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No Sweat: Facts About Perspiration

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July 18, 2014
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT CAUSES SWEAT AND HOW TO STOP WETNESS AND ODOR

WHAT IS SWEAT?


It’s a fluid made up of water, salt and potassium. Sweat can also contain fats and proteins.

WHY DO WE PERSPIRE?

Perspiration is the body’s built-in cooling system. If you get overheated from, say, warm weather or exercise, your sweat glands draw fluid from the bloodstream and pass the water to the skin to cool it—and you. 

WHY DO WE SWEAT IN OTHER SITUATIONS?

Emotions such as fear and embarrassment stimulate the body’s production of adrenaline, the “fight or flight” hormone. Adrenaline makes your heart and other organs start working harder, just in case you have to defend yourself or run. That produces heat and makes you sweat. Eating spicy food can also make you warmer (and sweatier). In addition, strenuous activity and exercise will also get the sweat going as your body tries to cool itself down, making Degree® MOTIONSENSE® deodorants a perfect choice for runners, gym enthusiasts and others (See the Women’s line here and Men’s line here). The more you move, the more the MOTIONSENSE® technology will kick in, so you can feel confident Degree® won’t let you down.

WHY DOES SWEAT SMELL?

Believe it or not, sweat doesn’t smell bad on its own. Body odor is a result of the interaction between sweat and the bacteria on your skin.

HOW CAN I STOP WETNESS AND ODOR?

Regular bathing helps keep skin bacteria under control. Breathable fabrics, such as those that are 100 percent cotton, can help you stay cooler by letting air circulate and wetness evaporate. For extra protection, try a deodorant, which targets the bacteria on your skin to cut down on odor, or an antiperspirant, which interacts with your sweat glands to help you stay dry.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT EXCESSIVE PERSPIRATION?

If you sweat heavily, a combination antiperspirant/deodorant may be your best bet. Degree® Clinical Strength for women and Degree® Clinical Strength for men provide prescription-strength protection without a prescription. For the best results, apply the product at night, after bathing, so that it will have time to build up a strong layer of protection for the day ahead, then reapply in the morning.

For more Beauty and Food Tips from Unilever and your favorite brands, visit www.MakingLifeBetter.com.