Adhesion is the secret to its effectiveness!? What type of antiperspirant is recommended this summer?

[Column] Adhesion is the secret to its effectiveness!? What type of antiperspirant is recommended this summer?

As temperatures and humidity rise in the coming season, are you fully prepared for sweat? There are many different types of products available, but with so many options, many people may be wondering which one to choose.
We asked skincare expert Masumi Saji about the correct care methods tailored to specific skin concerns.

Why am I so concerned about underarm odor?

Why do people worry about underarm odor?

If you're worried about underarm odor, you can't concentrate on your work...

There are many situations where odors can be a concern, such as on trains where you're in close proximity to others, in enclosed spaces like elevators and conference rooms, or when you have to get close to customers during customer service.
One area that is particularly concerning at this time of year is the armpits, which are close to the heart and have a high concentration of sweat glands, making them prone to sweating. When you raise your arms to grab a handrail on the train, you might worry that "the smell from my armpits, which I'm not even aware of, might be making the person next to me uncomfortable," which can make it hard to enjoy fashion or make you dread going out.

Actually, sweat itself is said to have almost no odor. It's when the sweat you produce is broken down by odor-causing bacteria on the surface of your skin that it transforms into that unpleasant smell.
Furthermore, there are two types of sweat glands in the armpits: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. According to Saji, "The more sweat a person produces from their apocrine glands, the stronger their body odor tends to be."

Saji (honorifics omitted below): "Apocrine glands are found only in limited areas such as the armpits, ears, anus, and genitals, and the sweat they produce is characterized by its whitish, sticky consistency. This sweat contains proteins, lipids, ammonia, and iron, which serve as food for odor-causing bacteria, making it easier for the bacteria to multiply."

Two things are necessary for odor care: "sweat control" and "odor-causing bacteria control."

In other words, to combat underarm odor, you need two things: "managing sweat" and "preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria."

Saji: "First, let's talk about clothing choices. Since excessive sweating can easily cause body odor, it's best to choose clothes that don't make you sweat easily, such as not wearing too many layers and wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing. If you wear tight-fitting clothes like knitwear, use sweat pads to absorb the sweat."

It's also important to remove sweat and odor-causing bacteria before going out by taking a shower or wiping your armpits with a sweat-wiping sheet.

Saji: "The important thing to remember is not to leave your armpits wet. If moisture remains, bacteria can easily multiply. Since the armpits are often closed, the moisture doesn't evaporate easily, and if this happens, it will have the opposite effect of what you thought would be a clean solution."

Furthermore, it's effective to wipe away underarm sweat frequently, such as when you go to the restroom. If you remove unwanted hair beforehand, it's easier to wipe your underarms, and it's said to further suppress the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

That antiperspirant won't prevent underarm odor!?

However, it can be difficult to wipe away sweat frequently when you're out or at work. That's where antiperspirants come in handy.

These days, many people use antiperspirants, but there are many different types. Do you know which type of antiperspirant to choose for your specific concerns? Ms. Saji says, "If you're worried about body odor even though you think you're taking care of it, you might be using the wrong type of antiperspirant."

Saji: There are many different types available, so I think it's best to choose one that suits your needs. For example, if you sweat easily or are concerned about body odor, choose a type that provides thorough care. Also, even if you don't usually sweat much, you can use both a light-to-use antiperspirant and a more thorough type depending on your activities that day, such as where you're going, how long you'll be walking, who you'll be interacting with and how close you'll be to them, and what you're wearing that day.

For people who sweat a lot or are concerned about body odor, a cream type is ideal.

For people who sweat a lot or are concerned about body odor, a cream type is ideal.

For those particularly concerned about underarm odor, a cream-type product with high adhesion is recommended.

So, what kind of antiperspirant should people who are concerned about body odor choose?

Saji: "For people who sweat a lot or are concerned about body odor, I recommend a cream type that can be thoroughly applied."

With a cream, it adheres firmly to the skin, so it's less likely to wash off with sweat, and it effectively suppresses unwanted odors for a long time.

Saji: "I think it's great for people who can't reapply makeup during long outings, or for those who want to enjoy fashion. People who have been unable to wear the clothes they wanted because they were worried about sweat stains or odors will be fine with this."

One application in the morning will shut out odor-causing bacteria that increase throughout the day!

There are also key points to consider when applying it.

Saji: "In the morning, before getting dressed, apply it thoroughly to your underarms. This little extra step in the morning will make a big difference. However, don't forget to wipe away any sweat from your underarms before applying it to ensure they are clean and you'll feel the effects more strongly."

The underarms are a part of the skin that stretches and contracts. That's why stretching the skin in your underarms and using your fingers to thoroughly apply the product into the spaces between the pores will further enhance its effectiveness. It effectively suppresses bacteria that increase over time, so you can enjoy sports like yoga after work or have dates planned with peace of mind.

It's said that underarm sweating can increase due to stress, but if you can find an antiperspirant that you can rely on to keep the odor under control, it can reduce the stress of worrying about whether your underarms smell, allowing you to spend the whole day comfortably without worrying about it.

Saji: "It's a cream type, but it dries quickly after application, so there's no problem applying it quickly before getting dressed and putting on clothes right away."

If you no longer have to worry about underarm odor, you may be able to communicate more confidently and feel more self-assured in both your work and personal life. "You might be entrusted with a big project in a meeting, or your stagnant love life might finally progress! Your life might become happier!" says Ms. Saji. Why not try incorporating a cream-type antiperspirant into your underarm odor control routine this summer?

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Masumi Saji
Skincare Guide: Masumi Saji
Having worked in public relations for several cosmetics companies, I began my career as a writer, drawing on the beauty knowledge I gained during that time. I'm constantly searching for products that offer tangible results for their price, as well as affordable cosmetics and locally sourced brands. I consider myself a cosmetics enthusiast, and I feel happiest when I'm trying these products on my own skin.

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