Wednesday, 6:20pm. I pull up at the school Athletic Center. Heat in the car is on 72 degrees and I have the seat heaters on as well. It was early January and the weather was cold and the days were short. It was my night to run the JV basketball shuttle.
Three fifteen-year-old boys jump into the backseat and off we go. When asked about practice, the boys give me the standard grunt – indicating it was a normal practice. I don’t think we got beyond the edge of the parking lot before I smelled the odor. Where did this come from and why don’t I remember this from last season? The smell hit me hard, just moments after the boys entered the car. I didn’t say anything, because I didn’t want to be rude and I knew it was just the smell of sweaty young men. Not much I could do about it. But the experience ignited a curiosity inside of me.
In doing some online research and talking casually with other parents, I came to understand just how much our bodies change during the teenage years. Of course, this didn’t surprise me, but I must admit, I felt like I understood the “what” but not the “how” in terms of changes during adolescence. I wanted to know more.
It turns out, it isn’t the sweat that actually smells. Rather, the sweat comes into contact with bacteria on our skin – and this is what causes the odor.
The source of the sweat is a gland. The gland (it is called the apocrine gland) that produces the sweat becomes more active during puberty. According to Becky Mather at Parenthetical, the puberty process generates a new crop hormones that modify sweat of teenagers. Their bodies release proteins and lipids, and these molecules are the real source of the smell. The sweat effectively activates these bacteria. This chemical reaction produces stronger odors when they come into contact with the naturally occurring bacteria that we have in certain regions of our body, like our armpits.
So – it was not actual the sweat – but rather the sweat interacting with naturally occurring bacteria in the armpit region.
If you are a teen and notice that your sweat suddenly has a stronger odor, there are lots of things you can do. Here is a short list of suggestions:
- Staying clean and dry is the best approach to reducing sweat and odors. Make sure you bathe regularly. Bath or shower – it doesn’t matter. Use a clean towel to dry off, as bacteria tends to lurk in moist areas
- Try to bathe as quickly as possible after rigorous exercise or practice
- Apply a healthy deodorant or antiperspirant, like the selection offered by One Slade
- Once you are dry, change into clean / dry clothes
- It may help to wear clothing that is made of natural fibers, like cotton or linen
- Some resources suggest cutting back on strong or spicy foods, but it is not clear that this tactic will work in all cases
I guess I didn’t pick up on the odor during carpool last season. But I probably should have. The same kids were all around 14 years old. In all likelihood, they were in the midst of puberty. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, puberty typically begins between the ages of eight and 14 in girls and between the ages of nine and 14 in boys.
If you find that keeping clean and wearing a healthy deodorant/antiperspirant still isn’t helping, you should consider talking with your health care provider. He/she may be able to write you a prescription for a stronger product.
Don’t hesitate to email us at hello@oneslade.com if you have any questions. We aren’t doctors (we are parents) and we’d be happy to chat with you.