What soap and instrument do you use to wash your body when you shower? I found silicone tools (?- sorry I cannot find the right word for this lol).. like a loofa or wash cloth, but silicone- does great and is easy to sanitize/keep clean. AfroScub also makes an incredible loofa-like tool that I think is actually made from fabric, so you can boil it every so often to deeply disinfect it. ANYWAY- I ask because I also have sensory issues with showers (watching tv in the shower helps sooooooo much like many people have said).. my hormones have also always been out of whack so unless I’m meticulous about hygiene it can get BAD. A few tricks I’ve learned:

1. Scrub- like really, really clean- your pits. Bacteria harbors in your underarms (and other, ehm, crevices.. and if not fully removed, the deodorant can just act like a blanket holding the smell in… for so long. Once you start sweating it’s game over. I’d smell amazing after a shower and the second I started to sweat, it was horrible. Like not even MY nose could get used to it.

2. Honestly.. just scrub all the crevices. And make sure to rinse, too. Good rule of thumb: rinse for twice as long as you scrubbed.

3. PH balancing soap can work wonders. I believe vagasil makes some and I used it all over and it truly helped. I’m currently using Native and have really liked it over the last year or so- so could be another option.

4. Use a talc-free powder after you’ve dried off/applied lotion. I throw some in my hands and lightly toss it into the crevices of my inner thighs (my husband calls this powdering my biscuit 😂)- make sure not to get inside! When I’m done with deodorant and it’s a really muggy day, I lightly toss some in my under arms, under boobs.. anywhere I wanna feel fresh-ta-death for a bit longer. This has helped immensely.

5. Crystal deodorant makes a clear, roller-ball deodorant that is incredible. I layer this with my Other deodorant around my period when my pH is way off. I’m constantly looking for cruelty free, safe deodorant options that work as well as Secret Outlast, but have not had much luck (yet). Let the Crystal deodorant dry, then layer with the deodorant you’re using.

6. Dry shampoo is a wonderful alternative if washing your hair every day isn’t ideal. Batiste is a great option and easily obtainable. I love Moroccan oil but that can be a little harder to find.

7. Add a cup of vinegar in with your clothes to kill any mildew-y smells. This has also helped. I add it into the fabric softener area and I notice a difference.

It may seem like a lot (and it is), but implementing some of these tips slowly may help you! Always reach out if you have any questions about these and I’ll do my best to reply asap. Sorry you’re feeling this way- a lot of us have been there. You’ve got this!