Soap: We all know that taking the proper amount of baths or showers is important after being sweaty, hot, and gross yet no one talks about the soap part. I love a good shower gel! One of those that when I lather up I feel like I am not only beautiful but on a tropical island. As nice as those smell, they don't cut it for getting rid of body odor and oils that are released when you sweat a lot. The normal shower gels do clean your skin but don't hold up well against hard working woman smell. The point is you need something that won't just mask the scent but get you clean, fresh, and on to the next match!
What to use: Please take skin allergies into care when selecting which soap to use. You don't want a rash. If you want to use a shower gel make sure you get one that has exfoliates. This will allow you to get the oil from your sweat off your skin and the smell as well. Bar soap and wash cloth is what I recommend the most. Lather up that wash cloth and get going!
Deodorant: If you are being strong like a man then you need a man's deodorant.... There is no other way to say it than go get a deodorant designed for a man. You can wear this only when you play sports or work out if you want but you will need it for long tournament days or hard workouts. The cute pink sparkly deodorant you wear now isn't going to hold back the body odor for that long. It wasn't designed for you to be active with it. Watch some teams at the next tournament of high school age girls or college you will notice them using all men's deodorant.... The reason it simply works better.
What to use: You don't have to smell like your grandfather or your boyfriend unless you want too. I find a scent that is fresh and appealing to you. It doesn't have to be name brand either. The one I use body heat regulated so when my degrees increase it works harder.
What to use: Baby powder is a great start. You can also use body glide that is sold at sports stores. Some lotions work too but you are going to want thick lotion! The big key is not staying in those shorts or only those shorts all day... get some pants on. Give your legs a break from the friction. If you are having butt check chaffing issues try not wearing anything with your spandex (don't freak out mom's and dad's... those shorts were made not to have any on under them) and don't wear a thong either. Use the baby powder and the lotions to get you in less pain.
Sports bras and BO: After you have worn that lucky bra about three months in can start getting a smell that washing isn't getting out. You might think your deodorant is failing you but really it is the bra.... Over time sweating heavy amounts and getting all your oils on an under garment can build up and washing it won't remove the smell. Don't worry. You didn't just start smelling bad or anything. You just have BO (like everyone else) and your sports bra is caught up in it!
What to use: Vinegar. Soak that sucker in some white or apple cider vinegar over night. Focus on the area right under your arm pits. It may be more yellow or brownish in that area too. Once you have soaked just wash as normal. That weird to bad smell is gone!
Shoes and socks: There is a simple rule of life. Don't wear shoes without socks. Your feet will smell awful. Your shoes will smell awful. Your volleyball shoes collect sweat yet always get thrown in bags and locked up till the next time they are needed. I know from experience I have put on wet shoes from the last practice like 3 days ago..... Your shoes need to air out and dry. Never wear socks twice after a game or practice (unless your coach tells you to on his or her superstitions). Your feet sweat and your legs sweat. That sweat goes to your socks.
What to use: WASH your socks and let your shoes air out!
Knee pads and ankle braces: More things that are smelly if not given time to dry out! Ankle braces never get washed. Most athletes just take off their ankle braces and knee pads, throw them in their bag and are done. Knee pads maybe one of the most foul odors to ever enter the nose... ankle braces aren't as bad because they have a sock between them and skin.
What to use: Vinegar. Again with the vinegar but this stuff does work! Soak your knee pads and ankle braces in white or apple cider mixed with water. Let soak 1 hour to 24 hours. Raise and wash. If you can dry them outside in sunshine that is the best. If not just allow them to air dry.
I hope you have found these tips helpful. Share with a friend if you did!
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