Bionsen

As we enter the warmer months, many of us will become more aware of how much we are sweating and more concerned about body odour.

Sweat itself is not the cause of body odour. In fact, body odour is generated when bacteria on the skin begins to feed on sweat secreted by the apocrine glands.

Anti-perspirants work by using chemicals and aluminium compounds to close the ducts of the sweat glands and prevent the release of perspiration. Powerful astringents are used to shrink and constrict body tissue and obstruct the pores, which halts the release of sweat available for bacteria to digest.

While this method may keep us dryer, some medical professionals have expressed concerns about this continual obstruction of our body’s natural method of lowering temperature.

Many anti-perspirants can continue to work for anywhere between twelve and forty-eight hours and the sweat glands remain blocked during this period. Excessive use can even cause permanent damage to the duct and cause a painful lump to form under the arm which may require surgical removal.

For those people concerned with the idea of halting the body’s cooling system, deodorants can provide a more natural alternative. Deodorants allow perspiration but work by targeting the odour.

Antiseptic agents and germ-killing ingredients target and kill the bacteria that causes body odour on contact. Fragrances also work to combat body odour but the natural, finely-tuned balance of the body is not affected.

If you have concerns about blocking the skin’s pores with aluminium compound then searching for a deodorant could help put your mind at rest.