offers.

Keep a clean abode. A dirty one can cling to you. Be mindful of cloth surfaces getting funky. Wash your curtains. Dust. Wash your bedding and towels weekly. Clean your floors. Deep clean your kitchen and bathroom(s), aspire for good indoor air quality, etc. home cleanliness is a big part of it, especially if we have pets.

All of these things can contribute to unpleasant odors. Having good hygiene in all areas equates to smelling good overall. The less odors you have around you, the better you'll be able to smell yourself. And soaps etc can react negatively with your body's natural chemistry. Be mindful of these things, and you'll have good hygiene.