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SWEATOPEDIA

Sweatopedia is a leading source of comprehensive, objective, and accurate information on hyperhidrosis.

Antiperspirant

Sweating and Body Odor; it Must be Stopped

By Katie Crissman /

Body odor has plagued people for thousands of years. In fact, soap was invented by the Phoenicians in 600 B.C. and ancient Egyptians are known to have bathed in perfumed water in an attempt to mask their body odor.[1] Luckily, these days there are many effective ways to manage sweat and prevent body odor from causing a problem. First, it’s important to understand how sweat causes body odor in the first place.

How Sweat Causes Body Odor

Humans have two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands cover most of the skin’s surface and are used to maintain thermoregulation by cooling the body in times of high heat. They produce sweat that is initially clear and odorless. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are larger than eccrine glands and are located within hair follicles. They only appear on the armpits, groin, and areolas. Apocrine glands produce sweat that is thicker and yellowish. The sweat from apocrine glands is most often associated with body odor. This is because it is made up of fatty acids and proteins that bacteria on the skin metabolize. The byproducts that bacteria create, like isovaleric acid and androsterone, give off a strong, unpleasant smell that we recognize as body odor.[1]

Some people have conditions that make them sweat excessively or have especially stinky sweat that make dealing with sweat and body odor even more difficult. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes people to sweat in excess of what is needed by the body for thermoregulation. Depending on the type of hyperhidrosis they have, a person may sweat excessively from certain areas of the body at random times (primary focal hyperhidrosis) or they may sweat all over (secondary generalized hyperhidrosis). Unfortunately, due to their high volume of sweat production people with hyperhidrosis often also struggle with the odor it can cause. When someone has especially stinky sweat it is referred to as bromhidrosis. People with bromhidrosis have body odor that is significantly worse than the average person and it can be socially isolating. However, there are effective ways for people with hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis to manage their sweat that can drastically reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.[3][4]

How to Stop Body Odor Caused by Sweat

There are several ways to stop the sweat. The most important, and most obvious way to reduce to body odor is to prevent it by having good basic hygiene. This means showering once a day, changing clothes every morning or after sweating significantly, and applying antiperspirant and deodorant as needed. Removing the bacteria and sweat from your skin prevents body odor from forming in the first place. Unfortunately, in the real world people don’t always have time to wash up every time they sweat a little bit, which is where the use of antiperspirant and deodorant come into play.

Antiperspirant and Deodorant

Many people do not realize what antiperspirant is and how it differs from deodorant. Antiperspirants are agents that can be applied to the skin which prevent the production of sweat. They are considered to be the first line treatment for people with hyperhidrosis and can be extremely helpful for anyone who deals with sweat and stink on a regular basis.[3] When it comes to choosing the right over-the-counter antiperspirant there are a lot of options. There are several companies like Carpe, Dove, SweatBlock, Certain Dri, and many more that offer options with different active ingredients and in different applicators. The FDA regulates the active ingredients in antiperspirant as it is considered to be a drug. There are different active ingredients, but most antiperspirant use some type of metallic salt to plug sweat glands and prevent sweat production. Most of the time antiperspirant comes in a stick, spray, or gel form which can be applied to the body. Some companies, like Carpe and SweatBlock, also sell antiperspirant lotions and wipes that can be especially helpful for those who struggle with sweaty hands and feet.

Deodorant is different from antiperspirant because it is made to mask any odors that are already present and kill bacteria on the skin to prevent them from producing more odor. There is no one best deodorant, but often combination products that contain both antiperspirant and deodorant are the most effective when combating body odor. Combination products are called antiperspirant deodorants.

Other Treatments

Aside from maintaining good hygiene and using antiperspirant and deodorant products there are a few things you can do to get rid of body odor caused by sweat. One other simple adjustment you can make is to wear fibers that are breathable, like organic cotton, or moisture wicking. There are some specific types of clothes that are best for people who struggle with excessive sweating. Finally, if all else fails, there are some medical treatments you could pursue.

A visit to your local dermatologist will give you a sense of what the best treatment options for you are, but here are a few ideas. If you struggle with excessive underarm sweating and smell you could try a local permanent procedure for axillary hyperhidrosis that stops your sweat glands in that area from being able to produce sweat. One example of this type of procedure is MiraDry. There are also prescription antiperspirants and antiperspirant wipes, called Qbrexza, that can help. There are many ways to manage sweat with and body odor with a doctor.

If you are struggling with sweat and body odor don’t give up because there are lots of treatments out there. Don’t let sweat be drain on your life!

Sources
  1. Ramirez, A. (1990, August). All About/Deodorants; The Success of Sweet Smell. Late Edition. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  2. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.
  3. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
  4. Eshini, P., & Sinclair, R. (2013). Hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis: A guide to assessment and management. Australian Family Physician, 42(5), 266-269. Retrieved March 7, 2019, from http://ezproxy.co.wake.nc.us/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1430424903?accountid=14867
Antiperspirant

Carpe Lotion vs. SweatBlock Lotion

By Katie Crissman /

What is Antiperspirant Lotion?

Antiperspirant is a type of over-the-counter topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that dermatologists consider to be a first-line treatment, meaning it is the first thing they recommend trying once a patient decides to seek treatment for hyperhidrosis.[1] There are prescription strength antiperspirants available, but most people find that over-the-counter versions provide enough relief, especially when combined with other methods of managing excessive sweat. Antiperspirant is considered to be a drug according to the FDA, so its active ingredients are regulated by the government. It can be difficult to choose the right type of over-the-counter antiperspirant, but understanding the active ingredients in each product and how a product is supposed to be used can help people determine which antiperspirant is right for them. One important factor in determining which antiperspirant is right for you is deciding how you want to apply it. There are several ways that antiperspirant can be applied, among the most common are roll-on antiperspirants, stick antiperspirants, spray antiperspirants, wipes, and lotions.

While each type of antiperspirant application has its own advantages, antiperspirant lotion has several. First of all, hyperhidrosis doesn’t only affect a person’s underarms, it often causes excessive sweating on hands, feet, the face, and other areas of the body.[1] This is why lotion antiperspirants can be helpful - they are easier to apply to unconventional areas of the body that experience excessive sweating. Antiperspirant lotions also give the user more control when it comes to how much of a product they want to apply. Finally, depending on which formulation is used, antiperspirant lotions tend to leave less residue on clothing because it can be more thoroughly rubbed in and controlled. Several companies have come out with antiperspirant lotions, most notably, Carpe and SweatBlock. Each company uses a different active ingredient and is advantageous for different reasons. Here is a breakdown of each brand’s antiperspirant lotion and the pros and cons of each product.

Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion

Carpe antiperspirant lotion is marketed specifically for people who experience excessive sweating on multiple parts of the body, which is especially helpful for those with hyperhidrosis. Their lotions currently come in specific formulations for the hands, feet, and underarms, although their products can be safely used on other parts of the body. They use 15% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate as an active ingredient. Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is a type of aluminum salt that is used to form a plug within sweat glands that prevents a person from producing sweat. It is a type of newer generation aluminum salt and it has been shown to be an effective antiperspirant ingredient. One study conducted independently by Carpe found that at least 50% of the people using Carpe lotion as a hand antiperspirant would receive at least a 20% reduction in sweat production. This was the minimum amount of benefit that participants received. The same study concluded that Carpe lotion was an effective antiperspirant, as participants experienced a median sweat reduction of 23.45% after three applications of Carpe lotion to their hands.[2] This is significant because it is generally more difficult to treat hand perspiration with antiperspirants than it is to treat underarm sweating. When Carpe lotion was tested for underarm sweating it was found that participants had a median sweat reduction of 60.35% when used twice a day consistently.[3] Carpe antiperspirant lotion is currently not approved for facial use, but a facial formulation of the product is currently in the works.

Carpe lotion does need to be applied multiple times a day for it to be most effective. For example, for underarm use it is advised that the product be applied twice daily for at least a month. One tube of Carpe lotion costs $14.95 and is expected to last for about two months, this applies to each type of the formulation whether it be for hands, feet, or underarms. One of the biggest benefits of Carpe Lotion is that it does not cause much, if any, irritation, especially when compared to other products on the market. This is what allows users to apply it all over the body.[3]

SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion

SweatBlock has several types of antiperspirant products on the market, including an antiperspirant lotion. Their antiperspirant lotion is intended for use on the hands and feet, although it can most likely be used on other parts of the body. Similar to Carpe, they use 20% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate as their active ingredient.[4] While their active ingredient is the same, they do use it in a higher concentration. This may make the sweat reduction properties of SweatBlock stronger, but it would also most likely increase the potential for skin irritation. Each tube of SweatBlock antiperspirant lotion has 50 mL of product in it and sells for $14.99. It needs to be applied at least two times per day for the first two to four weeks. The website claims that the lotion becomes more effective as it is used over time, so users may be able to apply it less frequently as time goes on.[5]

The Breakdown

Finding the right treatments for sweaty hands and sweaty feet can be tricky as researchers are still trying to find the most effective ways to reduce sweating on these parts of the body. Antiperspirant lotions offer a good over-the-counter option for those looking for relief, but they are not perfect. Both brands, Carpe and SweatBlock, use the same active ingredient meaning they will both most likely have fairly similar results. SweatBlock has a higher percentage of aluminum sesquichlorohydrate which means it may be a stronger product, but it will probably also lead to more irritation. If one does not work well for you, the other will most likely not be a good solution. It may be best to first try the less irritating product, in this case Carpe, and then move on to the stronger brand, SweatBlock, if more relief is needed. No matter which brand a person chooses to go with they will need to apply the lotion consistently several times a day to achieve results.

Sources
  1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
  2. Evaluation of Hand Antiperspirant Efficacy. (2016). Consumer Product Testing Company, Inc. Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://www.mycarpe.com/carpetestresults.pdf.
  3. Carpe Antiperspirant. (2016). An OTC Antiperspirant Lotion to Help Manage Excessive Sweat [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from
  4. SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BM9LHV1?aaxitk=WZxJKwt9Un8LAdpVnumHDQ&pd_rd_i=B07BM9LHV1&pf_rd_p=e037c154-e093-48a4-b127-477e5e294e3f&hsa_cr_id=9246714300901&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet, Proven to Reduce Excessive Sweating, Reduce Hand & Foot Sweat & Smelly Feet, Safe Effective, FDA Compliant Anti Sweat Lotion for Women & Men, 50mL&sb-ci-a=B07BM9LHV1
  5. Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands and Feet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://shop.sweatblock.com/products/antiperspirant-lotion-hands-feet
Antiperspirant

Qbrexza Wipes vs. Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes

By Katie Crissman /

What Are Antiperspirant Wipes?

In short, antiperspirant wipes are a new, convenient method of applying antiperspirant to the body - in order to reduce excessive sweating. They allow users to apply antiperspirant quickly, effectively, discreetly, and with less mess. There are a few different types of wipes that hyperhidrosis sufferers can take advantage of, and which type a person should use depends on their specific needs. Each wipe is contained in its own packet and can be stored easily in a pocket, wallet, or purse. A person just needs to open the wipe and apply it to their affected body area. So far, there are two brands that have dominated the antiperspirant wipe market - Carpe and Dermira. Both companies have antiperspirant wipes that are effective in reducing excessive sweating, but they occupy quite different niches in the market. Below is a break down of each product and how they compare.

Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes

Carpe antiperspirant wipes offer a convenient over-the-counter solution to excessive sweating problems. The wipes contain a clear antiperspirant solution that uses 15% Aluminum Chlorohydrate as an active ingredient.[1] Many people aren’t sure how to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, but customers can rest assured as Aluminum Chlorohydrate is a common, time-tested antiperspirant ingredient. It works by forming a shallow plug inside sweat glands which prevents sweat from escaping to the surface of the skin. This effectively reduces the amount of sweat that a person produces and decreases the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.[2] While Carpe antiperspirant wipes are ideal for underarm use, one of the great features they offer is that they are able to be used safely on most parts of the body. This is a major advantage as many people with hyperhidrosis also deal with excessive sweating on hands, feet, and other problem areas.

Many times, antiperspirant can be irritating, but Carpe antiperspirant wipes contain ingredients, like vitamin E oils, that help soothe sensitive skin. This feature makes the wipes more versatile. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are also easy on clothing as they do not leave a white residue behind. Instead, the formulation goes on clear which makes it much easier to keep shirts clean.[1] Many people with hyperhidrosis can attest to the fact that it can be difficult to get traditional antiperspirant out of clothes, so having a clear solution is a massive convenience. In addition to its antiperspirant properties, Carpe antiperspirant wipes also contain fragrances to dispel any bad smells that may emerge from sweaty areas, and a natural antibacterial agent to cut down on bacteria.[1]

Qbrexza Wipes

Qbrexza is a type of prescription antiperspirant wipe formulated by the company Dermira. Unlike traditional topical antiperspirants, Qbrexza uses an active ingredient called Glycopyrronium Tosylate.[3] This active ingredient is the topical form of an anticholinergic medication, which is commonly used as oral medication for hyperhidrosis. In its pill form, anticholinergic medications can have many systemic side effects which often deter people from using them to treat hyperhidrosis, but in its topical form many of the benefits are still present without the systemic issues. Glycopyrronium Tosylate works by inhibiting sweat gland activation and thus reduces the amount of sweat a person produces due to overactive sweat glands. Qbrexza is FDA approved, but only for use on the underarms. As it is a prescription medication its use can have some serious side effects like skin irritation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and others.[3]

Typically, Qbrexza is used once a day and is applied directly to the armpits. This makes it convenient and easy to use. It is most advantageous to people with severe hyperhidrosis who have tried other antiperspirant treatments and have not had success. It can also be used on children older than nine, which gives it an advantage over other FDA approved hyperhidrosis treatments as most cannot be used on children.[3] Qbrexza is a prescription medication, so it should be used with caution, but it can provide hope for those who haven’t had success with less powerful medications.

The Difference Between Carpe And Qbrexza Antiperspirant Wipes

While both types of antiperspirant wipes may appear similar at first glance, they are quite different. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are a type of over-the-counter topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that don’t require a doctor’s prescription. They are easy to obtain and have a relatively low risk of side effects for anyone who uses them. Over-the-counter antiperspirants are the first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis and should generally be pursued before moving on to stronger treatment options.[1] Qbrexza, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that is reserved for more severe cases of hyperhidrosis. It can, however, provide relief for those who have tried more conservative measures to treat their condition without success. Both companies use wipes as a convenient and effective way to deliver very different types of hyperhidrosis medications.

Sources
  1. Innovation Counter. (2018). Final Product Profile Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes [Brochure]. North Carolina: Author.
  2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
  3. Qbrexza. (2018). Retrieved February 20, 2019, from https://dermira.com/our-medicines/
Antiperspirant

Is Antiperspirant Safe or Bad for You?

By Katie Crissman /

There has been a lot of controversy concerning the safety of antiperspirant in the last several decades. It has been found, however, that antiperspirant is safe to use. In fact, antiperspirant is considered to be an over-the-counter drug and is therefore regulated by the FDA. This means that antiperspirant, and the active ingredients in it, have been studied fairly extensively. In the last thirty years there have been many studies attempting to find a link between antiperspirant use and cancer but so far no links have been found.

How Antiperspirant Works and Why It’s Safe

Antiperspirants contain an active ingredient that is able to reduce sweat production. For people who suffer from hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes sweat glands to be overactive, this is imperative. Most antiperspirant formulations use some type of metallic salt, like aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex, to mechanically block sweat from reaching the surface of the skin. When a person applies antiperspirant it covers the tops of their sweat glands and remains inactive until they begin to sweat. Once perspiration begins mixing with antiperspirant a chemical reaction occurs inside each sweat gland. This chemical reaction causes the formation of a precipitate salt which then forms a shallow plug within the sweat glands. These plugs block sweat from leaving sweat glands and thus reduce perspiration. While antiperspirants do interact with chemicals in the body, they work superficially on the skin which makes them a safe option. This also makes them less likely to cause severe side effects. Antiperspirants are actually the first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis as they are widely available, work locally, and are known to be safe.[1]

Common Concerns About Antiperspirant

Over the years there have been many rumors about the dangers of antiperspirant. One of the most controversial claims was that the aluminum in antiperspirants can cause cancer. The claim asserted that the body absorbs the aluminum in antiperspirants through the skin and that the absorbed aluminum can cause the growth of breast cancer cells. The body does absorb some of the aluminum in antiperspirant, but not enough to cause an issue. One study found that only .01% to .06% of the aluminum in antiperspirant was absorbed by the body. So far, no specific studies, epidemiological or otherwise, have been able to show that aluminum antiperspirants cause cancer. There is some speculation that aluminum can cause changes to occur within some animal cells, but this has not been sufficiently studied. Overall, it is thought that antiperspirants are safe but that it would be beneficial to conduct more specific studies.[1]

Aluminum, when taken in high enough amounts, is known to cause other health issues like Alzheimer's disease and worsen kidney failure. Many question whether aluminum exposure from antiperspirants is high enough to promote these problems, but that is extremely doubtful. Problems like Alzheimer's disease and kidney failure occur when someone is exposed to a very high amount of aluminum, and this doesn’t happen from antiperspirant use. Antiperspirants do no contain enough aluminum for this to happen and the skin creates an effective barrier against the aluminum that is in antiperspirant. The FDA does advise people with end stage kidney disease to speak with their doctor before using antiperspirant, but it is most likely not an issue.[1]

It is reassuring to hear that organizations like The Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer society, and the National Cancer Institute have issued statements saying that there is no known association between aluminum, cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease.[1]

The Damage Antiperspirant Can Do

While it is fairly safe to say that antiperspirant does not cause cancer, it can cause some other side effects. Luckily, these are mild and easy to treat. The most common side effect of antiperspirant is irritation. People often feel itching or stinging, especially when they first apply antiperspirant. When this occurs, patients are told to use 1% hydrocortisone cream to treat the irritation. If this doesn't work they are often switched to a different type of antiperspirant or advised on different treatment options.[1] Recently, studies have demonstrated that antiperspirant affects the microbiome on the surface of the skin. It has been noted that people who use antiperspirant and deodorant products have a larger variety of bacteria that differs from the type of bacteria other people have. However, it hasn’t yet been determined whether this is detrimental.[3]

Overall, antiperspirants are usually more dangerous to clothing than they are to people. It can be tough to get antiperspirant out of clothing. In all seriousness antiperspirants are a very safe treatment option for those with hyperhidrosis. There are some potential problems that need to be studied, but the vast majority of people tolerate antiperspirants well.

Sources
  1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
  2. Klotz, K., Weistenhöfer, W., Neff, F., Hartwig, A., Van Thriel, C., & Drexler, H. (2017). The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure. Dtsch Arztebl Int., 114(39), 653-659. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653
  3. Urban, J., Fergus, D. J., Savage, A. M., Ehlers, M., Menniger, H. L., Dunn, R. R., & Horvath, J. E. (2016). The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome. Peer J, 4. doi:10.7717/peerj.1605
Antiperspirant

How To Get Pit Stains out of Polyester

By Katie Crissman /

Do you have polyester pit stain problems? Read on to learn how to get rid of pit stains in polyester so that you can enjoy your favorite clothes instead of struggling with sweat stains!

The excessive sweating that comes along with hyperhidrosis can be hard on clothes. In fact, people who have axillary hyperhidrosis often report that soaking, staining, and soiling clothing is one of the hardest parts of hyperhidrosis they have to deal with.[1] This comes into play big time when it comes to polyester.

There are certain types of clothing that are better for people who sweat excessively, and polyester is not one of them. This is because polyester is water resistant which means it won’t absorb sweat. When sweat has nowhere else to go it builds up underneath clothing which can cause discomfort and skin irritation. This applies to polyester blended to natural fibers too. Polyester has some great qualities, as it is durable and hard to wrinkle, but people with hyperhidrosis need to weigh the benefits with the potential drawbacks.

For those times that you do choose to wear polyester, there are ways to make sure that armpit stains aren’t permanent. Here is how to get rid of sweat stains in polyester:

  1. Turn the shirt inside out so you can see the stain. Pour laundry detergent (full strength) onto the stain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
  2. Put the shirt in the washing machine like you normally would. When the wash is done look at the shirt. If the stain is gone, put it in the dryer and you are done. If the stain is still present then air dry the shirt. Don’t put it in the dryer as this will set the stain.
  3. To get a stubborn stain out mix: half a cup of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar.
  4. Apply this mixture to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then wash the shirt in cold water and air dry.

It is important to note that the sooner you treat a stain the easier it will be to remove it. This method should help you get a basic sweat stain out of a polyester shirt, but some stains are stubborn. If this is the case then you may need to be a little more creative in your use of vinegar. Here is how to get rid of pit stains that are stubborn:

  1. Mix vinegar with crushed up aspirin and make a paste. Turn the shirt inside out and apply the paste directly to the stain.
  2. Let the shirt sit for a few hours so the paste can sink in.
  3. Run the shirt through the washing machine and use cold water.
  4. Before putting the shirt in the dryer inspect the stain. If it is gone, put it in the dryer. If the shirt is still stained then try another method.

If your shirt is still stained after using both of these stain removal methods then you could try another method to get rid of armpit stains, but it may be hard to get rid of. Make sure you don’t put the shirt in the dryer if you plan on trying other options as this will set the stain into the shirt and make it almost impossible to remove.

If you struggle with armpit stains you may also have issues with antiperspirant. There are effective ways to get rid of antiperspirant stains on clothes, as well as ways to remove antiperspirant from skin. Antiperspirant can control sweating and improve symptoms of hyperhidrosis, but it has its downsides.

It’s important to know how to get rid of sweat stains when you sweat frequently. Don’t let stains hold you back! There are many ways to get rid of them, and they don’t have to be a constant source of stress.

Sources
  1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Amsterdam: Elsevier Pub. Co., 2014. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/books/hyperhidrosis-an-issue-of-dermatologic-clinics/pariser/978-0-323-32607-0
  2. Out, Out, Pesky Sweat Stains. (2011, May 11). Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 5, 2018, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703859304576305372447004628
  3. A novel washing algorithm for underarm stain removal. (2017). IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 254. doi:10.1088/1757-899X/254/8/082001. Retreived from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320940190_A_novel_washing_algorithm_for_underarm_stain_removal
Antiperspirant

How To Remove Antiperspirant from Skin

By Katie Crissman /

Antiperspirant is a great weapon in the fight against sweat, but it does have its limitations.

Many people find that antiperspirant is hard to wash off and it often leaves a waxy residue on skin.

This can be problematic, especially when someone is trying to wash up after a particularly sweaty day.

Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to remove antiperspirant and any waxy residue it leaves behind.

What you will need:

  • Bowl
  • Baking soda
  • Warm water
  • Washcloth
  • Shower access

  • Follow these steps:

    1. Pour some baking soda into a bowl. It’s fine to estimate, but try to get roughly ¼ a cup.
    2. Add warm water to the bowl until it makes a thick spreadable paste. Just add a little bit of water at a time until it is the consistency you want.
    3. Take your mixture into the shower and spread it over the area with the antiperspirant residue.
    4. Take a wet washcloth and rub the paste off. Try to exfoliate if your skin is not too sensitive as this will help to remove any remnants of the antiperspirant.
    5. Once the paste is off, rinse the area completely in the shower. This should have removed any antiperspirant residue on your skin.

    There are other ways to remove antiperspirant from skin, but this method is safe for sensitive skin and it is usually effective.

    If you have extreme build-up, you may need to do this a few days in a row in order to completely get the antiperspirant off your skin.

    If a particular brand of antiperspirant or deodorant is leaving excessive residue on your skin you may want to switch to another brand.

    There are many over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis, or heavy sweating, to pick from, so don’t feel like you have to stick with a certain brand or style if it isn’t working for you.

    It can be a struggle to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, so try several different types to find what works best for you.

    Interestingly, antiperspirant is made to stay on skin and be effective for at least 24 hours.

    Some antiperspirants that are made with newer active ingredients, like zirconium trichlorohydrex, have been reported to work for up to seven days.

    It actually takes 6 to 8 hours for antiperspirants with aluminum chloride to soak into sweat glands and create a protective plug.

    This means that you shouldn’t wash antiperspirant off of your skin if it hasn’t been there for long amount of time.

    Apply at Night

    Antiperspirant is meant to be applied at night and worn through the next day, so if you are taking a shower in the morning and deliberately washing your antiperspirant off, you may be doing yourself a disservice.

    This can be aggravating, as most people want to shower in the morning, but switching up your daily practices could make your antiperspirant more effective.

    In case you are wondering, antiperspirant is not bad for you, even though it can have some annoying side effects.[1]

    Clothing stains can also be a big problem for people with hyperhidrosis.

    Many have trouble with sweat staining the armpits of their clothes and then they get antiperspirant stains on top of that.

    If you struggle with these issues, here is how to remove armpit stains and here is how to get antiperspirant out of clothes. If you wear polyester frequently, here is how to get pit stains out of polyester.

    Sources
    1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
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