Research has found that the salts in antiperspirants can cause an imbalance of bacteria. Aluminum compounds kill less foul-smelling bacteria, giving stinkier bacteria more opportunities to thrive and causing more body odor. In short, antiperspirant can make you smell worse because it alters the composition of bacteria in your armpits. And if you put on a heavy sweater but only use deodorant, you may continue to sweat, which can make you smell worse.
Another treatment to reduce armpit odor is to apply a natural astringent. This type of treatment tightens pores to reduce perspiration. Natural astringents such as apple cider vinegar or witch hazel also have antibacterial properties, helping to reduce odor-causing bacteria. Saturate a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar or witch hazel and apply it to the armpit.
Do not apply it if you have shaved your armpits. The study states that the “prolonged use of antiperspirants” can cause an alteration in the production of odors in the armpit. Now let's dive into a deeper understanding of why antiperspirants and deodorants can make you smell worse. Dr.
Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist for Laser Dermatology at Union Square, for information on stinky armpits (including why you can smell angry even after applying a little deodorant and how to stop the stench).
