Sweat odor as well as underarm hair typically appear during puberty. Hormonal fluctuations encourage the development of new sweat glands and increase the flow of sweat, which is accompanied by a sometimes unpleasant odor. So at what age might teens start using a deodorant?
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At What Age Could You Start Using a Deodorant?
Summary
- How Do Changes in Body Odor Occur in Teenagers?
- At What Age Could You Start Using a Deodorant?
- What Can Be Done To Reduce Body Odor?
Published August 1, 2022,
updated on August 7, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
How Do Changes in Body Odor Occur in Teenagers?
Puberty is the transition from a child's body to an adult's body. The transition lasts several years (about 5 years); it is determined by hormonal fluctuations. For girls, this period usually occurs around the age of 11 and for boys around the age of 12-13.
Puberty is especially characterized by the appearance of body odor due to sweating, both in girls and boys. This phenomenon can be easily explained.
Sweat glands produce sweat to regulate body temperature. There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are functional from birth, while the apocrine glands develop their effect at puberty. The latter, unlike the eccrine glands, produce a profuse sweat with a strong odor. The sweat produced by the apocrine glands mixes with sebum and dead skin cells and feeds the bacteria present on the surface of the skin. By feeding on this metabolic waste, the bacteria emit gases that are responsible for the unpleasant body odor. In addition, during puberty, hair grows or becomes thicker in certain areas, such as the armpits. Hair is a good and fertile breeding ground for bacteria responsible for bad odors.
At What Age Could You Start Using a Deodorant?
A deodorant can be used as soon as unpleasant sweat odor appears, i.e. from the beginning of puberty, when the teenager feels bothered by it.
Nowadays, there are deodorants designed specifically for teens and even tweens. Before the age of 11, deodorant is usually an odorless roll-on. After age 11, it is available in spray form.
It should be noted that the use of antiperspirants is discouraged in these age groups. As a reminder, antiperspirants block the flow of sweat thanks to the aluminum salts they contain, while deodorants combat unpleasant odors but allow sweat to flow away "naturally."
What Can Be Done To Reduce Body Odor?
Sweating is important to regulate body temperature to 37 °C. However, bacteria on the surface of the skin feed on it and release unpleasant odors. Using a deodorant is necessary to limit the occurrence of unpleasant odors. However, without good hygiene, it will be ineffective. There are a few things you can do to combat unpleasant odors:
Shower once a day to limit the proliferation of bacteria.
Dry the skin well, as bacteria multiply in moist areas.
If the teen in question is really bothered by odors, removing underarm hair may be a good option. Hair intensifies the unpleasant odor. However, young girls should wait until they are menstruating before epilating so that the hair does not harden too much or increase in number. Keep in mind that if you epilate early, the fuzz will turn into real hair. In any case, the later you start hair removal, the more likely it is that the hair will be less thick and less numerous.
Make sure you eat a healthy diet with a varied and healthy menu. Avoid certain foods that increase body heat and therefore sweat production, such as chili, onions, coffee or garlic.
Wear appropriate clothing: avoid synthetic fabrics that promote sweating and instead choose natural materials such as cotton or linen. Also, clothes should be loose-fitting to allow the skin to breathe.
Learn to relax, as strong emotions promote sweating.
Don't drink beverages that are too cold or too hot, as they kick-start the thermoregulatory system and thus sweat production.
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