How can I feel fresh?

[MangoPineapple11]

Lately I have been struggling to feel fresh after a shower. I have a shower but really not long after, I feel very smelly especially underarms.
I have had laser hair removal sessions the last few months so unsure if it's related.

any recommendations on very cleansing washes to help combat BO?

Old fashioned bar soap. It’s all you need. It’ll remove residue from anti-perspirants and shower gels, and get you properly clean in a way no ‘washes’ can.

I find it drying on my skin in general, but essential for armpits.

Proper bar soap. Supermarket own brand ones are fine. Don't use cleansing bars or shower ge.

Yes to the simple bar soap and stop wearing synthetic clothes, those are not breathable.

Make sure you dry carefully with a clean, fresh towel and wear 100% cotton with sleeves (never sleeveless). Old fashioned bar soap is a must and if needed, lather into a soft face cloth and give your underarm area a good scrub.

Yep. Unscented soap rather than shower gel was a life changer.

Are you sure it you and not your clothes?
proper clothes wash not quick at least 40deg?

I doesn't need to be unscented soap, scented is ok too, but I look for ones that don't contain talc.

What's the explanation for bar soap being better than shower gel for this?

I've heard that laser armpit hair removal does indeed make you sweatier/smellier - just anecdotal but seems to be a common experience!

@SignOnTheWindow , I think it has something to do with the pH of soap.
Shower gels and body washes are intended to be gentle and feel luxurious on the skin, and tend to leave a film on the body.

@KirstenBlest, ah I see - thank you!

If I ever feel like this I use hibiscrub, gets rid of the bacteria sweat and then I make sure I'm all hydrated with a good body cream. I fractured my clavicle 3 years ago in the summer and I couldn't get rid of the sweaty build up from my arm being in a sling, that's when I started using it. It's actually bought for the dogs but I love it 😀

Modern formulations of body wash are designed to not strip your skin of it's oils, whereas old soap did.

But the oils on your skin is where the bacteria can get trapped and start to get whiffy, especially the sweaty bits. Having a bar soap bath a few times a week, with daily hands, face pits and bits wash would have been an acceptable hygiene level back in the day, whereas these days a daily shower would be necessary.

If you don't already do so then a clean bra every day. Wash them by hand and pay particular attention to the fabric that the inderwire is encased as its generally thicker than the rest of the bra. Then dry outdoors.
Also use deodorant under your boobs. In the past I have used athletes foot powder as well if it's got a bit whiffy as it's a likely place for a fungal infection.

Having had this issue and researched and tested I have four suggestions

1. Agree with all pp that a bar of old fashioned soap far better for a proper clean.
2. Flannel (new one daily), need to scrub properly to remove stuff. Rubbing liquid soap not as effective
3. 'the ordinary' glycolic acid, large bottle about a fiver. Makes armpits very unattractive to bacteria. Slap on leave to dry
4. Either mitchum or sure maximum protection roll on. Not sprays.

Am no longer stinky.

There was a radio programme that described how to apply anti-perspirant.
It was this one Sliced Bread Natural deodorants. IIRC it was towards the end, but it's quite an interesting listen anyway.