There’s nothing worse than smelling something awful and then suddenly realising… uh-oh, it’s me. And no matter how good you are with personal hygiene, this is something that can happen to anyone. There are many causes for odours and seeing as knowledge is power, we thought we’d share some of the lesser-known causes so you can always smell your best.

#1 You’re mixing your scented beauty products

Today alone you might’ve used a vanilla body wash, followed by a lavender moisturiser and topped it off with a spritz of your favourite oriental fragrance. That’s A LOT of different smells. And by mixing them together, you could accidently be forming a completely new scent that’s less than flattering. The key to smelling sensational is to use products that were made to complement each other and contain similar notes.

Try: The Body Shop Body Pink Grapefruit Bath and Shower Gel, Body Butter and Body Mist.

#2 You’re not eating enough carbs

Low-carb diets, especially ones that are also high in protein, can cause your body to burn stored fats for fuel instead of carbs, which can then lead to a ketone build up in the body. The ketones are then released through the breath (and ketones smell nasty). So forget thinking carbs are the devil and eat a balanced diet instead to steer clear of bad breath.

#3 You’re not using the right deodorant

To give your pits the best protection from smelly sweat, you can’t just be using any old deodorant. To ensure optimal protection from both wetness and odour, you should invest in a clinical deodorant. They’re not just for heavy sweaters and will keep you fresh and dry for longer.

Try: Mitchum Clinical Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Powder Fresh

#4 You’re eating too much broccoli

Yes broccoli. We could’ve gone with the more obvious garlic, onion and spicy foods, but broccoli was the food that surprised us. Apparently, this innocent green vegetable (and other sulphur-rich foods like cabbage and Brussells sprouts) is a big reason behind those rotten-egg smelling – for lack of a better word – farts. Partially boiling these veggies will help tone down the stench a bit, which is the best we can do because they’re too good for our overall health to stop eating.

#5 You’re not brushing your teeth long enough

In order to properly clean your teeth and prevent bad breath, you need to be brushing for the dentists’ recommended two minutes. And don’t skip the flossing! Set your phone timer for two minutes each time you brush your teeth; you may be surprised by just how much you’ve been failing this task.

#6 You’re dehydrated

When your body isn’t receiving enough water, your urine is more likely to be made up of more substances that contain chloride and nitrogen than water, making it darker in colour and stronger in stench. Severe dehydration will also lead to a dry mouth, which then causes bad breath. Solution: drink plenty of water throughout the day. Coffee, soft drinks and juices don’t count. It must be water.

#7 You’re stressed

Anxiety and stress can cause the body to release a hormone called cortisol, which in turn causes more sweat and a stronger smell.  Regular physical activity, socialising, laughter and meditation are some of the best ways to combat stress, so if not for the sake of your blood pressure, do them for the sake of your smell.

#8 You’re not washing properly down there

By using the wrong wash on your vagina, you could potentially upset the area’s natural pH levels, which can cause infection and offensive odour. While the internal area cleanses itself, using a specifically-formulated product on the external areas will help to keep the vagina fresh, healthy and free of odour.

Try: Vagisil pH Balance Wash

#9 You have dandruff

A lot of people assume that dandruff is caused by dry hair and therefore cease washing it in an attempt to let natural oil hydrate the scalp. But really, an irritated scalp mixed with oil is just a breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria. Instead, wash your hair frequently using an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Try: Head and Shoulders Clean and Balanced Shampoo and Conditioner.

#10 You're not a yoghurt fan

Yoghurt is one of the best sources of probiotics. And what do probiotics do? They help break down undigested carbohydrates before they cause gas. So if you’re not a fan of yoghurt, it might be a good idea to start taking probiotic tablets to make your wind less smelly.

#11 You don't towel off enough

Rushing to get back into clothes in winter or laying around in your towel post-shower could be a reason for your pong. If you’re not drying off properly, moisture could be getting trapped in the folds of your skin making it easier for bacteria to form and cause odour. Make sure you’re toweling off every nook and cranny and that the towel you’re using is clean and dry.

#12 You’re a smoker

No matter how many mints you have afterwards, or how much perfume you spray, if you’re a regular smoker you will smell like smoke. Even if you can’t smell it yourself, the scent clings to your clothes, hair, hands and, of course, the breath. Do yourself a favour and quit, if not for health reasons, then the fact that it’s making you incredibly stinky.

Which of the above causes surprises you the most? How do you make sure you always smell your best?

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