Any remaining moisture in skin folds – for example, under the breasts, between the toes, in the groin area, or in the hollows behind the knees – can very quickly promote the unwanted growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Why it matters: Aging skin tends to be noticeably thinner, more fragile, and more sensitive, making it much more vulnerable to irritation, rashes, and odor if it stays moist.
What helps: After a shower or bath, pat your skin gently and carefully with a soft towel, rather than rubbing it vigorously. A cool blow dryer or fan can be great for reaching hard-to-reach areas. Some women have also found unscented or antifungal body powders to be helpful.
4. Using perfume to mask the odor instead of addressing it
Applying fragrance or perfume to an already existing body odor often makes the resulting odor even stronger and worse, rather than improving it.
Why it matters: Perfume reacts chemically with sweat and bacteria present on the skin, which can sometimes create an even sharper, more penetrating, or more acidic odor.
What helps: Focus primarily on preventing odor. Apply perfume or eau de toilette only to perfectly clean and dry skin and use it sparingly.
