Sweating in summer is normal, here are the beauty solutions Better deodorant, antiperspirant or TikToks detergent theory?

Summer rhymes with sun, sea, holidays, ice cream, lazy days of sweet idleness. These are all things that make this special time of year special and desirable, but there are others we would gladly do without. One example? Sweat, which often makes us feel uncomfortable, especially if it is associated with unpleasant odours or stains on our clothes.

Why do we sweat?

Actually, there is no reason to feel embarrassed, because sweating is something completely natural, especially when the temperature rises. It is a physiological function, a completely natural way for our body to protect us from overheating by keeping our core temperature at around 37°. When it's hot, the body regulates its temperature and sweats to cool itself down. In doing so, it produces sweat that settles on the skin and evaporates, absorbing energy, or heat, which it then releases to cool itself down. Normally, the body produces about 0.5 litres of sweat per day. However, during physical exertion or under the influence of heat or strong emotions, it can lose up to 10 litres, factors that affect sweat production, as do the consumption of spicy foods, alcohol, tea or coffee, hormonal disorders and some diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism.

How is sweat composed?

But what is sweat actually? It is a mixture consisting mainly of water, but also small amounts of minerals, metabolites, unmetabolised drugs and lipids. These are terms that many people know, while there are still many who do not know that sweat is completely odourless. In fact, the smell does not come from the biological fluid, but from the encounter with bacteria on the skin that feed on fatty acids and dead skin. When they die, they decompose and stink. 

Beauty solutions to combat bad smell in summer

This is where underarm care comes in, from deep cleansing to exfoliating to choosing a refreshing deodorant that not only controls odour but also reduces unwanted moisture and maintains the natural balance of the microbiome.

Yes, but which one should I choose? There are many cosmetics on the market, each designed to meet individual needs: Anti-odour, spray, stick, fragrance-free, 48-hour protection, anti-stain, ... but the big difference is between antiperspirants and deodorants.

Antiperspirants

Deodorant is an aluminium-free product that does not clog the sweat ducts but counteracts the odour by masking the smell of sweat with magnesium hydroxide or fragrant essential oils such as eucalyptus. It is therefore a more natural alternative to antiperspirants as it respects the body's spontaneous sweating process. In addition, nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil or shea butter can help reduce underarm friction and keep the skin moist and soft. People with sensitive skin prone to irritation or dryness should avoid formulations that contain alcohol.

Tiktok's theory on facial cleansers

After proper and regular hygiene, a good deodorant remains the best ally to complete our beauty routine, keep us fresh and ensure our daily comfort. Not for the makers of TikTok, who claim that there is a more effective alternative to eliminate body odour: Facial cleansers, like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. On the platform, the hashtag #glycolicacidasdeodorant has reached 27.2 million views, but why? According to TikTokers, who mostly recommend The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, these acids lower the pH of the underarms, creating an inhospitable environment for odour-causing bacteria. This theory is not really proven. Not only that, as Dr Priya Verma, medical director of Nova Aesthetic Clinic, explains, "Water from sweat neutralises glycolic acid, which reduces the benefits of acid application." So it's best to rely on a good deodorant and leave glycolic acid to skin care.