Have you ever found yourself wondering, why do we sweat? The summer months are almost here, bringing with it hot and humid days, and even stickier nights. For those of us in cold climates, we get to trade in our heavy winter coats for shorts, T-shirts, and sandals. Whether you’re taking a stroll or enjoying a leisurely bike ride, perspiration and sweaty armpits are unavoidable.
However, that hot summer heat isn’t the only culprit for making us sweat.
What is Sweat?
Sweat is a clear, salty fluid that’s created by glands in your skin. It is an essential and natural biological process that helps your body eliminate toxins and keep you cool. Sweating, or perspiring, is the body’s mechanism of keeping us cool and preventing us from overheating.
When temperatures rise, your sweat glands take action and produce perspiration. This can occur from exercise, heat, or exertion. In addition, our body produces sweat when we experience stress or intense emotions, during hormonal shifts and it also acts as a shield to fight infections.
As sweat evaporates from the skin, it takes some of the heat with it. The rest flows down your face and body. It’s actually possible to lose a gallon of sweat through high-intensity workouts.
Why Do We Sweat?
It’s not simply strenuous exercise or high temperatures that can activate perspiration. Some people experience excessive sweat regardless of the heat or weather. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis and it can affect the whole body or just specific areas.
For those who suffer from it, it may cause much anxiety and discomfort. Although heat and stress can be a trigger for some, others sweat just about all day. If you’re concerned that you might fall into this category, please seek professional help.
Now that we understand what triggers sweating, what can we do about it? You can address nervous perspiration by washing with soap and water. Then apply antiperspirant, twice a day if needed.
Did you know you can use antiperspirant anywhere on your body? This includes the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
Consider Going Natural
Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies, which means anything you put on your skin, gets absorbed through the skin. For that reason, it makes sense to use an all-natural deodorant.
And unlike antiperspirants, natural deodorants don’t block your pores. Instead, they help to control the bacteria, and as a result, reduce or eliminate it. So even when you’re not wearing it, you don’t smell.
By itself, sweating does not cause body odor. However, when combined with the bacteria on your skin, it might stink.
With numerous all-natural brands available to you, finding a natural deodorant to try won’t be hard. The other option is to make it yourself at home.
What To Expect From Natural Deodorants
The first thing you’ll notice is that you sweat more, minus the funk and stains. Sadly, natural deodorants do not prevent you from sweating. Perspiration is actually a good thing. This is the way the body regulates temperature and gets rid of toxins. In Effect, sweat can be an indication of a healthy, balanced body.
Keep in mind that your diet can impact how you smell. Foods such as onion, garlic, or red meats can contribute to a more pungent-smelling body.
Say Goodbye To Sweat Stains
I’m sure there are many of us with yellow-stained white shirts. Shirts that we drench with stain removers on laundry day or throw out in frustration.
The cause of this yellowish discoloration is the chemical reaction between the salt in your sweat and the aluminum contained in antiperspirants or deodorants. I discovered that after switching to natural deodorants, my white shirts remained stain-free even after heavy sweat.
Less Irritation
An added benefit of natural deodorants is that they consist of plant-based moisturizers that are gentle on your skin. Ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera will actually nourish the condition of our armpits.
This makes them a lot smoother and less vulnerable to irritation. The result is a less aggravated and longer-lasting shave without the bumps and ingrown hairs.
Rebalance Your Armpits
When changing over to a natural product, don’t expect similar results as traditional deodorants. It might take a few days or even weeks for your underarms to restore a balance to the natural system. To speed up the process, you can try an armpit detox.
Just like starting a healthy diet, your armpits will need some time to adjust during the detoxification period.
Summary
Don’t forget that natural deodorants won’t block sweat. Instead, they function to diminish odor when your body heats up.
Remember, that, unlike chemical deodorants, you don’t need to apply a lot for them to work effectively. Once your armpits adjust, you’ll find that as time goes by, you may not need to use them every day.
If you experience a rash when switching to a natural deodorant, please consult a dermatologist to determine if you might be allergic to any ingredients in the product.
