Deodorants are common hygiene products found in bathrooms. They help combat perspiration and unpleasant odours. However, when sweating becomes excessive, it may be relevant to use an antiperspirant. What is the mode of action of this type of product? Where can one obtain it? When should it be applied? Let's focus.
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What is an antiperspirant?
Summary
- Perspiration, a normal physiological process
- What is excessive perspiration?
- The antiperspirant, the solution to combat excessive sweating
Published July 27, 2022,
updated on August 7, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Perspiration, a normal physiological process.
The normal internal temperature of our body is 37°C. Significant temperature fluctuations (hypothermia and hyperthermia) lead to serious complications (seizures, loss of consciousness...). Therefore, maintaining the body temperature at 37°C is essential.
However, at times and for various reasons (physical activity, stress, weather conditions), the body's heat increases. The resulting perspiration fulfils three functions:
Thermoregulation function: This allows the body temperature to be maintained at 37°C.
Elimination function: Toxins and waste are expelled through sweat.
Hydration function: Sweat is one of the components of the hydrolipidic film, whose role is to maintain the skin's hydration and protect it against external aggressions.
What is excessive perspiration?
Sweating is thus essential to the body. However, there are instances when perspiration becomes excessive and uncomfortable. This is referred to ashyper-sweating or hyperhidrosis. The amount of sweat exceeds the volume necessary for the body to regulate temperature. The signs of hyper-sweating are linked to the constant moisture in certain parts of the body such as the hands and feet. Various causes can trigger this imbalance: stress, strong emotions, physical exertion, alcohol, menopause, anxiety, infectious diseases, and so on.
The antiperspirant, the solution to combat excessive sweating.
Antiperspirants are not like conventional deodorants. They contain a chemical compound, the aluminium chlorohydrate. This reacts with the water molecules present in the sweat ducts to form keratin plugs. The sweat glands that produce sweat then stop functioning for a few days. After this period, the keratin plugs are expelled along with dead cells and the sweat glands resume their normal activity.
Antiperspirants thus interrupt the sweating process for 2 to 5 days. Their application should be renewed approximately 2 to 3 times a week depending on the case. They are applied in the evening before bedtime and work throughout the night. Indeed, perspiration is less intense and the antiperspirant can act effectively. Moreover, antiperspirant should always be applied to dry and non-irritated skin. After shaving or waxing, a period of 48 hours should be respected before applying this type of treatment.
Antiperspirants are typically purchased from pharmacies or drugstores, although some are available online. They are sold over-the-counter, meaning there is no need for a prescription to acquire one.
Note : In order not to hinder the body's thermal regulation, the blocking of perspiration should only concern 10% of the body's glands. It should be clarified that the sweat glands located under the armpits represent about 1% of the body's sweat glands. Therefore, antiperspirants do not pose any health risks.
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