HERE IS WHY ONE ARMPIT SMELLS WORSE THAN THE OTHER

HERE IS WHY ONE ARMPIT SMELLS WORSE THAN THE OTHER

As the founder of a deodorant brand, my team and I often have discussions about our own bodily ailments. One thing that came up recently is how sometimes one armpit can smell worse than the other at times. People experience this on various levels, which is why I want to discuss some of the possible reasons as to why one armpit may smell worse than the other and what you can do about it.  

NO TWO SIDES OF YOUR BODY ARE IDENTICAL​

Recently, I listened to an interesting Ted Talk that discussed how most human bodies are asymmetrical. While I had a hard time finding a study that proved that one armpit can smell worse than the other, I did find a study that showed that one armpit can produce more bacteria than the other. Since bacteria is the main cause of odors and asymmetry is prevalent in our bodies, it makes sense that one armpit can smell worse than the other. 

WE DON’T USE BOTH SIDES OF OUR BODIES EQUALLY​

This dichotomy has existed since we were born, which is why we are either right handed or left handed. We are naturally going to use our dominant side more, so the increased activity may produce more sweat and bacteria. If you are right-handed like most of the world, you will use that arm more and produce sweat that leads to molecules that release Organosulfur compounds called Thioalcohols which contain pungent odor. Therefore, your right armpit will smell more than your left. 

YOU MAY NOT BE CARING FOR BOTH SIDES OF YOUR BODY EQUALLY

Since we’ve established that you may favor one side over the other, this can inadvertently contribute to your lack of hygiene. Of course, when you shower or apply deodorant, you are doing it to both sides, but you may prioritize one over the other. This leads to more odor on one side than the other. You must shave, apply deodorant, and wash your underarms at the same time to keep odors at bay. 

HOW DO I PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING?

It can be definitely strange to find that only one armpit is producing an odor, especially when most people wash both armpits at the same time. To help stop this common occurrence from happening here are some small lifestyle changes you can make to prevent one armpit smelling worse than the other. 

STRUGGLING WITH NATURAL DEODORANT?

Here's what no one tells you... Get Madame Sweat's guide to using natural deodorant without smelling.

REMOVE YOUR ARMPIT HAIR:

Armpit hair is more likely to trap sweat and bacteria in the area. If you prefer some hair in the area, you should trim it and lather the soap under your underarms for 20-30 seconds. 

WASH YOUR ARMPITS THOROUGHLY:

This seems like a given, but many people don’t realize they aren’t washing their underarms properly. In order to make sure your underarms are 100% clean you need to use a soap that contains naturally antibacterial ingredients such as sea salt and apple cider vinegar that will kill the odor-causing bacteria. That’s how I created the underarm bar. I massage my underarms with the bar for 20-30 seconds and then wash off the soap. After that I apply a generous amount of my charcoal deodorant to help ensure my armpits are odor free for as long as possible.   

REFRESH AFTER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

While a full shower is better, wiping your underarms with a wipe after exercise can go a long way as it will reduce the amount of bacteria left behind. 

WATCH WHAT YOU WEAR:

Opt for clothes made of breathable fabrics to allow for fresh air to flow into your body and to keep your body cool. 

CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES ON A DAILY BASIS:

You will have accumulated bacteria throughout the day, so the best thing you can do is to change your clothes on a daily basis.  

THE TAKEAWAY

It’s a strange phenomenon but the natural asymmetry of the body, along with your hygiene routine can be the reason why one armpit smells more than the other. Implement these simple lifestyle routine changes and use the underarm bar on a daily basis to help manage unwanted odor.  

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