A new dating trend circulating online, dubbed 'pheromone maxxing,' encourages men to forgo showering and wear sweaty clothes in an attempt to increase their natural scent and attract potential partners. Experts, however, are warning that this practice is not only scientifically unfounded but also poses risks to skin health.
The trend, which has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, suggests that avoiding showers, deodorant, and cologne before dates, and even wearing the same sweat-soaked shirt, can enhance a person's natural 'musk.' Proponents claim this scent contains pheromones that trigger a mating response. Some social media users have shared anecdotes about receiving more compliments after adopting these practices, with one creator claiming he refrains from washing for three days before seeing someone.
However, sexual health experts state there is no scientific evidence to support the idea of a human sex pheromone that acts as an aphrodisiac. Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health expert, explained that while pheromones are recognized in animals, their role in human sexual attraction is not established. Attraction, she noted, is highly individual and influenced by factors such as appearance, personality, communication, and emotional connection.
Mulindwa expressed concern that these trends send a misleading message to young men, suggesting that a biological shortcut can make them irresistible. "Attraction simply doesn't work that way," she stated.
Beyond the lack of scientific credibility, health professionals caution that 'pheromone maxxing' can lead to various skin conditions. Sweat itself is odorless, but when it interacts with bacteria on the skin, it creates body odor. Prolonged lack of showering and re-wearing sweaty clothes allows these bacteria to multiply, particularly in warm, moist areas like the armpits and groin. This can result in skin issues such as folliculitis, characterized by itchy, pus-filled bumps, as well as fungal infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
Dr. Bakhtiar noted that bacteria like corynebacteria and staphylococci break down sweat secretions into acids and sulfur compounds, producing the characteristic odor associated with body odor. Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist, warned that the warm, moist, and occluded skin conditions created by not showering and wearing damp clothing make bacterial and yeast-related folliculitis more likely. Some aestheticians have reported an increase in parents seeking treatments for their children due to sebum buildup caused by not showering regularly.
The practice of drinking urine, which has been mentioned in extreme cases of 'pheromone maxxing,' is particularly discouraged by experts. Sarah Mulindwa stated there is no evidence this practice increases pheromones or attractiveness, and it can contribute to dehydration and strain the kidneys.
Experts like Shantelle Clarke advise showering at least twice a day, emphasizing that skipping showers can lead to excessive oil buildup, breakouts, severe acne, and strong body odor, counteracting the intended effect of attracting a partner.