Impressing a long-time love or even people we work with closely requires effort that doesn't seem to get any easier with age. One thing is certain — poor hygiene turnoffs can stifle or sideline personal and professional relationships.
"Hygiene matters because it shows that you care about your partner and you take the effort to be presentable for them," said Emily Morse, PhD, a sex therapist, host of the "Sex With Emily" show, and co-author of "Hot Sex: Over 200 Things You Can Try Tonight." The same theory holds true at the office, where being mindful of your appearance can make or break your reputation with your peers and clients.
Use this head-to-toe body check to up your charisma factor with your loved ones and coworkers.
Give Body Odor the Boot
Our distinctive scent is caused by bacteria on our skin reacting with sweat and sebum released from our pores, and this natural smell changes as we age. According to one study, middle-aged men had the most intense body odor.
Still, it's not always easy to sense bad body odor on yourself, so be pre-emptive by showering daily with a deodorant soap and following it up with an effective antiperspirant. Certain foods, such as onions, garlic, and spicy dishes, all can contribute to body odor, as well, so try to be aware if this happens to you and eat accordingly.
If you'd like to use fragrance, consider a simple pine scent, which appeals to many women, said Dr. Morse. She also advised paying special attention to grooming in the groin area, specifically the testicles, trimming the hair if needed, and using an intimate personal care product to keep the area dry and fresh.
Flick the Flakes
Dry, rough skin can become more and more of a problem as you age, said dermatologist Jason Reichenberg, MD, vice chairman of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern in Austin. Though using a deodorant soap might be key on strategic areas, if you have dry skin, consider a moisturizing cleanser like Aveeno, CeraVe, or Cetaphil for general grooming rather than harsh, drying soaps. If needed, use a body or facial moisturizer after bathing. If scalp flakiness is a problem, try an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Groom That Beard
Some men are passionate about their beards, but a beard can add years to one's appearance; and as we age, facial hair, like hair elsewhere on the body, grows in more gray.
"These days, short beards are in," said Dr. Reichenberg. If you're an older guy who prefers a hairier complexion, then consider this: "If you have a thick, unruly beard, you can keep the general shape, but use a clipper on a No. 1 or No. 2 setting and clean up the look." As a general rule, the longer the beard, the more careful you should be to groom, shampoo, and give it a check after meals to make sure it's pristine.
Tame Bello corporal
Como pasan los años, es posible que el pelo que brota en lugares no deseados, como en la espalda, las orejas y los nudillos. De hecho, Reichenberg dijo que el vello no deseado es que los hombres de quejas más comunes traer a él. "Pelo del oído y del pelo de la nariz pueden ser muy rebelde y necesita ser recortado", dijo. La forma más fácil de manejar este trabajo de limpieza es con un condensador de ajuste de la nariz o la oreja de pelo, aconsejó, y añadió que la depilación con cera y la depilación láser permanente son otras opciones a considerar.
Banish Bad Breath
Bad breath is another hygiene turnoff that's hard for men — and women — to sense in themselves. And aging can bring on oral health issues that make bad breath more likely. So more could be to blame than the garlicky pasta you had for dinner: A health condition that needs attention, such as gum disease, could cause bad breath. Seeing your dentist every six months keeps oral issues in check, suggested Judith Jones, DDS, a professor and chair of the department of general dentistry at Boston University.
She also recommends practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day, as well as brushing your tongue, because it can harbor a lot of bacteria and food debris that can contribute to bad breath.
Foil Foot Odor
Before taking off your shoes, make sure foot odor isn't going to be a hygiene turnoff. "Foot odor is usually due to excess moisture," said Reichenberg. After showering and sweat-promoting activities like exercise, dry your feet thoroughly and apply powder to help absorb sweat. Change from athletic to street shoes after your workout, and consider washing sneakers regularly and trying odor-control inserts in all of your shoes.
Pay attention to other aspects of foot hygiene, too — see your podiatrist about any ingrown nails and possible fungal infections.
Manage Incontinence
Leaking urine can be the result of prostate problems and other health issues that arise with age. Besides seeking medical treatment, be scrupulous about personal hygiene and laundry care to avoid offensive smells. Consider using underwear guards that absorb urine, prevent odor, and protect clothes.
To better control urine flow and help stop the problem, ask your doctor about doing Kegels, simple strengthening exercises that can help prevent, treat, or delay incontinence, said Morse. The muscle movement to practice is the same one you'd use to stop the flow of urine midstream.
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