Table of contents:
- Why does the body smell?
- Choosing the best body deodorizing soap
- How does antibacterial soap work?
- Sometimes, body deodorizing soap is not enough
Body odor is a sensitive issue. Unfortunately, maybe not all types of soap are effective at removing it. Now the next time you intend to buy a body deodorizing soap, there are a number of things you need to consider so that the effects can last in the long run.
Why does the body smell?
A person is said to have body odor when his body emits an unpleasant odor. The cause is not from sweat, because human sweat basically doesn't have any odor.
Body odor occurs due to bacteria on the surface of the body. Bad odors can come from the armpits, feet, groin, navel, sex organs, anus, body and pubic hair, and the back of the ears.
These bacteria break down the protein in sweat and turn it into a type of acid. This process, coupled with the growing bacteria, eventually creates an unpleasant odor.
Choosing the best body deodorizing soap
Given that the cause comes from bacteria, then you must choose a body deodorizing soap that works specifically to eradicate these microorganisms.
Regular bath soaps can get rid of dirt and germs, but they can't kill bacteria on your skin. You need a soap that is more effective as a deodorizer, namely an antibacterial soap.
When buying soap, choose one that has the label "antibacterial" on the packaging. Alternatively, you can choose a soap labeled "antiseptic".
Antibacterial and antiseptic soaps actually work in a similar way. However, antiseptic soap can also kill mold, protozoa, and viruses.
How does antibacterial soap work?
Soap works to clean the body by binding dirt and germs on the surface of the skin, then carry it away from your body when rinsed with water.
Well, antibacterial soap contains a special ingredient called triclosan, or triclocarban, in some products. Triclosan and triclocarban are special compounds that can only be dissolved in oil or fatty compounds, for example, bacterial cell membranes.
The dissolved triclosan and triclocarban then penetrate the membrane. Once inside the bacteria, they act like toxins against an enzyme that regulates the formation of the bacterial membrane.
The bacteria can no longer form a protective membrane and eventually die. Even more amazing, one triclosan molecule can stop the enzyme function permanently. This is why triclosan is such a powerful antimicrobial.
Sometimes, body deodorizing soap is not enough
Antibacterial soap is quite effective in killing bacteria on the skin. However, bathing regularly using antibacterial soap is sometimes not enough to prevent body odor from returning.
So that the results are more optimal, you are advised to take part in other prevention efforts. For example:
- Clean all parts of the body evenly when bathing
- Always wear clean clothes
- Wearing natural clothing so that the skin can breathe
- Use deodorant or antiperspirant regularly
- Immediately change clothes, socks, and shoes after exercising
Using body deodorizing soap is only one of the many ways to prevent bad odors. Sometimes, some people just need to use other methods because not everyone is suitable for using antibacterial soap.
Some antibacterial soap products can cause dry skin as a side effect. If you experience these effects, stop using them and try to consult a doctor for a more suitable solution.