Body odour and soap

Most people assume that perspiration causes body odour, but the truth is that we have specialized glands found under our arms and in the genital area that are responsible for body odour.  These glands are called apocrine glands and they secrete a sticky, milky fluid that on breakdown by skin bacteria results in the characteristic smell of body odour.  These glands don’t start production until a person goes through puberty.  This is why children never smell of body odour no matter how sweaty they get.  It’s only once they go through puberty that we need to start talking to them about deodorant.

Normal sweat glands are not capable of producing body odour and even better, they secrete a salty, water-soluble fluid that rinses easily away on contact with water.

You only need to use soap in those important places, not all over! Thus you’ll prevent your skin from drying out and becoming irritated.