Home Remedies and Grooming Tips Every Guy Should Follow

Like social distancing, isolating yourself and staying at home has become part of the new normal for a lot of people. But it’s not an excuse to skip your hygiene steps. Personal care used to be a solid routine pre-pandemic—you shower, brush your teeth, make sure you smell fresh, day in and day out, without even thinking about it.

This is especially true if you're used to being out and about on different days of the week. Now that we’re forced to stay cooped up at home for most days, you may have to remind yourself of these things to prevent body odor.

It’s also important to do this because you're going to want to look and feel your best when you finally step out of the house. Keep your grooming in check, so you can do just that. Make a conscious effort to smell better and fresher while you're stuck at home. Watch out for the following, and manage them, STAT:

WHY: Naturally, this happens when you’re not consistent in brushing your teeth. Halitosis (the medical term for bad breath) could also be caused by other health issues like postnasal drip (a mucus problem, excusable) or your diet, like if you’re on a very low carb one. For example, if you’re on a ketogenic diet, the ketones can make your breath smell fruity. It could even smell like nail polish remover sometimes. Yikes!

HOW TO FIX: Remember that dental health isn’t a multiple-choice dilemma—you need to do ALL of it. Brush, floss, gargle—and not just once a day. Start with the right equipment for the job and make sure you stick to a routine. Consult your dentist if the halitosis won’t go away—find out if there’s an underlying gum problem or even medical conditions like diabetes.

HOW TO PREVENT: Don’t skip your meals, and avoid things that could speed tooth decay like sweets and smoking. Mind your food, and keep the following in moderation: onions, garlic, cheese, alcohol, and sodas. But, if you just couldn't help but indulge in them, brush your teeth and tongue with closeup Red Hot Toothpaste.

WHY: Not showering is one factor. Another is stress. Did you know that it can affect the way you smell? There’s not much of a difference between stress-induced sweat and regular sweat, but the former is a lot thicker and contains more fats and wastes from inside our body. These “extras” are like a treat for bacteria, and when they feast on it, you get body odor.

HOW TO FIX: Baths and deodorant should be enough, truth be told. Consider antiperspirant-deodorants instead of those that have a single function only. However, sometimes, the odor could be caused by a fungal infection, which is usually found in the warm nooks of your body, thanks to a combination of bad hygiene and excessive sweating. If that's the case, talk to your dermatologist.

HOW TO PREVENT: Diet is key, again. Avoid excessive intake of meat, fatty or oily food. A swipe of Rexona Men Ice Cool Roll-on before any activity will help keep you fresh and dry for up to 48 hours. Make it a part of your daily grooming routine.

WHY: Skip washing your hair regularly, and you’ll soon develop an oily scalp. That’s a great breeding ground for bacteria, which are most often associated with dandruff. A greasy mop of hair and flakes on the shoulders? That’s quite unattractive and very uncomfortable!

HOW TO FIX: Prescription medication can be provided by a dermatologist. Alternatively, you could try tea tree oil. Apply a few drops on your scalp and leave it on—maybe while you’re watching an episode of your favorite show. Take care not to accidentally binge-watch while waiting though! Massage your scalp and wash it thoroughly after.

HOW TO PREVENT: Even if you’re just at home, be sure to wash and shampoo often—especially after a workout. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo especially formulated for male scalps like CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men to keep flakes, grease, and itch at bay. Try not to wear hats 24/7, too, so your head has some breathing space.

Remember: isolation is for your safety, but keep yourself safe from body odor, too, while you’re at it!