You still smell after shaving because bacteria on your skin break down sweat (especially from apocrine glands in armpits/groin) into smelly compounds, and shaving doesn't eliminate this bacteria or its food source; plus, irritation or trapped residue can worsen odors, so proper cleansing with antibacterial soap, drying thoroughly, and potentially changing deodorant/clothing helps manage lingering smells.
“The most common cause of odor coming from that area is the action of bacteria on sebum,” explains Dr. Robert Brodell, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Shaving removes hair, which can actually help trap sweat and slow down bacteria buildup. Razors can cause micro cuts, making your skin more sensitive and reactive. Shaving can disrupt your skin's balance, making it easier for odor-causing bacteria to thrive.
Removing the hair does not really decrease the amount of bacteria, it does, however often change the overall smell of the area because it changes the speed in which the area dries/the length it remains wet.
There is no good or bad medical/health benefit or harm with keeping or removing underarm hair. In regard to hygiene, underarm hair keeps microbes and other microorganisms and secrete chemicals that when expose to air smells very bad.
Everyone has sweat glands, but some people have overactive ones. This means you might sweat more than usual, even after a shower. More sweat equals more food for bacteria, which equals more odor.
If you do decide to shave your pits, you can find comfort in knowing that you'll sweat less. Simply put, less hair means more air flow. If you have thick armpit hair that holds onto sweat, it may even cause you to sweat more because it's holding on to that moisture.
No, you don't need to shave or wax. However, if there's something going on with your skin, shaving or waxing will make it easier for your physician to evaluate the area.
Julia Roberts
"I think I just hadn't really calculated my sleeve length and the waving, and how those two things would go together and reveal personal things about me. So it wasn't so much a statement as it's just part of the statement I make as a human on the planet, for myself."
There's also a chance some hairs will become ingrown. This means that the hair that's trying to grow back gets trapped under the skin. This can lead to redness, pain, and tiny bumps in the area. Sometimes people can get skin infections from shaving.
After you've been sweating, give your shirt, socks, or any other garment a sniff, especially in areas prone to odor like your underarms, feet, and groin. If your clothes smell bad after a short time, it's a good indicator that you have body odor.
A healthy vagina maintains a slightly acidic pH and produces discharge that can have a mild, musky odor. However, if you're noticing this smell through your pants, it may be more concentrated than usual due to trapped moisture, synthetic underwear, or normal hormonal fluctuations.
To get rid of odor "down there," maintain good hygiene with just water (avoid perfumed products), wear breathable cotton underwear, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and consider probiotics; however, if the odor persists, changes significantly (like a fishy or strong smell), or is accompanied by itching or unusual discharge, see a doctor, as it could be an infection requiring antibiotics or other treatment, says Healthline and Cleveland Clinic https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-vaginal-odor,.
Given that the vagina contains billions of bacteria, a slight musky smell is usual. But if the vagina emits a strong fishy smell and it is accompanied by a burning sensation, itching, or unusual vaginal discharge, it is time to see a doctor about treatment.
A person may leave a wet spot when they sit down because they have been sweating. For example, they may notice a wet spot after sitting down at a gym machine. Vaginal discharge may also leave a wet spot when someone sits down.
Japan: Women in Japan have preferred to shave only their legs and underarms, leaving the bikini and pubic area untouched. It is also quite common to remove facial hair and peach fuzz for a smooth, glass-like appearance.
Type 1A is the rarest hair type and is stick-straight without even a hint of a wave. This type of hair tends to be healthy and glossy, but it's extremely difficult to get it to hold curl or style.
SOUND OFF: Miley Cyrus and several actresses have stopped shaving their armpits and are saying if men shouldn't have to, then women shouldn't feel pressured to do it either.
“An OB/GYN still can perform an exam when you're on your period, but it's also OK to reschedule the appointment if you are feeling uncomfortable,” said Rosemary C. Sousa, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women's Care.
In previous years, traditional childbirth recommended hair removal on the pubic area before delivery. However, modern childbirth finds that it's not necessary to shave your pubic hair before delivery.
Appearances don't matter. Whether you choose to groom your pubic area or not, or if you forgot to shave your legs and your armpits before the appointment, your gynecologist couldn't care less. Their focus is purely on your health and well-being. They won't even notice.
Shaving your armpits can help reduce odor by minimizing the surface area where bacteria can hang out. The same goes for other body zones, like your groin area. Hair down there can trap sweat and bacteria too, especially during workouts or hot days. Shaving or trimming can help keep things fresher by reducing buildup.
A different short-term solution to shaving that you could consider is depilatory creams, such as the Veet BodyCurv Hair Removal Cream. This hair removal cream is suitable for sensitive skin and has a curved applicator, perfect for your pits. However, ensure you do a patch test in case of sensitivity.
There are myriads of benefits of underarm hair removal, including: