How can body odor be prevented?

To silence body odor, you need to make the environment inhospitable to odor-causing bacteria or kill what's there. Follow these tips to beat body odor in the five smelliest parts of the body:

1. The Groin

BO Busters

Use fragrance-free cornstarch powder to keep the area dry.

Wear natural fiber or wicking clothing.

Go commando when you can.

Avoid covering up odor with perfumes, which don't kill the odor-causing bacteria.

2. The Underarms

BO Busters

Use underarm deodorants that contain alcohol or other agents that kill bacteria or rub a crystal rock deodorant composed of mineral salts.

Use an antiperspirant which reduces moisture. (Tip: apply antiperspirants at night when you sweat less for maximum absorption into pores.)

Shave, wax, or laser underarm hair.

Avoid using harsh body soaps that wash away the natural barrier that protects against bacterial growth.

Avoid masking odors with synthetic fragrances.

3. The Feet

BO Busters

Wear socks made of cotton or other wicking material that can absorb perspiration.

Use dehydrating foot powder and footpads that contain activated charcoal that absorbs odor.

Use a tea soak 30 minutes every day for a week to allow tea tannins to constrict sweat pores.

Go barefoot or wear open sandals when you can.

Try adding a few drops of essential oils such as tea tree, sage, and clove to a footbath containing arrowroot and baking soda.

Rub some rubbing alcohol on feet at bedtime.

4. The Mouth 

BO Busters

Floss and brush teeth twice a day and after meals.

Rake the tongue with a tongue scraper from the back near the gag reflex down to the tip.

Rinse with mouthwash.

Soak dentures daily.

Eat more parsley.

Treat gingivitis early to prevent full-blown periodontal gum disease.

5. The Scalp

BO Busters

Wash hair regularly (oily hair more often than dry hair).

Use a hair dryer to dry hair thoroughly.

Don't tie back wet hair.