Understanding Sudden Body Odor Changes & What to Do About Them

Have you ever experienced a sudden change in body odor and wondered why? We feel you. There are many different reasons behind a change in body odor and it can be difficult to know which one is at play. To help you out, we’ve put together the main reasons for these changes below and have provided tips on how to tackle them.

What Causes Body Odor to Change?

Here are 8 of the most common reasons for body odor changes:

1. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, like those that occur during puberty, can send your sweat glands into overdrive. More sweat = more odor-causing bacteria. Hormones can also alter your sweat composition, and even a small difference can cause body odor changes. But it’s not just puberty – stress, specific health conditions and diet can also throw your hormones out of whack.

2. Diet

Strong-smelling foods, like garlic and onion, have compounds that linger after digestion. They find their way into your bloodstream and eventually seep out through your pores. So if you’ve recently noticed a sudden change in body odor, think about what you’ve been eating.

3. Medications

It's wild to think a tiny pill can mess with your scent, but it's true. Medications alter various biological processes, from metabolism to hormone balance. Some might make you sweat more or less, while others could change the scent of your sweat.

If you start noticing a change in the way you smell, it might be worth consulting your healthcare professional.

4. Hygiene Habits

Skipping a shower or two won’t kill you, but it may cause body odor changes. Consistent hygiene habits are key. Regular showers aren't just about feeling good – they're also about removing bacteria from your skin. And those gym clothes? They need a wash, not just a quick air-out.

5. Alcohol

Find yourself smelling funky after a night out? As your body breaks down alcohol, it doesn’t just vanish. Part of it exits via your sweat, contributing to a change in smell.

6. Stress

Stress sweat isn't like regular sweat, which is more like a diluted salt solution. Stress sweat contains more proteins, lipids and carbohydrates that bacteria on your skin find irresistible. This leads to the development of odor that is not so irresistible. So when life's turning up the heat, you might notice some changes in the way you smell. That means finding ways to reduce your stress can help get your fragrance back under control.

7. Clothing

That sleek nylon shirt or those shiny new joggers may look great, but they may also be changing the way your sweat smells. Synthetic fabrics tend to trap sweat, holding it closer to the skin. And that warm, moist environment is bacteria’s happy place.

On the flip side, natural fabrics like cotton let your skin breathe and wick away moisture. Sports clothing made with moisture-wicking polyester blends or performance fabrics is also a good choice.

How to Deal With a Sudden Change in Body Odor

Need a game plan? We’ve got your back with our four-step plan to tackle body odor changes, including short-term and long-term fixes. Let’s get into it.

1. Shower Like You Mean It

Invest in a premium body wash to help clean away all the grime, sweat and remnants of the day. Focus on particularly sweaty areas, like underarms and feet. And don’t forget to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to get rid of dead skin cells, Then, make sure you're completely dry before sliding into clothes. Bacteria thrive in moist, warm environments.

We’ve got a whole range of fine fragrance body washes that can help keep you smelling fresh for up to 12h, like our Aqua Bergamot Premium Body Wash.

2. Use Deodorant or Antiperspirant

If you’re serious about getting your body odor under control, using one or both of these products is crucial.

Deodorants contain antimicrobial properties that help reduce the odor-causing bacteria living on your skin which, in turn, reduces unwanted odor.

Antiperspirants block your sweat pores with active ingredients like aluminum, which cuts down on the amount of sweat that comes to the surface of the skin. This not only reduces the odor-causing sweat but also helps you avoid wet marks.

Like the sound of both? Check out our Apollo Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick.

3. Identify Your Triggers

Have you changed your medication recently? Do you smell different after a night of heavy drinking? Note down potential triggers and keep track of when you experience them, as well as any body odor changes you have to see if any patterns emerge.

Once you’ve identified your smell triggers, you can start finding solutions.

4. Be Proactive

Anticipating potential smelly situations is always smart. Check the calendar, look ahead, and make a plan to stay one step ahead of unwanted odor.

But life’s not always perfect. Sometimes you’ve just gotta live regardless of the consequences – just make sure you’ve got a great deodorant to back you up.

We’ve teamed up with world-renowned perfumers to create our Fine Fragrance Collection of deodorant body sprays, sticks and body washes with five incredible fragrance combinations. Check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, designed to keep you feeling fresh and protected for up to 72h.

Want more from your deodorant? Discover dual-action deodorants.

Let’s wrap this up

You can’t control everything in life, including unexpected body odor changes, but you can be ready. Feeling fragrance curious? Check out our full guide to men’s fragrance products.