Sweating is a natural phenomenon. Because the human body is well made: it regulates its temperature by sweating. “Sweating is an essential mechanism for cooling the body and eliminating certain toxins. recalls Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
How does the sweating phenomenon work?
Two types of glands are responsible for this natural sweat:
- The eccrine glands, distributed throughout the body, “secrete an odorless sweat composed of water and mineral salts” ;
- The apocrine glands, located under the arms and in the groin, produce a more complex sweat, “rich in lipids and proteins, which, on contact with skin bacteria, breaks down into bad odors“.
In summary, sweat has no odor. But upon contact with bacteria that colonize the surface of our skin, it transforms and ends up smelling.
Antiperspirant or deodorant, which one to choose?
You may be confusing them, but in reality antiperspirant and deodorant do not have the same role at all.
Antiperspirant is a more radical product.
“It reduces sweating by temporarily tightening the pores of the skin thanks to aluminum salts” specifies Dr. Kierzek. This makes it very useful for limiting halos and excessive humidity, especially during periods of stress or physical activity. But it is not without its drawbacks. “It can irritate after shaving, and the aluminum it contains still raises questions, even if studies remain reassuring at authorized doses.“.
The right time to apply it? It’s not necessarily in the morning, as you might think, but rather in the evening. For what ? Simply because “in the evening, perspiration is reduced, which allows the active ingredients to act in depth” specifies our expert. You can also apply it “before a stressful or sporty day”.
On the other hand, there is deodorant, which does not block sweat, but fights against odors.
“It works by masking odors (thanks to perfumes) and killing bacteria, thanks to antibacterial agents such as triclosan or certain essential oils. explains Dr. Kierzek. It is best to use it especially after shaving. “It is less irritating than antiperspirant, does not contain aluminum, but does not limit marks“. Besides, be careful with deodorants containing alcohol also warns the doctor because “they can sting on freshly shaved skin“.
When is the best time to apply it? “Every morning, if you sweat little, and after shaving” adds our expert.
Avoid the most common mistakes with these products
Finally, for your product to really work, the timing and conditions of application are essential. First essential reflex: “Always apply your deodorant or antiperspirant to clean, dry skin after showering“. And there is no need to reapply it at any time of the day on damp or sweaty skin, because the effectiveness will be zero, and the residues risk irritating.
Another tip often overlooked: the format of the product.
“Avoid sprays if you are respiratory sensitive. Prefer ball or stick formats” advises the emergency doctor. And for fans of antiperspirant, Dr. Kierzek recommends alternating with gentler formulas. This helps limit unnecessary exposure. “Alternating between a mild deodorant and an antiperspirant is a good strategy to limit exposure to aluminum.” he concludes.