Smelling Great: Alternatives To Deodorant And Cologne

Smelling good doesn't have to mean dousing yourself in cologne or deodorant. In fact, there are many ways to improve your natural scent without resorting to these products. From your diet to your choice of clothing, there are several lifestyle choices that can directly impact your natural musk. For example, drinking more water and cutting down on red meat and alcohol can help to reduce body odour. You can also try incorporating natural fragrances into your routine, such as lemon juice or essential oils, and opt for natural fabrics like cotton and linen that are more breathable and better at regulating body temperature.

Cut down on meat and alcohol

Smelling good is about more than just the fragrances you apply to your body. Your natural scent is influenced by a variety of factors, including your diet, level of physical activity, bathing habits, choice of clothing, and the bacteria on your skin.

Cut Down on Meat

Meat consumption can affect your body odour. Red meat and dairy products, in particular, have been linked to increased body odour. By reducing your meat intake, you can improve your natural scent. Here are some ways to cut down on meat:

• Use meat as a seasoning or garnish: Instead of making meat the main course, use it sparingly to add flavour to your dishes. For example, adding a ham hock or Parmesan rind to soup infuses umami flavour without the need for large quantities of meat.
• Combine meat with plant-based proteins: You can still enjoy meat while cutting down by pairing it with plant-based alternatives. For instance, in dishes like mapo tofu or a simple stir-fry, use a small amount of meat to flavour a larger portion of tofu and vegetables.
• Stretch a little meat a long way: Meat doesn't have to be the star ingredient in every dish. Try using a small amount of meat to flavour a larger dish, such as adding bacon to a vinaigrette for a salad or pasta dish.
• Use meat in grain dishes: Grains, especially rice, are a great way to stretch a small amount of meat. For example, a classic fried rice dish can be made with a minimal portion of meat and a larger proportion of vegetables and rice.
• Choose meat alternatives: If you're not ready to give up meat entirely, consider substituting it with meat alternatives in some meals. For instance, use Parmesan rinds instead of meat in soups, or opt for plant-based proteins like tofu or beans.

Cut Down on Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can also impact your body odour and natural scent. Here are some tips to reduce your alcohol intake:

• Set a drinking limit: Before you start drinking, decide how much you will consume. You can also bring a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol, helping you stick to your limit.
• Drink smaller sizes: Opt for bottled beer instead of pints or choose a small glass of wine over a large one. Even if the amount of alcohol is the same, smaller glasses can help reduce your overall intake.
• Drink lower-strength beverages: Choose drinks with a lower alcohol percentage (ABV). By swapping strong beers or wines for lighter options, you can cut down on alcohol content without sacrificing your enjoyment.
• Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks: Stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water before consuming alcohol. Then, alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You can also try non-alcoholic versions of your favourite drinks.
• Have drink-free days: Choose specific days when you won't drink alcohol and stick to those days. You can keep yourself occupied on those days by taking up a new hobby or engaging in physical activities.
• Don't stock up: Avoid storing alcohol at home. Instead, only buy alcohol on the day you plan to consume it. This reduces the temptation to drink more than intended.
• Get support: Let your friends and family know about your goal to cut down on alcohol. They can provide support and help hold you accountable.

By following these tips, you can reduce your meat and alcohol consumption, which may positively impact your natural scent and overall health.

Use lemon juice as a natural fragrance

Lemon juice can be used as a natural fragrance, and it is especially useful when making your own scented candles at home. Lemon oil is often used in candles, but lemon juice can be used as a substitute in the ingredient list. However, it is important to note that lemon juice has an expiry date, so it is recommended to burn the candle as soon as possible.

Adding lemon juice to hot candle wax is not recommended as it can be dangerous. Lemon juice is a cold liquid, and adding it to hot wax can cause the wax to burn faster, reduce the candle's burn time, and even cause spills and hazards. Instead, it is suggested to add lemon juice to the wax before melting it. This way, you can still enjoy the fresh and sweet lemon scent without compromising safety.

Lemon juice can also be used as a natural fragrance for your body. You can create your own perfume or body spray by combining lemon juice with other ingredients. For example, you can mix lemon juice with essential oils, carrier oils, or alcohol to create a custom fragrance. The type of oil or alcohol used can vary depending on your preferences, such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, vodka, or perfumer's alcohol. It is important to dilute the lemon juice with these substances before applying it to your skin to avoid any irritation.

Additionally, lemon juice can be used as a natural deodorizer. Applying lemon juice to your underarms can help neutralize body odour and leave a fresh scent. However, it is important to note that lemon juice can be acidic and may cause skin irritation for some people. Therefore, it should be used sparingly and diluted with water if necessary.

Overall, lemon juice is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create natural fragrances for your home and body. Whether you're making scented candles or experimenting with perfume-making, lemon juice can add a refreshing and zesty scent to your creations.

Wear natural fabrics

Wearing natural fabrics is an important step in ensuring you smell nice without the use of cologne or deodorant. Synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon trap heat, causing you to sweat more and making it harder for that sweat to evaporate. These fabrics can also retain odours, even after washing.

Instead, opt for natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool. These fabrics are breathable, making them more comfortable to wear, especially during warmer months. They also help regulate body temperature, ensuring you don't overheat and sweat more than necessary.

By choosing natural fabrics, you reduce the likelihood of sweat building up and creating an environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to unpleasant body odours.

In addition to your clothing, pay attention to the fabrics of your bedding. Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets made from natural fibres will also help regulate your body temperature while you sleep, reducing the amount you sweat during the night.

Making the switch to natural fabrics is an easy and effective way to maintain fresh body odour without relying on colognes or deodorants.

Use scented skincare products

Using scented skincare products is a great way to smell nice without having to use cologne or deodorant. The scent of these products can linger on your skin, hair, and even clothes, leaving you smelling fresh and pleasant.

One way to do this is to opt for naturally scented body washes, oils, and moisturisers. These products can provide a subtle fragrance that enhances your natural body scent. For example, you could try a body wash or oil with a citrusy scent, such as mandarin or bergamot, for a refreshing and invigorating fragrance. Alternatively, you could go for something more sweet and indulgent, like pistachio, vanilla, or salted caramel. These scents are likely to linger on your skin and will provide a pleasant fragrance without being too overpowering.

If you're looking for a more natural option, essential oils are a great choice. You can dilute essential oils like lavender, geranium, and cedarwood with carrier oils such as almond, sesame, or jojoba. This allows you to create your own custom scent while also providing benefits to your skin. These carrier oils are great for all skin types and can help to approximate your body's natural sebum production.

You can also opt for scented skincare products for your face. For example, you could try a cleansing balm with notes of orange, neroli, and mandarin, or a face oil with a blend of jasmine and tuberose. These products will not only make you smell wonderful but will also provide benefits to your skin, such as hydration and glow.

Don't forget about your hair! You can use scented hair oils or mists to give your hair a pleasant fragrance while also providing nourishment and shine. Look for products with floral or fruity notes, such as hibiscus, jasmine, or guava, to give your hair a beautiful scent.

Finally, you can even use scented lip products to give your lips a sweet fragrance. For example, you could try a lip mask with a vanilla bean scent that will leave your lips smelling and tasting delicious.

By incorporating these scented skincare products into your daily routine, you can easily achieve a pleasant fragrance without relying on cologne or deodorant.

Be mindful of your diet

Diet is a major factor in how you smell, as it contributes to most of your body's functions. As food is digested and nutrients circulate throughout the body, it can impact the smell of your sweat. While the specific foods that create body odour vary from person to person, there are some foods that are known to create a bad odour, such as garlic.

According to dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, studies have shown that eating a carbohydrate-rich diet may lead to unpleasant-smelling sweat, while meat, eggs, and tofu were associated with more pleasant-smelling sweat. However, red meat and dairy can increase unpleasant body odour, as can spicy foods and garlic. So, it is recommended to cut back on steak and booze.

Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli can lead to an unpleasant odour and bad breath. These vegetables increase the nitrogen content of sweat, and when broken down by bacteria on the skin, they can produce an extremely foul smell. However, this doesn't mean you should cut out these nutritious foods; instead, practice good hygiene after consuming them.

Dr. Zeichner also suggests swapping in more chlorophyll-rich greens, which can improve your natural body odour. You can also try crafting a green juice or smoothie with greens such as parsley and cilantro, along with lemon, lime, mint, chia seeds, and fruits to taste.

In addition to food, your choice of beverages can also impact your scent. Caffeine, red wine, and alcoholic drinks can increase sweating and certain body odours. If you can't forgo these drinks, consider opting for caffeine- or alcohol-free alternatives. Staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day can also help flush out toxins that contribute to body odour.

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