Not many men will admit it, but we sweat a lot. The average human being has 2.6 million drops of sweat on their skin, with men having considerably more than women. This isn’t a problem in and of itself, but for guys like me, sweat and the body odors it can cause is an embarrassing subject to discuss.

We may not talk about it, but when we smell it is not really a secret from others. While my girlfriend loves my soft, sensitive skin, I’ve always felt a little self-conscious around her whenever I think she might smell my body odor. Maybe that’s why men have a reputation for being depressed and dirty.

The reason sweating makes you smell bad is simple: bacteria eat the fluids in our sweat and create the odor as a byproduct. Naturally, our bodies need to sweat a little to stay healthy and fresh, which is why men need to cleanse themselves even more.

The first and most obvious step is to use a skin-cleansing body wash when you shower. Many men already have a favorite soap, but in case you don’t: Look for a body wash made specifically for men’s skin care, as we have more pores to clean. Try using a body scrub to remove dead skin and bacteria that cause body odor after a good sweat. This will leave your skin clean and smooth.

Next, you’ll want to choose the right deodorant for underarm sweat, which is often the main culprit behind body odour. As with soap, many men already have a favorite scent, although for men with sensitive skin it can be difficult to choose one. In my experience, the only smell worse than body odor itself is when added to a fragrance-packed deodorant, which can sting sensitive underarm skin.

Until recently, I always thought that antiperspirant sticks were the best option, since they use aluminum to block sweat in the armpit. But these affect the body’s natural process, blocking sweat without actually killing the bacteria that cause body odor. Instead, look for a deodorant that uses natural extracts as antiseptics for bacteria; The best solution is to look for a deodorant without aluminum or perfume that cleanses and protects the skin.

Finally, make sure to keep your skin properly hydrated. Retaining moisture in your skin is especially difficult when you sweat more, so always drink plenty of water. And of course, don’t forget to tell your friends what they can do to keep their skin clean and healthy, too.