STOP the stink

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

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.