In short
After exercise, lather your armpits, chest and back carefully and rinse with plenty of water. If you shower more than once a day, keep the water lukewarm and choose a gentle cleanser.
Sweat odour comes later
The sweat you produce during exercise is odourless. The smell forms when bacteria on the skin break down certain molecules in sweat. That is why it helps not to put off your shower for too long after exercise.
Which areas need extra care?
The armpits, chest, back and groin sweat the most and are where odour forms most. Lather these areas with a little more care and rinse them thoroughly.
Does frequent showering tire the skin?
Every wash increases the skin's water loss a little, and the effect builds up with repetition. If you shower twice a day, keep the water lukewarm both times, keep the showers short and choose a cleanser without harsh foaming agents.
Short list
Lukewarm water. Extra care for armpits, chest and back. Rinse with plenty of water. Moisturise if needed. Prebiotic Shower Gel is formulated to help against sweat odour; the 300 ml bottle fits in a gym bag.
Sources
- Troccaz M et al. (2004). 3-Methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol as a Major Descriptor for the Human Axilla-Sweat Odour Profile. Chemistry & Biodiversity 1(7):1022–1035. doi:10.1002/cbdv.200490077
- James AG et al. (2013). Microbiological and biochemical origins of human axillary odour. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 83(3):527–540. doi:10.1111/1574-6941.12054
- Voegeli D (2008). The Effect of Washing and Drying Practices on Skin Barrier Function. Journal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing 35(1):84–90. doi:10.1097/01.WON.0000308623.68582.d7
- Herrero-Fernandez M et al. (2022). Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function. Journal of Clinical Medicine 11(2):298. doi:10.3390/jcm11020298
These studies were not carried out with EcoProbiotic products.