STOP the stink
Girls' Life magazine|August/September 2022
Find yourself catching a whiff of something? It might be a little B.O. (that's body odor...). Here's what to know.
ERIN REIMEL
STOP the stink

OK, real talk: There are many things about puberty that are totally normal—breakouts, body hair and yep, body odor among them. And while going through physical changes isn’t exactly a choice, what to do about them is. Sure, some girls don’t want to bother with (or don’t believe in) spot-treating or shaving. Stinking, on the other hand, can be, well, kinda the pits.

If you are among those seeking a little extra help in the smelling department, welcome.

Let us be the first to say that body odor doesn’t mean you’re dirty or gross—it just means you’re human. “The surge of hormones that goes along with entering puberty is the reason you start to sweat more and smell,” explains dermatologist Dr. Alicia Zalka. So if you’re feeling a little funky, that simply means your body is doing its job.

WHY DO I SMELL?

The short answer? Puberty. The slightly longer answer? A combo of sweat, bacteria and hormones. “When these mix together, it creates the perfect storm,” says Dr. Zalka. “Sweat is actually odorless, but it helps breed bacteria when it sits on the skin. And that’s what makes it smell.” The areas of your body that typically smell (underarms most noticeably) have sweat glands, which rev up as your body develops.

This story is from the August/September 2022 edition of Girls' Life magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August/September 2022 edition of Girls' Life magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GIRLS' LIFE MAGAZINEView All
Why aren't you and your crush together already
Girls' Life magazine

Why aren't you and your crush together already

Six reasons you aren't dating for real... yet.

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2024
A love letter to myself (and all the single girls out there)
Girls' Life magazine

A love letter to myself (and all the single girls out there)

This year, I’m my own Valentine. And not only is that OK—it’s kind of amazing, tbh.

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2024
WELCOME TO YOUR winter workout WONDERLAND
Girls' Life magazine

WELCOME TO YOUR winter workout WONDERLAND

DON'T LET THE COLD TEMPS FOOL YOU-WE'RE OFFICIALLY ENTERING PEAK FITNESS SZN.

time-read
3 mins  |
February/March 2024
Low-key missing lockdown
Girls' Life magazine

Low-key missing lockdown

Yeah, staying home was weird, but it also was kind of...nice?

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2024
Dear Carol
Girls' Life magazine

Dear Carol

I don’t know if my crush likes me back

time-read
8 mins  |
February/March 2024
THE PRETTIEST PARTS
Girls' Life magazine

THE PRETTIEST PARTS

Changing the way you wear your hair is quick, easy and doesn't even require a major makeover (or a single scissor snip!).

time-read
3 mins  |
February/March 2024
Lucky Girl Syndrome
Girls' Life magazine

Lucky Girl Syndrome

just became your thing

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2024
WHAT'S YOUR GALENTINE'S SUPERPOWER?
Girls' Life magazine

WHAT'S YOUR GALENTINE'S SUPERPOWER?

We’re 1,000% sure your besties would agree: You’re caring, supportive and pretty much all-around amazing to have as a friend.

time-read
2 mins  |
February/March 2024
Meet You at The Ballet Barre
Girls' Life magazine

Meet You at The Ballet Barre

Pull on your tights and channel your inner prima ballerina.

time-read
2 mins  |
February/March 2024
KyliE Cantrall is just trusting the universe
Girls' Life magazine

KyliE Cantrall is just trusting the universe

...and it's giving some serious heart eyes (and star power) right back.

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2024