THE perspiration is a normal function of the body and occurs in children and adults with the purpose of cool the body. The sweat It is a clear and transparent liquid, consisting of water, salts, proteins and oil or sebum. It is odorless, only producing a bad smell 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:
Geccrine glands, which are found throughout the body and are responsible for cooling the body temperature. They cause sweat on the head and face and are responsible for sweaty hands and feet.
Gapocrine lands, 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 the armpits representing only 1% of the total volume. We can sweat up to 10 liters if it is extremely hot or when doing intense exercise.
THE Hyperhidrosis It is a medical condition in which the amount of sweat is excessive, 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 clothing or clothing made with synthetic fibers
- 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 fear caused by misinformation surrounding them. Therefore, we will help to clarify doubts and myths regarding them. deodorants and antiperspirants.
We will now explain what they are:
DEODORANTS
They work by killing or preventing the proliferation of bacteria responsible for bad odors. They contain fragrances that help disguise the smell, alcohols, antibacterials and can 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 sweat with an intense odor. They should also be the first choice for small children.
ANTIPERSPIRANTS
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 the pores.
They keep the skin dry and prevent bacterial proliferation, being more effective in controlling perspiration and bad odors and should be chosen in cases of intense perspiration.
In addition to these formulations, you can also adopt some additional measures to help increase its effectiveness, such as showering at least once a day, preferably before going to bed (if you work during the day), wearing clean, dry clothing, choosing light, fresh and loose clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, wearing sandals and open shoes, shaving your armpits and groin, and washing and drying the area well before applying the deodorant.
DOUBTS AND MYTHS
There are several and we will now address the most frequent ones and those that most concern consumers:
- Is Decreased Sweating Harmful?
There is no problem in reducing 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 Ability to Cool Down?
As we have sweat glands all over our body, and as those in the axillary area are responsible for less than 1% of the total sweat produced by the body, and as this is an area with little ventilation (for cooling to occur, sweat needs to evaporate), there is no practical reduction in body cooling. - Does Blocking Sweating Prevent the Body from Eliminating Toxic Substances?
No, because the effect of the antiperspirant is temporary and does not completely block perspiration and, on the other hand, sweat is mainly made up of water and sodium chloride and a very low percentage of other substances, with the elimination of toxic agents being done mainly through urine and other secretions, with sweating not playing a relevant role. - Is Aluminum Toxic and Can It Cause Breast Cancer?
There is no scientific evidence to support this, and there are several studies to the contrary, such as the report by the EU Toxicological Assessment Committee and the report by the US National Cancer Institute. In short, these studies confirm that aluminium salts in the concentrations used in products are safe, as they form large, water-insoluble gels that are difficult to absorb into the bloodstream. It was concluded that aluminium in itself has no carcinogenic potential, and there is no correlation between the use of antiperspirants and the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Some brands and formulations have decided to replace (perhaps because of the controversy) aluminum with oils or sodium carbonate to create the occlusion, with clear disadvantages, which can even occur in the case of the latter, and, because of the high pH, skin irritation. - Deodorants and Antiperspirants Can Cause Skin Irritation?
Yes, it can 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 choose fragrance-free, alcohol-free and aluminum salt-free products. Also, use a moisturizer with a soothing and restorative effect after bathing in the affected area. It can also be due to the proliferation of fungi (usually Candida) in the area. - Is Alum Stone Natural and Safer?
No, quite the opposite, 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 with the formulations on sale.
FINAL CONCLUSIONS:
Aluminum can have some potentially undesirable effects on food storage containers or wraps (takeaway boxes and wraps) and pots, pans or other containers used for cooking or heating food. Since you won’t be licking your antiperspirant roll-on like it’s ice cream, don’t worry and use the product that works best for you.
Do yourself and those around you a favor and look dry, smelling and fresh for hours!
Deodorants
For Consultation:
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