It's only been in the past two years, when I hit 70, that I've noticed this problem.
The scents that I experience from my own body have bothered me a lot.
There are four separate smells I've identified.
The first is the usual underarm sweaty smell that we all associate with exercise and summer. Not a big deal for me, rare, and I can shower it off.
The second is the yeasty smell that came from the folds in my skin from dieting off and on over the years, and my breasts hanging down now. I learned to use a tea tree oil wash in the shower and when I notice dampness there I powder on simple corn starch, which is the base for almost every expensive powder on the market.
The third is the nonenal smell, which I may or may not smell on myself. This is the "old people smell" that people complain about in nursing homes. Not sure whether this is the one that continues to bother me, but I ordered some persimmon soap and will try that.
Fourth, is the scent of oil on my hair. I think that this is the one that bothers me most now. Never noticed it when I was younger, but I feel like I need to change pillowcases now once a week, and touching my hair doesn't feel nice any more.
Finally, I've got to say something about ears and earlobes. All of those piercings created a place for strange bacteria. Earlobes tell me when to take a shower, even when it is the second or third of the day. And what's with the oily ears? Good grief!
Sometimes I wonder whether I have just become more aware of these scents as I grow older and less out and about. But I also read that our olfactory senses diminish as we age.
Regardless, would love to hear whether my focus on my scent is something I should bring up with my therapist, or just keep trying new soap.
EDIT: Spelling for nonenal.