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Key takeaways

  • What triggers teen acne and body odor during puberty? Body changes during one’s teenage years trigger special sweat glands and make more skin oil, making skin a perfect spot for odor and pimple-causing germs to grow.1 

  • How do germs cause body odor and pimple breakouts? Body odor happens when skin germs eat the sweat teens release, while pimple breakouts happen when trapped oil and germs cause redness inside blocked hair spots.3 

  • How does an antiseptic cleanser help manage teen skin concerns? Using an antiseptic cleanser can kill odor- and acne-causing bacteria at the source based on in-vitro lab tests.2 

For people who have gone through this phase, teenhood is a dynamic time of rapid growth, physical changes, and self-discovery. As hormones surge during puberty, teenagers frequently experience increased sweating, body odor (BO), and facial breakouts that can affect personal confidence. Understanding why these biological changes happen — and using targeted hygiene practices — can help teens navigate puberty with peace of mind. 

What Causes Teen Body Odor and How Can You Stop It? 

While human sweat doesn't smell at all, BO happens when bacteria on your skin feed on the fats and amino acids in sweat and break them down.1 For teens, BO often smells stronger because puberty activates special sweat and oil glands that sweat, which odor-causing bacteria feast on.¹

The microorganisms that live on a teen’s skin also have a hand in this. In contrast to adult skin, teenager’s skin is a good host to fast-growing Staphylococcus species, which often intensify the odor. 1

To manage teen BO, the usual antiperspirants might not be helpful. Teenagers’ skin may benefit from antimicrobial products1, like using an antiseptic skin cleanser to clear away the excess odor-causing bacteria. Based on lab tests, Povidone-Iodine products — like the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser — helps kill 99.99% of bacteria based on lab tests, including those that cause BO.2

Why Do Teen Acne Breakouts Happen and How Are They Managed? 

Acne happens when three things hit your skin at once: clogged pores from dead skin cells, extra oil production, and a spike in acne-causing bacteria.3 

During the teenage years, hormonal changes trigger the release of androgens, which stimulate the growth and activity of the skin's oil (sebaceous) glands.3 This causes them to produce excess sebum which clogs the pores and at the same time their skin may also harbor acne-causing bacteria.3

Managing teen acne often depends on the severity of it. A skin cleanser like POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser kills the bacteria (based on lab tests)2 that infect or cause mild teen acne, while some topical medications can clear the pores of excess oil. On the other hand, treatment for deeper, inflammatory acne may include oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor paired with an antibacterial topical treatment.3

How to Use the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser for Body Odor 

Using a Povidone-Iodine skin cleanser can be helpful in removing BO from your armpits. To make the most out of its antiseptic benefits, follow this four-step cleansing routine: 

  1. Pour into your hands.

  2. Apply to wet skin area that you want to clean and protect.

  3. Rub until it lathers and let it stay for up to 1 minute.

  4. Rinse it off thoroughly with water.

POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser is not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year.

How to Use the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser for Acne

For acne and pimples, do the same process above. You can apply the skin cleanser up to three times daily, and for greasy skin, apply several times a week. 

POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser is not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year.

When Should a Teen See a Doctor or Dermatologist? 

While body odor and mild pimples are typical during puberty, certain skin conditions require professional medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist if: 

  1. Acne becomes deep, painful, cystic, or leaves permanent scarring3 

  2. Breakouts or skin redness spread rapidly or do not respond to treatment3 

  3. Body odor changes for no clear reason or persists4 

Take Control of Teen Skin Health 

Navigating teenage skin changes starts with understanding how hormones, sweat, and bacteria interact. Incorporating proper hygiene habits and targeted cleansing with POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser can help eliminate acne- and odor-causing bacteria based on in-vitro data, helping teenagers look and feel more confident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Body Odor and Acne

Why does sweat smell different during teenage years?
Puberty activates apocrine sweat glands, which secrete a thicker sweat containing lipids and amino acids that resident bacteria digest into odor-causing compounds.1 

Does regular soap kill acne- and odor-causing bacteria?
Regular soap washes away surface dirt, but may not fully eliminate bacteria5 like Cutibacterium acnes or Corynebacterium, which are associated with pimple formation and unpleasant odor, respectively1,5. An antiseptic cleanser actively kills these bacteria on contact.5 

Can an antiseptic cleanser be used on the face for acne?
Yes. POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) 7.5% Skin Cleanser can be used as a targeted face and skin wash to kill 99.99% of acne-causing bacteria based on lab tests.2 

How long should you leave an antiseptic cleanser on the skin before rinsing?
Allow the cleanser to lather and remain on the skin for up to 1 minute before rinsing thoroughly to allow sufficient contact time for bacterial elimination. 

Is body odor during puberty permanent?
No. Body odor is a natural response to puberty hormones and can be managed effectively with proper hygiene habits and targeted antibacterial cleansing.1 However, if body odor persists or worsens despite these, it is best to consult your doctor.

When can I use the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser for acne?
For acne and pimples, apply up to three times daily; for greasy skin, apply several times a week. 

 

 

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor or dermatologist.
For adults and children 2 years and up.
Not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year.
®: BETADINE is a Registered Trademark of iNova Pharmaceuticals.
ASC I0189P101326B


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References

  1. Lam TH, Verzotto D, Brahma P, et al. Understanding the microbial basis of body odor in pre-pubescent children and teenagers. Microbiome. 2018;6(1):213. Published 2018 Nov 29. doi:10.1186/s40168-018-0588-z

  2. Tan E, Johari N. Comparative in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of povidone-iodine and other commercially available antiseptics against clinically relevant pathogens. GMS Hyg Infect Control. 2021;16:Doc05. doi:10.3205/dgkh000376. 

  3. Palmieri SA. Acne Vulgaris in Children and Adolescents: What's the Cause and How to Combat It. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2025;30(3):401-406. doi:10.5863/JPPT-25-01205

  4. Mayo Clinic Staff. Sweating and body odor: symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic website. Published May 3, 2025. Accessed September 1, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sweating-and-body-odor/symptoms-causes/syc-20353895.

  5. Langley J. From soap and water, to waterless agents: update on hand hygiene in health care settings. Can J Infect Dis. 2002;13(5):285-286. doi:10.1155/2002/105306.