If you’re having frequent issues with underarm odor, you’ll probably do anything to smell good again. It’s normal for the armpits to get a little pungent on a hot day or after a tough workout.

Unfortunately, for some people, underarm smells can be a serious issue that hurts their quality of life. If you’re at the point that even strong antiperspirants don’t help, you may want to consider laser hair removal.

Studies show that laser hair removal can help with underarm odor. This long-lasting hair removal method is incredibly effective for clearing away unwanted hair, but for those who are more prone to sweating, it can also help reduce unpleasant scents.

What Causes Underarm Odor?

Underarm odor is caused by odor-emitting bacteria that interact with underarm sweat.

Our underarm sweat is also called apocrine sweat, and it’s different from the sweat emitted by other parts of the body. It’s secreted by glands that are largely present in the underarms and groin, and that only become active once a person hits puberty.

The sweat is composed of a mix of water, fats, proteins, and even ammonia. This combination actually doesn’t have much of a smell on its own. However, the skin’s surface actually has a robust microflora that also includes a few species of bacteria.

Some of these bacteria metabolize the apocrine sweat, breaking it down into stinky fatty acids. These bacteria usually thrive in moist environments, so sweating only encourages their growth.

It’s important to stress that these bacteria exist on human skin naturally, and they’re not necessarily harmful. However, preventing their overgrowth can also help prevent unpleasant body odor.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal is a long-term hair reduction treatment. The laser device creates a powerful and focused beam of light that selectively heats the very root of the hair. Through heat, the laser deactivates any hair follicle in the active growth stage, preventing new growth of hair. Over time and with regular treatments, it leads to major hair reduction.

The underarms are one of the most popular treatment areas, usually for aesthetic purposes. The underarms are also one of the best areas for treatment, often showing a higher level of smoothness in a shorter time-frame.

While the treatment may sting a little, modern developments like cooling systems help to significantly reduce discomfort. At SEV, underarm laser hair removal is also quick, with appointments rarely taking longer than ten minutes.

The Link Between Underarm Hair and Odor

There is a small but important link between underarm hair and odor. While apocrine sweat itself doesn’t smell bad, it becomes stinky once it interacts with the skin’s microbiome – an interaction that’s helped by the presence of body hair.

Hair provides a ton of surface area for sweat to collect. When you get sweaty, your armpits become moist. If you have underarm hair, they remain moist for longer because the hair prevents the sweat from evaporating. This results in more sweat for the bacteria to metabolize.

And with so much apocrine sweat to feast on, the bacteria thrives, which is why underarm odor often gets worse with more sweating and exertion.

Eliminating the hair helps underarm sweat evaporate faster, so it can help prevent body odor from developing or becoming bad.

However, research shows that only hair removal methods that are very close to the skin can help with underarm smells. The study looked at waxing, shaving, and trimming with scissors, and results showed that waxing and shaving both reduced bad smells (although waxing, especially, came with some unpleasant side effects).

How Laser Hair Removal Reduces Bad Odor

As with the other close-to-the-skin hair removal methods, laser hair removal can also help reduce underarm odor. Simply by removing hair, less sweat gets trapped against the skin, which means there’s less material for the bacteria to process into bad smelling compounds.

In one study, participants experienced a 63% improvement in sweat smell after undergoing 6 laser hair removal sessions.

The study also found that laser hair removal reduces underarm smell in a way that’s probably more complex and scientific than you would think. It actually corrects the balance of microbes on the skin and reduces the growth of the bacteria leading to bad smells.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Odor Control

Studies show that all close hair removal methods, including waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal can help reduce sweat odor. However, there are a few additional benefits that make laser hair removal uniquely better.

  • Long-term reduction in hair growth
  • One of the most affordable hair removal methods
  • Convenient and time-saving
  • Non-invasive and easy to tolerate
  • FDA-approved as safe and effective
  • Effective on all skin tones
  • Prevents ingrown hairs and razor burn

What to Expect After Treatment

After your underarm laser hair removal treatment, you can expect a bit of redness, stinging, or swelling in the lasered area. It’s perfectly normal, and will likely dissipate soon.

In the meanwhile, you can cool the area with an ice pack or using a fragrance-free soothing lotion. Avoid deodorants or scented products for a full day after your treatment.

Laser hair removal takes consistency to show results, so you can expect to need a series of treatments. The exact number is unpredictable, but the underarm area generally responds well to laser treatments.

Laser Hair Removal and Other Odor Control Methods

Laser hair removal alone might help with your underarm odor, but it may not be enough on its own. That said, you’ll need to be a little careful with how you combine it with other treatments. These are some of our recommendations:

  • Antiperspirants and deodorants can both help prevent body odor, either by blocking sweat, masking the smell, or killing bacteria. However, make sure to wait at least 24 hours before applying them to laser-treated areas.
  • Additionally, come to your appointment with the treatment area clear from lotions or deodorants/antiperspirants.
  • To prevent sweat and bacteria buildup in your underarms, wash it on a daily basis with a gentle body wash.
  • Glycolic and salicylic acid are also sometimes used to treat underarm odor. Make sure to wait at least a week before and after your laser appointment before using such products.
  • You can also consider treatments like Botox or Morpheus8 to potentially curb sweating.

Smell Fresh With Underarm Laser at SEV 

If there’s an accessible treatment that could keep you smelling fresh without breaking the bank, wouldn’t you want to try it?

At SEV, underarm laser hair removal is always quick, efficient, and easy to tolerate. Using advanced Alexandrite/Nd:YAG laser systems, we offer our clients state-of-the-art treatments calibrated to their skin tone, for a higher level of safety and results.

We aim to make laser hair removal more accessible through inclusive, transparent pricing with both individual and package options.

Your laser hair removal treatment for underarm odor could start for as little as $50. That’s a small price for hair free arms. Are you ready to get started? Book now at your nearest SEV.