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Original poster

To think you get stinkier as you get older

64 replies

Witchofzog · 03/12/2018 15:40

When I was younger I wore deodorant mainly because every one else did. I didn't really sweat that much.

However as I have got older I definitely need it and I definitely need to shower daily at least without fail otherwise everywhere feels decidedly manky. Yet when I was younger (and more of a minger) I used to go raving all night and not go home or shower for a day or so without being smelly (I honestly honestly wasn't before people say I must have been stinky though my feet admittedly were a bit Blush)

So do you get smellier (and Hairier though that's a different thread Grin) as you get older or is it just me?

OP posts:
StarShapedWindow · 03/12/2018 16:46

I. Not sure it’s just caused by menopause because my DH is having the same smelly problem. We decided it must be age Confused

Crazyladee · 03/12/2018 16:49

I'm the opposite.

In my late twenties I used to be so embarrassed about armpit sweat. No matter how much I used deodorant, I used to suffer with really bad sweat patches. I could never wear a pale coloured shirt. I actually remember having to use the really expensive extra, extra strong deodorant that you put on at night and lasted three days. And even then, I could never lift my arms up with confidence.

Nowadays (mid forties) I am nowhere near as bad. I could actually go without using deodorant full stop. Once I ran out of deodorant and didn't really sweat.

However, although I don't have the armpit sweat problem anymore, I have discovered I have a new problem. Wetting myself when I cough. Nice.

PlatypusPie · 03/12/2018 16:49

Perimenopause and during it - was definitely sweatier. Post menopause I found that it was the complete opposite and, apart from a particularly vigorous gym work out or being in a very humid country, I barely glow at all.

Still shower, use deodorant and fresh appropriate clothing daily, though.

Osirus · 03/12/2018 16:50

I’m 36 and noticed this too- actually thought it must be an aging thing just the other day. Or it might have been this morning. Memory is going too!

BewareOfDragons · 03/12/2018 16:50

Thats weird, i find the opposite true. Me and my friends, all early sixties were only discussing the other day how we literally never have to use deodorant any more. Kind of like another reminder of the ageing process we figured.

Interesting.

Did you know that your sense of smell gets worse as you get older ... perhaps you can just no longer smell yourselves...

Rudgie47 · 03/12/2018 16:50

@LizzieBennettDarcy. Have you tried the sure cream ones that cost £5.00? These are the best I've found. I'll enclose a link here www.wilko.com/en-uk/sure-maximum-protection-anti-perspirant-cream-45ml/p/0335748.

I'm 48 and I personally think its the menopause that makes you smell more. I really smell of sweat when I get up and we don't even have any central heating.I have to have a bath every day without fail and my skin is really dry. I've started to use Sanex bubble bath as its supposed to be good for very dry skins.

ApolloandDaphne · 03/12/2018 16:52

I am mid 50s and am far less sweaty and stinky now than I used to be.

Grinchly · 03/12/2018 16:52

I was just thinking this myself only today. Had a really thorough shower and my pits still were a bit smelly.
I could go two or three days without a shower. Not now Sad

KandoKat · 03/12/2018 16:57

Late 40's, menopausal and I stink worse than when I was a teenager 😷

Eggyricething · 03/12/2018 16:59

I've taken it as an excuse to buy really nice perfume (as well as shower more, obviously!).

Cosmos45 · 03/12/2018 17:01

Funnily enough i was just thinking the same today. I feel absolutely minging in the mornings before my shower.. Couldn't even contemplate going a day without one and sometimes I think 2 a day would be best. Definitely age.. late 40's, perimenopausal and seem to be very very sweaty at night a lot of the time despite HRT.. it has helped but I definitely still "glow" a lot at night sometimes.. groin BO as well!

MargoLovebutter · 03/12/2018 17:07

Less stinky, more hairy.

I've never been a sweaty person, so I actually feel like a husk slowly drying out! Need more Gin!

mostdays · 03/12/2018 17:07

I think it's the run up to menopause and then menopause itself that does it. Post menopause I actually think women can go longer between washes before they start to smell.

If smelly armpits are a concern and you use shower gel or a not-really-soap like Dove, swap to real soap, it makes an incredible difference.

DianaPrincessOfThemyscira · 03/12/2018 17:17

I get you. I used to dance every day for two hours as a teen and while I got sweaty, I didn’t smell.

I’m 36 now and I feel like I don’t sweat much but I still smell a bit funky by the end of the day. I am fat though which definitely makes me hotter and sweatier.

carnationmilkcraving · 03/12/2018 17:21

I smell in the morning and really should wash twice to three times a day to be really fresh
I use baby wipes when I go for a wee even to keep fresh

I find the type of deodorant I use affect odour too

Now I stick with sanex peach coloured lid and it helps a lot

I didn't use to smell as a child

Maverick66 · 03/12/2018 17:35

Menopausal. With sensitive skin. No matter what deodorant I buy makes me itch!

Never had BO until I turned 50 😳

WindinTheWillowsLover · 03/12/2018 17:37

women's sense of smell actually gets worse as they get older which is why some smell but are unaware, or they use so much perfume that they leave trail behind them so you smell it even after they are 200 yards along the road. Yuck.

Fifthtimelucky · 03/12/2018 17:44

I was a very sweaty teenager. Now late 50s and am much less so.

antwaki · 03/12/2018 17:44

Crazylady Are you my sister? We used to be exactly the same - the sweatiest biffs ever and our school shorts were pale blue cotton - bloody nightmare and meant we wore our jumpers all year round. Now at late 40's don't sweat half as much and barely use deodorant. Hair also less greasy and legs less hairy too.

Bloodybridget · 03/12/2018 17:54

Opposite for me, when I was young I could smell my armpit sweat as soon as I'd washed, used deodorant every day without fail. Then gradually I noticed my sweat didn't smell any more, now I only use deodorant if it's very hot and I'm going to be at close quarters with people. I have a keen sense of smell and never use perfume.

Dontaskmyname · 03/12/2018 18:46

Yep, definitely noticed that at 35 after child no 3. All deodorants somehow stopped working and I would have a nasty BO mixed with perfumed deo smell two hours after showering.

Since losing 2.5 stone and going to the gym, the situation has somewhat improved, but not quite.

I now need a shower every day and have to wash my hair every other day or it emanates this stale dirty smell which then lingers on the collar of my winter coat. I am just grateful I can smell it and do something about it. It would be the worst if I was oblivious to it and went round offending other people’s nostrils.

Original poster
Witchofzog · 03/12/2018 20:16

I am so glad I am not alone Smile I had never thought of putting deodorant elsewhere before but I might try this now (fanjo excluded of course Grin)

OP posts:
SerenDippitty · 03/12/2018 20:20

I’m less smelly since starting to use soap instead of shower gel. Late 50s.

woodhill · 03/12/2018 20:29

Definitely more sweaty now.

5foot5 · 03/12/2018 22:27

I actually have cleavage BO these days.

Yes I get that too these days. Thank goodness it's not just me.

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