Its an inconvenient and often stinky reality of life.
But perhaps not yourwholelife: You actually sweat less as you age.
What is sweat, anyway?
Getty, photographed by shih-wei
Sweat is more complexthan you may think.
These glands release an oily fluid that contains lipids and proteins.
Sweat becomes foul-smelling when its exposed to the (totally normal) bacteria and fungi on the skins surface.
Rather, its that bacteria feeding off of sweat that creates an odor, confirms Dr. Reich.
Bromhidrosis, the medical term for smelly sweat, is caused exclusively by apocrine sweat glands.
Why do you sweat less as you age?
When theyre compressed in this way, it may make it harder for sweat to come out.
This has day-to-day benefits (who wouldnt want to sweat less?)
but may present problems for some older adults when it comes to tolerating heat waves.
Of course, its also important to note that sweat is not a one-size-fits-all issue.
How does menopause affect sweat?
When your body is experiencing a hot flash, the hypothalamus misfires and the body heats up abruptly.
These night sweats can disrupt sleep patterns and impact the overall health of women who are experiencing menopause.
How often should you consider a new deodorant?
Dr. Reich echoed this sentiment.
Washing your underarm areas helps prevent a buildup of bacteria, which can cause odor, she says.
Theres long been chatter about the safety of using aluminum-based antiperspirants.
What is the best way to manage sweat?
In other words, its nearly impossible.
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