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Understanding sweat and body odor (part 1)

Understanding sweat and body odor
Your body odor is completely natural and we all have our own unique scent.
What is sweat?


Sweat is mostly water, but it also contains some salts. Sweat is made in glands in the deeper layers of your skin. These glands are present throughout your body, but there are more in the armpits, palms, forehead, and soles of the feet.
Why do you sweat?
The main function of sweating is to regulate body temperature by helping to cool down when the temperature is too high. As the water in your sweat evaporates, it cools the surface of your skin. You may also sweat when you eat hot or spicy foods, have a fever, or feel emotional distress.

If you sweat too much, there may be an underlying condition causing it. Some of these conditions may include:

  • Obesity or high body fat
  • Hormonal changes that occur during menopause (hot flashes)
  • Infections or other illnesses associated with fever
  • Diabetes
  • An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

Some medications can also make you sweat a lot. These may include certain medications used to treat depression such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.

Why does sweat smell?

Sweat doesn't really have its own odor. Your sweat glands secrete protein, which forms the odor when it's broken down by bacteria that live on your skin. In doing so, they also create residues that are responsible for the unpleasant odor. The reason the smell is usually stronger in your armpits, groin, and feet is because those areas are usually shaded from light, and they're warmer and more humid.

To limit body odor, you can refer to Breeze 's body deodorant products.