Sweating is a normal function of the body and occurs in children and adults with the aim of cooling the body. Sweat is a clear and transparent liquid, made up of water, salts, proteins and oil or sebum. It is odorless, only bad odors occur after the metabolization of its components by the bacteria that make up the skin's microbiota, releasing residues that give it its characteristic smell . This process is natural and normally begins at puberty.
Perspiration is produced by two types of glands:
Eccrine glands, which are found throughout the body, are responsible for cooling body temperature. They cause sweating on the head and face and are responsible for sweaty hands and feet.
Apocrine glands are larger and appear mainly in the armpits, becoming more active when we exercise or experience strong emotions or stress.
The volume of daily sweat is approximately 1 liter , with armpits representing only 1% of the total volume. We can sweat up to 10 liters if it is extremely hot or when exercising intensely.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which the amount of sweat is excessive, and can be up to five times greater than normal, and in this case we advise you to consult a doctor.
There are many factors that can cause or increase sweating:
- Hot environments
- Physical activity
- Stressful situations
- Hot or spicy foods
- Fever
- Hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, menstruation, puberty)
- Overweight
- Tight or synthetic fiber clothing
- Excess sebum
There are two types of cosmetics that help control bad odors, but it is not always easy to choose between the various alternatives available, often due to the fear caused by the misinformation surrounding them. Therefore, let's help clarify doubts and myths regarding deodorants and antiperspirants .
We now explain what they are:
DEODORANTS
They work by killing or preventing the proliferation of bacteria responsible for bad odors. They contain in their composition fragrances that help disguise the smell, alcohols, antibacterials and may even be acidic formulations.
They do not interfere with the production of sweat, which continues to be excreted normally (yes, your armpits and clothes will remain damp).
They can be chosen by those who sweat little or do not have perspiration with an intense smell. They should still be the first choice for young children.
ANTIPRANSPIRANTS
With the same components and action as deodorants, they also contain “gelling” agents that increase the viscosity of sweat, making it difficult and temporarily decreasing the amount of sweat excreted by the sweat glands. In addition to these compounds, of which we highlight aluminum salts (Aluminum Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aluminum and Zirconium Salts, Alum Salts), they may also contain astringents that help to contract pores.
They keep the skin dry and prevent bacterial proliferation, being more effective in controlling perspiration and bad odors and should be chosen in case of intense sweating.
In addition to these formulations, you can also adopt some additional measures to help increase their effectiveness, such as taking a shower at least once a day, preferably at bedtime (if you work during the day), wearing clean, dry clothing, choosing light clothing , fresh and wide, made with natural fibers such as cotton, wear sandals and open shoes, shave your armpits and bikini line and wash and dry the area well before applying deodorant.
DOUBTS AND MYTHS
There are several and we will now address the most common ones that concern consumers the most:
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Is Decreased Sweating Harmful?
There is no problem with a reduction in the amount of sweat produced in the areas where the products are applied, because not only is the amount we stop producing in these areas (armpits, hands, feet) negligible, but its production resumes normally after the product's duration of action ends. -
Do Antiperspirants Interfere with the Body's Cooling Capacity?
As we have sweat glands all over the body and, for example, those in the axillary area are responsible for less than 1% of the total sweat produced by the body, and an area with little ventilation (for cooling to occur, sweat evaporation is necessary), there is no in practice reducing body cooling. -
Does Blocking Perspiration Prevent the Elimination of Toxic Substances by the Body?
No, because the effect of antiperspirant is temporary and does not completely block perspiration and, on the other hand, sweat is mostly made up of water and sodium chloride and a very low percentage of other substances, with the elimination of toxic agents being mainly done by urine and other secretions, with sweating not having a relevant role. -
Is Aluminum Toxic and Can It Cause Breast Cancer?
There is no scientific evidence to prove this, and there are several studies to the contrary, such as the report from the EU toxicological assessment committee and the report from the US National Cancer Institute. In short, these corroborate that aluminum salts in the concentrations used in the products are safe since they form water-insoluble gels of high dimensions, difficult to absorb into the bloodstream. It was concluded that aluminum alone does not have carcinogenic potential, and there is no correlation between the use of antiperspirants and the probability of developing breast cancer. Some brands and formulations have decided to replace (perhaps due to controversy) aluminum with oils or sodium carbonate to create occlusion, with clear disadvantages, which can even occur in the case of the latter, and, due to the high pH, skin irritation. -
Can Deodorants and Antiperspirants Cause Skin Irritation ?
Yes, it can actually happen, just like with any other cosmetic. It is almost always due to perfume, fragrances and alcohol or an allergy to aluminum salts. In these cases, you should prefer perfume-free, alcohol-free and aluminum salt-free products. Also use a moisturizer with soothing and repairing action after bathing in the affected area. It may also be due to the proliferation of fungi (usually Candida) in the area. -
Is Alum Stone Natural and Safer?
No, on the contrary, as it is made of pure aluminum and, when using it, you will be applying a random amount of the metal, instead of a controlled amount, as is the case in commercial formulations.
FINAL CONCLUSIONS:
Aluminum can have some potentially undesirable effects on food storage containers or films (takeaway boxes and films) and pots, pans or other containers used for cooking or heating food. Since you won't be licking your antiperspirant roll-on like ice cream, don't worry, and use the most effective and best product for you.
Do yourself and those around you a favor and stay dry, smelling good and fresh for hours!
Deodorants
For consult:
https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_153.pdf
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet