US Hygiene & Body Odor Standards

Keeping yourself clean and smelling great is key to your personal wellness in the US. The average American will shower 6 days a week, wash their hair 4-5 times per week, brush their hair and teeth 2 times per day, and floss 4 times per week. 90% of Americans also use deodorant or antiperspirant. The smell of "body odor", or BO, is not socially acceptable in the US. It's important to remain on a schedule with your personal hygiene.

Center for Disease Control: Personal HygieneLinks to an external site.

1. Keep your hands clean. Wash them frequently, after using the restroom, before eating, or use hand sanitizer with at least 80% alcohol content until you have access to a sink and soap.
2. Cut nails frequently. Use a scrub brush to get dirt out from underneath. 
3. Wash your face daily. This can prevent germs from entering your mucous glands and prevent acne.
4. Cough and sneeze into your elbow or tissue, not your hands. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
5. Wash your feet daily and allow your shoes to dry if they are sweaty. This prevents athletes foot and other fungal infections.
6. Wash your hair and scalp often to avoid fungal infections or lice.
7. Change menstrual products often to avoid infection and odor. Change pads and tampons every 3-4 hours

Antiperspirant and Deodorant 

There is a difference between antiperspirant and deodorant, but both work at minimizing under-arm odor. Antiperspirant has active ingredients (aluminum) that prevent sweating in your underarms. Deodorant does not prevent sweating, but works as a fragranced item to limit odor. Apply as often as needed- after showering, in the AM/PM, or when you start to notice an odor. Both antiperspirant and deodorant can be found at local stores (Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens). They are available in spray, solid, or gel forms. 

Examples of what you may find at your local store: 

Men's AntiperspirantLinks to an external site.

Men's DeodorantLinks to an external site.

Women's AntiperspirantLinks to an external site.

Women's DeodorantLinks to an external site.

Brands you may encounter:

Antiperspirant: Dove, Degree, Secret, Suave, Axe, Speedstick

Deodorant: Tom's, Native, Dr. Teals, Lume