Why We Smell Different as We Age: Diet, Skincare, and Aromas to Help Us Age Beautifully

Have you ever noticed a distinct musty, greasy scent often referred to as “old person smell” and wondered what causes it? This odor is due to a compound called 2-nonenal, which forms when omega-7 fatty acid oxidation increases on the skin. It typically develops around age 40 and is compounded by reduced sweating, changes in sebum production, diet, and medications; it is unrelated to hygiene. The good news is that you can reduce the smell naturally with simple changes to your daily routine.

Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like mushrooms and berries into your diet is a good place to start. These foods combat oxidation at its source and help keep your body fresh from the inside out. Keep reading for effective tips to neutralize aging odors through diet, hygiene, and lifestyle adjustments that really work.

• Mushrooms: Incorporate shiitake and oyster mushrooms into your diet. They contain antioxidants like ergothioneine that help reduce lipid peroxidation, which contributes to aging odor.

• Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Berries, green tea, and dark chocolate can help combat oxidative stress and improve skin health.

• Chlorophyll-Rich Foods: Include greens like spinach and parsley, which have deodorizing properties.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and maintain skin health.

• Specialized Soaps: Antidotal testimonies suggest using soaps with persimmon extract, believing that these soaps target the root cause of the odor rather than just masking it.

• Exfoliation: Use exfoliating washcloths or loofahs to remove dead skin cells that can trap odors.

• Breathable Fabrics: Choose natural fibers like cotton and linen for clothing, as they promote better airflow and minimize odor retention.

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity can stimulate sweat glands and improve skin health, helping to reduce odor.

• Home Care: Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated to prevent musty smells from accumulating.

By combining these dietary, hygiene, and lifestyle changes, you can effectively neutralize aging odor naturally.

Essential oils with deodorizing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties may help mask or reduce 2-nonenal-based aging odor by combating skin bacteria and oxidation, though direct clinical evidence is limited.​

• Lavender: Neutralize odors without lingering; its antimicrobial action reduces bacteria that amplify the nonenal smell.​

• Geranium: Floral scent with deodorizing effects; supports skin balance and fights odor-causing microbes.​

• Palmarosa: Strong deodorizer similar to rose; effective against bacterial breakdown of nonenal precursors.​

• Rose Otto: Premium floral oil that deodorizes aging odors while promoting skin health.​

• Petitgrain: Citrus-woody aroma with fast evaporation and antimicrobial benefits for body odor control.​

• Eucalyptus: Combined with other extracts, shows potential to remove 2-nonenal in formulations.1

Given that there are numerous essential oils that neutralize body odors, choose a pleasant aroma and consider making a moisturizing body spray, or choose one of our popular ready-to-use formulas. (The * indicates how many of the above essential oils are in each spray.)

Balance Moisturizing Spray *****
Briar Rose Moisturizing Spray ***
Citrus Quench Moisturizing Spray ****
Flower Garden Moisturizing Spray
Heaven’s Scent Moisturizing Spray ****
Little Flowers Moisturizing Spray **
Sleepy Time Moisturizing Spray
Strength Moisturizing Spray *
Sunshine Moisturizing Spray ****

1 oz spray bottle
30 drops of essential oil of choice for a 3% dilution
Choose a carrier oil that you enjoy on the skin and fill to the ‘shoulder’ of the bottle

Choose a pleasant aroma and make a room and linen spray, or choose one of our ready-to-use formulas:
Bright Mint Room & Linen Spray
Winter Cheer Room & Linen Spray

190 Proof grain alcohol, such as Everclear, is the best solvent for the essential oil. If you use Vodka, it will separate and will need to be shaken with each use.
1 oz spray bottle
120 drops essential oil of choice
190 Proof Alcohol, such as Everclear: fill close to the ‘shoulder’ of the bottle

Growing older brings gifts of wisdom, perspective, and deeper relationships. As we accept the natural changes that come with age, a few simple shifts in food choices, daily hygiene, clothing, and home care can have a positive effect on how we feel.

Think of these ideas as gentle tools you can experiment with at your own pace. Small, consistent steps—adding more mushrooms and berries to your diet, staying hydrated, wearing breathable fabrics, trying a new soap or essential oil sprays—can add up to a noticeable difference over time. Our bodies are wonderfully responsive to care.

Credit for photos: Canva Pro