Long-Term Abstinence from Deodorant: Shocking Consequences Revealed
In a groundbreaking six-year experiment, wellness influencer Alyse Parker decided to stop using deodorant in 2018 [1]. This bold move has sparked new conversations about the causes of body odor and uncovered the sometimes unexpected science behind it.
Parker detailed her experiment and observations in a YouTube video, where she revealed that she switched to a raw food diet, eating only fruits and vegetables [4]. She maintained her usual workout routine, including intense gym sessions, and surprisingly, didn't experience complaints about body odor [5].
The smell of sweat comes when skin bacteria break down specific compounds in sweat, especially after exercise or during stressful moments [6]. Dietary components, especially animal products, change the chemical makeup of our sweat, which can affect how we smell. A 2006 study published in Biology Letters found that people who avoided meat had "significantly more pleasant and less intense" axillary odor [7].
Parker's genetic makeup may have contributed to her experience with body odor. Experts note that she may carry a rare genetic variant of the ABCC11 gene, found in about 2% of people studied by the University of Bristol [2]. This gene variant affects the composition of sweat and consequently the intensity and smell of body odor.
However, Parker credits lifestyle changes, particularly her plant-based diet, for her change in natural scent [4]. After a year, she reported on YouTube that friends and followers didn't notice any unpleasant odor [5].
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology states that genetics play a role in body odor [3]. Parker's six-year experiment didn't prove everyone can toss out their deodorant, but it highlights how diet, personal biology, and genetics all work together in ways we're only starting to understand.
In conclusion, Alyse Parker's experiment suggests that our habits, food, and even DNA may influence body odor. Genetics does play a significant role in determining body odor, as illustrated in Parker's case, where she noticed her scent remained mostly neutral, except after meals heavy in fat or protein, when a faint odor sometimes returned [1][3].
[1] Parker, A. (2020). No Deodorant for Six Years: What Happened? [Video file]. YouTube. [2] University of Bristol. (2015). Genes that influence body odour identified. Science Daily. [3] The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. (2015). Genetics of body odor. [4] Parker, A. (2019). My Raw Food Diet Journey: One Year Update. [Video file]. YouTube. [5] Parker, A. (2019). No Deodorant for Three Years: What's Happening? [Video file]. YouTube. [6] National Library of Medicine. (2016). Sweating and body odour. [7] Hedrich, R., et al. (2006). Dietary effects on axillary odor. Biology Letters.
- Alyse Parker's six-year experiment shows that changes in diet, such as switching to a raw food diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, can potentially affect body odor and natural scent.
- In the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, it is stated that genetics also play a significant role in body odor, as demonstrated by Alyse Parker's case where her genetic makeup may have contributed to her ability to go deodorant-free for six years.
- Despite the role of genetics in body odor, Alyse Parker credits her lifestyle changes, particularly her plant-based diet, for helping her maintain a mostly neutral scent without using deodorant, except for occasional instances after meals heavy in fat or protein.
