Sweating — This is a necessary function of the body that allows you to cool the body when the ambient temperature is higher than a comfortable value for a person. But, if a person sweats frequently and heavily during the day, an unpleasant smell of sweat appears under the arms. In such cases, cosmetics such as deodorants, antiperspirants or combinations thereof help. Even though both products have a pleasant smell and are intended for the same purposes, they act completely differently. Moreover, even different types of deodorants can combat the unpleasant odor of sweat in different ways, depending on the composition.
Deodorants and antiperspirants fight sweat odor in completely different ways
Contents
- 1 Why does unpleasant sweat odor occur
- 2 What is a deodorant
- 3 What is an antiperspirant?
- 4 How effective and safe are deodorants and antiperspirants
Why does unpleasant sweat odor occur
The sweat of a healthy person does not itself have an unpleasant odor. For example, if you blot your sweaty face with a dry cloth and smell it, you will find that it does not have an unpleasant odor. If the sweat has an odor, this is not normal and indicates the presence of diseases. For example, an unpleasant odor may be associated with chronic kidney disease, the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, liver problems, etc. Previously, we told you that many other diseases can also be diagnosed by the smell of a person’s body, including sweat.
But why, in this case, does an unpleasant odor appear when a person sweats? The reason is that certain types of sweat glands, which are activated during puberty, secrete sweat that contains high levels of certain proteins and fats. The latter serve as food for bacteria living on the skin. In the process of processing these proteins and fats, by-products arise, which are the source of the unpleasant odor we know as sweat odor.
Human sweat has no odor
The strongest odor occurs under the arms. The reason is that there are apocrine glands that secrete sweat rich in fats and proteins. In addition, the armpits are a favorable place for many bacteria that cause unpleasant odor.
What is deodorant
Deodorants help prevent sweat odor. They contain ingredients that neutralize compounds created by bacteria. Some deodorants kill bacteria that create unpleasant-smelling compounds. At the same time, they have a flavoring agent, which in itself provides a pleasant smell.
True, the cheapest deodorant options may not have any ingredients that remove unpleasant odors. They simply overpower it with their sharp and strong aroma. The effect is not always successful, since after using the deodorant the smell of sweat is still felt.
Antiperspirant prevents the process of sweating
What is an antiperspirant?
We figured out how deodorant works. Sometimes people think that antiperspirant is just another name for the same product, but in fact this is not the case. If a deodorant is aimed at combating unpleasant odor, then an antiperspirant fights sweating. That is, it reduces or even temporarily stops this process completely.
Antiperspirants contain aluminum, which blocks the pores on the skin, preventing the release of sweat. As a result, sweat does not reach the surface of the skin, and therefore no unpleasant odor occurs. Over time, this “plug” is destroyed, so the product must be reapplied.
Although antiperspirants can be sold as a stand-alone product, what is usually on sale are antiperspirant deodorants, that is, products that have two effects at the same time.
The effectiveness of deodorants and antiperspirants depends on various factors, including the characteristics of the body< /p>
How effective and safe are deodorants and antiperspirants
The effectiveness of deodorants and antiperspirants depends on many factors. First of all, regardless of the use of cosmetics, it is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene. Otherwise, no remedy will help get rid of the unpleasant odor.
Additionally, effectiveness varies by product and individual. Some people sweat profusely even when it’s not very hot outside, while others — In extreme heat they don’t sweat much. In addition, the bacteria on each person's skin is also different. The effectiveness of the deodorant primarily depends on this factor. Because people have different bacteria on their skin, the same deodorant may be effective for one person but not for another.
The same goes for antiperspirants. For hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating, treatment may include prescription antiperspirants. They contain a higher concentration of aluminum-based compound. In addition, antiperspirant should be applied to dry skin so that it is better absorbed.
To find an effective deodorant for yourself, you need to try different options
As for the safety of deodorants, the idea that antiperspirants cause cancer arose back in the 90s. But there is no scientific evidence to support such assumptions. However, deodorant and antiperspirant can still cause health problems in some people, namely an allergic reaction.
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Finally, we note that the person himself often does not feel the unpleasant odor of his body or even the smell in his home. There is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, which we talked about earlier.