After a workout at the gym, it’s acceptable. After a workout between the sheets, it’s sexy. But when you’re trying to go about your daily life – whether it’s standing on a packed commuter train or delivering an important presentation at work – sweat is still that unwelcome visitor nobody wants to talk about.
So, given we all do it, why does the subject of perspiration get us so hot under the collar? Is it really the enemy? And how do we find the right deodorant to keep it under control?
Why we sweat
The body has over 2m sweat glands (eccrine glands and apocrine glands). The eccrine glands act as our own in-built thermostat. Located all over the body, they kick into action when we’re in danger of overheating – like on a sweltering summer’s day or after a run – releasing moisture, which cools the skin as it evaporates.
But perspiration isn’t just triggered by heat. The apocrine glands, found mostly under the arms, produce sweat when we feel stressed, anxious or afraid (just when we need it the least – like in a job interview or on a first date). This ‘stress-sweat’ is thicker and contains more fats and proteins, which can mingle with bacteria on the skin and lead to body odour.
How to choose the right deodorant
With all those sweat glands to contend with, you need an antiperspirant deodorant you can trust. A good place to start is with classic Dove Original antiperspirant deodorant. Available in both roll-on and aerosol formulations, it promises up to 48 hours of protection, so you can stay confident all day (and beyond).
But unpleasant odours and unsightly sweat patches aren’t the only problems lurking under our arms. Thanks to a two-pronged attack of sweating and hair removal, our delicate underarms are also prone to skin irritation – particularly in the summer months. So antiperspirant deodorants shouldn’t just protect you: they should care for your underarm skin, too. We wouldn't dream of ignoring sore, itchy and inflamed skin if it were on our face, so shouldn’t our underarms get the same level of care?
That's why Dove deodorant, with its 1⁄4 moisturising cream, can actively help skin recover from the irritation caused by shaving. Dove is the antiperspirant that gives underarms the care they deserve – leaving underarms softer and smoother by protecting the skin and offering deep nourishment.
While we have your attention, we'd love to tell you about some really important work Dove are championing, called the Dove Self Esteem Project. Dove are on a mission to ensure that the next generation of young people grow up enjoying a positive relationship with the way they look. Through workshops in schools, online resources and outreach work, they want to ensure young people reach their full potential. To find out more and get involved visit: selfesteem.dove.co.uk/