To ask how to combat peri-BO?

[CloudyHeadLikeLemonade]

I stink!

Plain and simple. There's no way of getting around it. I shower 2-3 times a day, and use 2 different deodorants to try and keep the smell at bay, but nothing is working.

I've NEVER had BO before, but since I hit my early 40's (and am 100% certain I'm peri-menopausal since 40) my BO is out of control! Not yet on HRT (will it help with this though?)

I sweat just talking on teams calls (think this may be due to anxiety),I sweat in the office just doing nothing, throughout the day just existing, and in my sleep. Genuinely embarrassed to wake up next to DH smelling the way I do.

I'm currently using a natural salt deodorant (people rave about them and apparently they're meant to kill the bacteria that causes BO - it doesn't!) and then after that dries I use the aerosol Mitchum (antiperspirant) which has always been my go to. I do this after each shower.

But these just aren't cutting it anymore and I'm starting to get really embarrassed that other people I'm around can smell me.

Posted in AIBU purely for traffic, although I assume IANBU in assuming that I'm not the only one having to deal with this issue. So please! Someone tell me what will work!

Sure maximum cream antiperspirant that comes in a box. No way would I try to rely on a 'natural' deodorant as they don't stop you sweating and just try to cover up smells

And try using soap instead of shower gel when washing

Thanks. I'll look into that!

And yes, I'm definitely not relying on the natural salt rock one, but figured using it as a cautionary preventative before I use the Mitchum antiperspirant wouldn't do any harm.

I only ever use soap bars. Currently using Dove, but is there a better option? I even apply directly to my pits and let it sit there 30 seconds or so before shaving, but that's not helped either.

I've tried mitchum in the past but don't really rate it much

As pp said - definitely use soap and not shower gel - and use a flannel to scrub gently.
I know it's a weird one but whenever I'm feeling particularly stinky (usually after a week of eating and drinking crap) I would do Mitchum first - which stops you from perspiring. And then after that use the stuff that kills the bacteria/ stops the smell (not the salt stuff - but a natural deodorant with bicarbonate in it.
The way around you're doing it isn't allowing the Mitchum to work as you're putting it on top of something else. It needs to go direct on the skin to stop you sweating, then everything else that gets through needs to be prevented from going stale (hence deodorant)

Dove isn't really a soap bar; it's more of a beauty bar. I'm currently using a dettol one as its supposed to be antibacterial

Dove isn't soap. You need something like Pears for under there.

It's natural but it kicks ass!

https://nuudcare.co.uk/?gadsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAuNGuBhAkEiwAGId4ah8C2rJj9Iphzy081taow-m7EVvbVvT4TiNOX1FdtWS5lM41zrGEbBoCveYQAvDD_BwE

it has been amazing for me and don't hesitate to recommend it to anyone suffering from BO.

Have you tried glycolic acid or odaban? Odaban is very effective but I found it stings too much but some friends love it. The glycolic acid by the ordinary works well for me. Just have to be careful not to apply after shaving x

I found Mitchum roll on a lot better than the spray.

I use Simple soap.

Dove is a 'fake soap' and isnt much better than a shower gel.Imperial leather is more of a traditional style soap. Someone might be able to suggest other real soaps to use.

Dettol do am antibacterial soap which works for me

Also wash your clothes in antibacterial laundry sanitizer.

I use sure max roll deodrant then a spray over the top

I don't have any advice but just wanted to offer solidarity...I have the same issue 😞

Dove isn’t soap. It’s vile stuff that’s marketed like proper soap. Stop using it, it’s not helping you.

I don’t think using an anti perspiring deodorant on top of a salt one sounds good. Especially if you’re using Dove to “clean” yourself.

I used to have the smelliest feet and used a deodorant cream by Trust - it was like a miracle - it really worked. They make an anti-oderant for underarms - I’ve not tried it but the foot cream really was amazing. There’s nothing worse than feeling self conscious - wishing you luck in finding a solution.

Op I have the exact same issue, mine is at night though and I shower before bed and wake up just stinking. I even flip over at night and can smell my own armpits.

I'm not even that sweaty just seem to develop the smell.

My DH swears it's not even bad and I'm convinced my whole room smells.

I did wonder if yes I smell more but if also my nose is more sensitive to smells and I've really gone off some foods recently.

Great tips on this thread.

This! Dove is useless for proper soaping and cleaning.

I think I read on MN a recommendation to use Hibiscrub but I think a normal proper bar soap will do the job.

I found I got stinky and sweaty in weird places, especially the chest and neck so try giving those a good soapy scrub too.

Wash twice under your pits thoroughly, rinsing thoroughly between soapings. Let your antiperspirant dry completely before dressing. Use proper soap, not Dove. Something like Simple, Wright's Coal Tar or Palmolive - old skool.

Driclor is very helpful. Most supermarkets and chemists sell it. Also plenty of soap and hot water. I have exactly the same issue and have to shower 2-3 times a day as if I shower once I'm sweaty smelling by the morning. My issues also stated a couple of years back. I suspect mine maybe a perimenopausal issue too.

I use this with Dettol soap (not to be used on sensitive parts!). Seems to work.

I agree with ditching the Dove and using Dettol bar soap (or Cidal, but I haven't been able to find that for a while).

For a while whilst perimenopausal I had smelly armpits, not a BO smell but what I used to call "old man stinky pits" . The soap solved it. I didn't even change deodorant , just stuck to my usual one.

I had success with a soap from amazon recommended on here.

It is called Irish Spring original clean. Not Icy Blast or Aloe Vera.

Great for underarms, back of neck, back and shoulders.

I'm also using dettol soap at the moment although I have a sebamed soap for my nether regions