Discover the Secret to Fighting Body Odor as You Age
What Causes Body Odor to Change as We Age
Aging is full of surprises. Some are wonderful like your 'give a damn' button breaking. Others? Not so much. One of the unwelcome surprises of aging that no one seems to talk about is the changes in body odor.
As a 50-year-old woman navigating menopause and a 140-pound weight loss journey (with more to go), I know this struggle well. Body odor is a genuine concern in workouts and everyday life. That concern is only made worse by the fear of that infamous "old people smell."
If you've found yourself searching for answers to questions like "What neutralizes nonenal?" or "What neutralizes nonenal smell?" This blog is for you. Let's start by explaining why body odor changes as we age, what we can do about it, and how Naturium's Energizing Mandelic Acid Body Wash has become my secret weapon.
Why Does Body Odor Change with Age?
As we get older, our bodies change in many ways. One of my biggest fears is developing nonenal, also known as "old people smell." This type of odor is extremely different from traditional sweat-induced body odors. Nonenal forms of body odor happen when skin lipids (fats) break down through oxidation, creating an unsaturated aldehyde called 2-noneal. That's the scientific definition. It's the compound that has the smell. It's that grassy, slightly greasy, rotting fast food sell that sticks to both your skin and clothes, making it harder to wash away.
And if fearing nonenal odor wasn't enough, we have to contend with hormone changes during perimenopause and menopause, which also causes a shift in how our bodies smell. The decrease in estrogen can lead to increased sweating, amplified by hot flashes, changes in skin pH, and reduced skin turnover, all of which add to odor issues. And, if you are overweight, have excess skin, or your skin starts to sag, bacteria that thrive in those skin folds--- like under the breasts, under the FUPA, and other areas, you have the potential to be a walking stink bomb.
What You Can Do to Fight Body Odor As You Age?
Thankfully, we don't have to live with body odor. Here's a guide to fighting body odor from hormonal changes and nonenal:
Practice Daily Hygiene
This one is standard practice. Regular showers are essential, especially after working out. Pay attention to areas where sweat and bacteria build-up, such as under the breasts, the pannus fold, and the armpits.
Choose the Right Products
Not all body washes are created equal. Look for products designed specifically to target odor, gently exfoliate, and hydrate skin. Look for ingredients to break down odor-causing compounds like mandelic, glycolic, or lactic acid.
Try Natural Remedies
According to Good Health Academy, some natural ingredients, like persimmon extract, are effective at neutralizing nominal. Rich in tannins, persimmon extract has long been used in Japanese culture for its deodorizing properties. Additionally, green tea extract offers antioxidant benefits that reduce oxidative stress and help minimize the formation of nonenal.
Address Bacteria with Antimicrobial Agents
Ingredients like chlorhexidine and triclosan can also effectively reduce bacteria on the skin, helping manage body odors, including those that cause nonenal.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy
When it comes to health, internal and external, it always comes down to drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet. This not only improves overall health but can also improve the overall health of your skin and help manage body odor.
Keep Skin Dry and Clean
Skin folds are a breeding ground for bacteria. After showering, thoroughly dry these areas to prevent irritation and odor. When a towel isn't enough, I sometimes use a blow dryer on the cool setting, spray with antiperspirant, or use baby powder, especially in the summer months when I'm prone to sweating more.
Common Ingredients that Fight Body Odor
When choosing a body wash or products to address body odor and aging skin, look for some of these ingredients:
Mandelic Acid: A gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells, smooths texture, and supports a slightly acidic pH to inhibit bacterial growth.
Fermented Sugar Cane System: Enzymes that break down stubborn odor-causing compounds like nonenal.
Persimmon Extract: Contains tannins that effectively neutralize nonenal odors.
Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant properties to reduce nonenal formation.
Botanical Extracts: Ingredients like lavender, rosemary, and sage offer antimicrobial properties to reduce bacteria.
Moisturizers: Glycerin and sunflower seed oil help keep aging skin hydrated and soft, crucial for comfort and odor control.
Cooling Agents: Ingredients like menthyl lactate and peppermint extract provide a fresh, soothing sensation and effectively mask odors.
How Naturium's Energizing Mandelic Acid Body Wash Became My Must-Have for Freshness
As someone who fears smelling anything other than a fresh daisy, I've spent years looking for the proper odor-fighting body wash. I've finally found it: Naturium's Energizing Mandelic Acid Body Wash. It's formulated with ingredients that fight odor, and it's part of my daily shower routine.
The Naturium Energizing Mandelic Acid Body Wash is jam-packed with effective ingredients that deliver odor-eating results. The mandelic acid, a gently alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in the for,mula gently exfoliates skin, helping to smooth texture while promoting a slightly acidic pH that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria,
At its core is a fermented sugar cane system with five types of enzymes—hydrolases, oxidases, reductases, de-esterases, and more—that work together to break down stubborn odor-causing compounds. In addition, botanical extracts, including lavender, rosemary, and sage, provide additional antimicrobial benefits while moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and sunflower seed oil keep skin soft and hydrated. Menthol lactate and peppermint leaf extract also add a cooling and refreshing sensation, perfect for post-workout and post-hot flash care. This body wash is also fragrance-free, so it's ideal for fighting odor instead of masking it.
Ready to Take Control of Body Odor?
If you're ready to tackle body odor, choose the right products. Naturium's Energizing Mandelic Acid Body Wash is an effective, gentle, and refreshing option for women over 40 who want to neutralize odor caused by changing hormones related to perimenopause, menopause, and aging.
However, if you notice persistent or excessive body odor that doesn't improve with regular hygiene or odor-neutralizing products, please consult with your doctor. Excessive odor could indicate an underlying medical condition requiring specialized treatment.