The Sniff Test: A Runner’s Guide to Staying Fresh

The Sniff Test: A Runner’s Guide to Staying Fresh

You can’t even walk to the mailbox without breaking a sweat right now. A run of any distance will have you soaked through the best high-tech fabrics within minutes. It is what it is this time of year. 

We’re all familiar with that far-from-fresh feeling post-run. Yes, a little body odor is perfectly fine and natural after a workout. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. But if you’re self-conscious about the smell, looking for some relief, or curious about this “all-over” body deodorant stuff… sit tight. 

We caught up with Jennifer Lopez (no, not that J.Lo!). This one’s a Family Nurse Practitioner at Novant Health Dermatology Associates, to get the lowdown on keeping the stink suppressed even when the heat and humidity are on the rise.

The Stinky Truth

First things first: why do we get smelly in the first place? Well, it’s not actually the sweat itself that stinks. Lopez explains that body odor happens when the bacteria on our skin throws a party with our sweat. And get this – only 2% of our sweat comes from our armpits! No wonder sometimes it feels like our whole body is a bit… fragrant.

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: What’s the difference anyway?

You might think these are the same thing, but they’re actually tag-team partners in the fight against funk. Deodorants are like bouncers at the bacteria party, using antimicrobial properties to keep things under control, plus they throw in some nice smells to mask any odor. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are more like party poopers – they actually reduce how much you sweat in the first place.

All-Over Body Deodorants: Yay or Nay?

So, what about these newfangled all-over body deodorants… are they worth a try? Lopez says they can be pretty effective. They work by making your skin less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria and masking any smells that do crop up. But here’s the catch: everyone’s body chemistry is different, so what works for your running buddy might not work for you.

Playing it Safe

Good news: these all-over deodorants are generally safe to use. But before you go slathering it everywhere, Lopez suggests doing a little patch test first. Even natural products can sometimes irritate your skin, and nobody wants a rash on top of everything else.

If you’ve got sensitive skin, be on the lookout for products without fragrances, parabens, phthalates, propylene, and sodium lauryl sulfate. These are like the usual suspects in the skin irritation lineup.

Here’s How to Use It

Now, don’t go treating this stuff like body lotion. Lopez advises using it only in the areas where you tend to get smelly. Think feet, groin, and anywhere skin rubs against skin, like under your chest or between your thighs. And keep it on the outside, folks. 

Beyond the Bottle

Want to up your odor-fighting game even more? Lopez has some extra tips:

1. Shower daily with antibacterial soap. (You’re probably already doing this after your runs, anyway.)

2. Go for loose, breathable clothes and cotton underwear. Let those parts breathe!

3. Watch what you eat. Too much caffeine, alcohol, garlic, onion, or spicy food can seep out in your sweat.

Remember, every runner’s body is different. What works for you might not work for your running partners. So don’t be afraid to experiment a little to find your perfect odor-busting routine. Keep it fresh out there, y’all.