Sweating is a natural process that keeps our body cool and purges it of toxins. The problem arises when bacteria present on our skin start breaking down the protein present in sweat, releasing pungent odour. That’s something we can all do without! Luckily, the solution to excess sweating and body odour lies in the kitchen. Here are five natural ingredients you can use to keep smelling fresh all day.
Lemon juice
This wonder ingredient that’s readily available in every kitchen helps lower the pH level of your skin, thus killing bacteria that produce body odour.
• Cut a lemon in half and rub your underarms with the halves, squeezing them a bit as you go. Let it air-dry to prevent underarm odour.
• Spread a bit of salt on a plate. Cut a lemon in half, dip the halves in the salt, and gently rub your underarms with them. Wash underarms with clean water after 10 minutes.
• Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to armpits and rinse after 10 minutes.
Baking soda
This kitchen ingredient helps neutralise body odours by absorbing sweat, altering skin pH, and suppressing bacterial growth.
• Use baking soda as talc! Pat it onto your underarms or between your toes and dust off the excess once dry.
• To keep your feet from smelling, coat the insides of your gym shoes or sneakers with baking soda to absorb moisture and odours. Let it sit overnight and shake out the powder in the morning.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water. Store this in a spray bottle and use daily on sweat-prone areas. Allow to air-dry and brush off any residue to avoid staining your clothes.
• Mix baking soda and cornstarch in a ratio of 2:1. Sprinkle on underarms and feet to prevent body odours.
• Mix a tablespoon each of baking soda and lemon juice, and apply onto underarms, groin, and feet. Rinse after 5 minutes.
Tea
Tannins present in tea can help keep the skin dry, preventing sweat formation and body odour. Use following remedies only twice or thrice a week as daily application can cause excessive dryness.
• Bring enough quantity of water to a boil. Add green tea leaves to the water and allow to cool. Strain and apply to areas prone to sweating.
• Bring a litre of water to a boil. Add 2 teabags to the water and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Dilute the solution by mixing it with your bath water and use it to bathe.
Vinegar
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are effective in helping manage body odour. They work by changing the pH of the skin, destroying odour-producing bacteria.
• Dab vinegar onto sweat-prone areas using a cotton ball. Rinse after 10-15 minutes.
• Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a few drops of peppermint, sage, or rosemary essential oil to a cup of water. Mix well and fill in a spray bottle. Use as deodorant.
Tomato
This natural antiseptic can destroy a range of bacteria, including pungent odour-causing bacteria!
• Extract pulp from a tomato and apply the same to your armpits. Rinse after 10-15 minutes.
• Add 2 cups of tomato juice to your bath water and bathe with it, or soak in it for 20-30 minutes.
Thanks & Source: Femina.in
