Study Confirms What Many Know: Babies Smell Good, Teens Stink

## Study Confirms What Many Know: Babies Smell Good, Teens Stink

A new study has confirmed what many people already know: babies smell good, while teenagers stink.

The study, published in the journal _Scientific Reports_, found that the body odor of babies is dominated by a sweet, fruity scent that is associated with vanilla, caramel, and honey. This scent is thought to be produced by bacteria that live on the skin of babies.

In contrast, the body odor of teenagers is dominated by a more pungent, musky scent that is associated with sweat, cheese, and onions. This scent is thought to be produced by hormones that are released during puberty.

The researchers believe that the difference in body odor between babies and teenagers is due to changes in the composition of the skin microbiome. The skin microbiome is the community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live on the skin. These microorganisms play an important role in human health by helping to protect us from infection, regulating our immune system, and producing vitamins and other essential nutrients.

The study found that the skin microbiome of babies is dominated by bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are known to have a number of beneficial effects on human health, including reducing inflammation and improving mood. In contrast, the skin microbiome of teenagers is dominated by bacteria that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are known to have a number of negative effects on human health, including causing respiratory problems and cancer.

The researchers believe that the changes in the skin microbiome that occur during puberty are responsible for the difference in body odor between babies and teenagers. These changes are thought to be driven by hormones that are released during puberty.

The study's findings could have implications for the development of new products to improve body odor. For example, it may be possible to develop products that contain SCFAs to help reduce the odor of sweat. Additionally, it may be possible to develop products that target the bacteria that produce VOCs to help improve the overall health of the skin microbiome.

Conclusion

The study confirms what many people already know: babies smell good, while teenagers stink. The difference in body odor between babies and teenagers is thought to be due to changes in the composition of the skin microbiome. These changes are thought to be driven by hormones that are released during puberty.