by Roderick L. Evans

Created on: August 18, 2008

In society, America continues to fight to unending "War on Drugs." Though many arrests and confiscations of illicit substances occur annually, this problem still wages on. This same applies to the unending 'war' against body odor. Regardless of numerous showers, baths, lotions, and cosmetics, many find themselves battling with eliminating unpleasant body odors.

Research has shown that there are numerous contributing factors affecting a person's body odor from genetics, chemistry, and health. This substantiates that each person has to develop a personalized, customized regime to eliminate body odor. However, there are certain standard practices that all can employ in the war against body odor.

I. Shower/Bathe as needed. The first line of defense against body odor is to shower and bathe daily. Seems elementary, but many fail to do it. It is necessary, at times, to take more than one bath or shower in a day depending on influencing environmental factors (including times of hot weather and increased stress and work in an individual's life). Deodorants and lotions should never be used in place of a washing.

II. Perform "Mini" Cleansings. With the advent of the baby wipe, it is easy to freshen up one's body without the hassle or inconvenience of taking a full bath or shower. It is a practical way for busy individuals to remain fresh and clean. There are individuals who are allergic to dyes and scents, but there are many wipes on the market that are hypo-allergenic, having none of these. Baby wipes can provide a quick line of defense against sweating and waning perfume and deodorants.

III. Wear Clean Clothes. I know! I know! It seems so obvious. However, many people wear uniforms to work and certain suits for business practices. It is imperative that the clothes remain fresh and clean or any attempts at remaining odor free will become futile. With the advent of dry cleaning kits for the home, many do not have to wait on a dry cleaner or pay the high costs of having something professionally cleaned throughout the week.

IV. Use Deodorants, Perfumes, Colognes, Lotions, and Body Sprays. Need I say more? Yes. Choose the ones that compliment your body's chemistry. It takes to time to find out which suit you the best, but it can be done. Get advice from peers and family, who usually will be brutally honest about what you are wearing for fragrance.

The war to eliminate body odor continues on, but you can win. Develop a strategy and regimen that suits you, your lifestyle and your budget. If you make a little extra effort, you will not have to pay through the nose, and neither will others.

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