Family Encyclopedia >> Beauty & Style

My deodorant is no longer effective!

Why do we sweat?

Sweat has two main functions:regulating body temperature and ridding the body of toxins. In the armpit, there are about 400 sweat glands per cm² (more than on the rest of the body):the eccrine glands, which depend solely on body temperature and secrete sweat composed of 99% water, and the apocrine glands, which produce more oily sweat and are activated according to stress, climate, diet

or hormones. Sweat itself does not really smell, it is in contact with bacteria in the armpit that it becomes odorous. The deodorant blocks the proliferation of bacteria and provides a fragrance, while the antiperspirant reduces secreted sweat by 50% (in addition to its deodorant action).

What's the problem?

When you have the impression that your deodorant or antiperspirant is no longer effective, two explanations are possible:1/ You no longer smell the perfume of the product? It's just that the brain has become accustomed to the fragrance (like with an eau de toilette), we

call it “habituation”. 2/ If you notice halos, it is probably that you are not in the usual conditions:a different climate, a peak of stress, a fatty or spicy diet, a hormonal change... This increases the secretion of the apocrine glands. The effectiveness of the product is always the same (it never changes), but it seems less effective because you sweat more.

What to do?

If it's just a perfume problem, just opt ​​for another scent (from the same range or another), so that the brain "discovers" it. If you sweat more than usual, the best thing is to reapply antiperspirant during the day, if possible after cleaning your armpits (with a wipe, for example).

Thanks to Annabel Mari, Scientific Director Narta and Cadum.