Understanding Sweating: Terms & Background 

Allergy: An Immune System Reaction to the Environment

An allergy is a specific immune system reaction to certain, otherwise harmless substances from our environment. These substances, to which a person reacts, are referred to as allergens. In an allergic reaction, the immune system treats these substances as if they were pathogens. However, unlike the normal immune response to components of a pathogen, the reaction to an allergen is significantly exaggerated and excessive.

Essentially, any environmental substance can trigger an allergy. This can include plants (e.g., grass pollen), animal products (e.g., bee venom, animal hair), as well as metals (e.g., nickel) or chemicals (e.g., preservatives, dyes, perfumes).

An allergy typically develops only after repeated exposure to an allergen (known as sensitization). During the initial contact, no symptoms occur. Therefore, the affected person does not immediately notice an allergy. Every allergy is preceded by this symptom-free phase (sensitization). During the first exposure to an allergen, the immune system prepares itself for the foreign substance, producing antibodies to quickly react to the supposedly dangerous invaders in subsequent encounters. Only the next contact with the substance triggers the actual allergic reaction: the allergen is attacked.

While the immune system destroys genuine pathogens, it cannot eliminate allergens to protect the body from future attacks. Symptoms such as itching, rashes, eczema, runny nose, swollen and watery eyes, and even shortness of breath usually persist as long as the triggers affect the allergic individual's system.

Aloe Vera: Skin-Soothing, Moisturizing Agent

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), also known as the "desert lily," is a succulent plant belonging to the lily family. It grows to about 60 centimeters tall and thrives primarily in arid regions, such as Africa, South America, and California. The odorless, clear sap from its pulp tissue has been used as a health remedy for centuries. Aloe Vera is particularly renowned for its moisturizing, skin-soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts from Aloe Vera are used both topically and internally and are gaining significant attention, especially in the food and cosmetic industries. The gel-like sap from the inner leaf contains a wide range of minerals and bioactive compounds.

Anamnesis: Medical History Taking

Anamnesis is a systematic questioning process. It is conducted by a physician or another healthcare professional to gather information about the patient's current complaints, medical history, lifestyle circumstances, and genetic risk.

Objectives of Anamnesis

A carefully compiled anamnesis guides the physician towards establishing the correct diagnosis of the patient's condition and determining the most appropriate treatment method.

Adstringere: Astringent (Latin)

Constricting Effect.

Astringents, found in antiperspirant products, cause sweat glands to contract or narrow. This action prevents sweat from being released, effectively regulating perspiration over time.

Antibacterial Substances

An antibacterial substance prevents bacteria from further multiplying, reduces their number, or even kills them completely.

Antibiotics have an antibacterial effect

A well-known medication used to kill bacteria in bacterial infections is the antibiotic.

The term "antiperspirant" explained in detail

everdry antiperspirant range

Antiperspirants, antiperspirants or antitranspirants (sweat inhibitors; English: antiperspirants) all have the same meaning.

These are cosmetic products that reduce the activity of the sweat glands and thus reduce excessive sweating and unpleasant sweat odor.

They are used in special deodorants as part of body and skin care.

The essential ingredients of an antiperspirant

You can recognize a high-quality antiperspirant with long-term protection primarily by its short list of ingredients, which consists of only a few but very effective ingredients. everdry completely avoids alcohol, perfume, colorants and preservatives in its antiperspirant body roll-on and antiperspirant body wipes.

Aluminum salts (aluminum chloride)

The most important ingredient and at the same time the only active ingredient in an antiperspirant is aluminum salts. There are various forms of these that are used in cosmetic products. The two most common are aluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate.

everdry uses the more effective aluminum chloride for its antiperspirant products, which can then be used in much smaller quantities, namely less than 15% in the recipe.

Water (aqua)

In order to dilute the active ingredient to the appropriate concentration according to the recipe, the aluminum salt is dissolved in specially purified water (aqua). The aluminum salts are then evenly distributed in the solution, so that an even effect can be guaranteed across the entire product content.

Cellulose (hydroxyethylcellulose)

As this very watery liquid would be very impractical to apply to the skin, the solution is thickened with a natural cellulose - hydroxyethylcellulose. This creates a light gel that can now be applied precisely and without dripping and yet is absorbed very quickly.

This is how an antiperspirant works against sweating

everdry antiperspirant against sweating

The main and only active ingredient in effective sweat inhibitors are aluminum salts. These substances reduce sweat secretion by temporarily narrowing the ducts of the sweat glands. The amount of sweat is thereby significantly reduced.

The body's temperature regulation, which is controlled by sweating, is not hindered, as the product is only applied very specifically to small areas such as the armpits, forehead, face, neck, hands or feet. These areas of the body are therefore dispensable for heat compensation, so that the natural and healthy flow of sweat is not impaired.

By narrowing the sweat glands, you are effectively and long-lastingly protected against sweat:

• The skin stays dry - you don't sweat!

Sweat alone is almost odorless. The actual cause of sweat odor is secretion from bacteria living on the skin, which break down the sweat. The reduced secretion of sweat deprives the bacteria of food. Without food, the bacteria can neither multiply nor break down the sweat into unpleasant-smelling components such as butyric acid and formic acid.

By stopping the growth of the bacteria, unpleasant odors are reliably prevented:

• No unpleasant sweat odor develops - you don't "smell"!

How to use an antiperspirant correctly

First use

Apply the antiperspirant in a thin layer to clean, dry and intact skin in the evening before going to bed. Allow it to absorb well before getting dressed. Repeat for up to 4 evenings in a row. Take a break as soon as the desired effect is achieved.

Application before going to bed is a basic requirement for a successful effect. The background is that the flow of sweat during application should be as low as possible so that the aluminum can develop its full effect - without being washed out again by sweating.

Before going to bed, we are not very active and do not have to deal with any special physical or mental exertion, so that the metabolism is also slowed down and we do not sweat unnecessarily.

Follow-up application

Only use the antiperspirant once before going to bed if necessary, e.g. once a week if you notice increased sweating again.

Valuable tips for a successful result without annoying sweating

• Always apply the antiperspirant in the evening to clean, dry and intact skin. During the day, the effect can be reduced by more intense sweating.
• Only apply a very thin layer and in a targeted manner.
• Cleaning the affected areas of the body with a washcloth and warm water before use opens the pores and improves the effect.
• Aluminum chloride has a restorative effect, so the frequency of application is reduced over time. Sweating subsides, so only occasional use (e.g. once a week) is required.
• The effect is improved by removing body hair.
• Do not use immediately after shaving. In this case, it is best to wait 1-2 days before the next application.
• The product can also be used on other areas of the body that sweat a lot, e.g. forehead, back, chest, crook of the arms, back of the knees, hands, feet.
• The morning after use, you can wash or shower as usual.
• You no longer need your conventional deodorant, but you can continue to use it if you wish - because of the scent or out of pleasant habit.

Source reference: www.everdry.de

Aluminum Chloride: Antiperspirant Active Ingredient for Sweating

Aluminum is a very widespread chemical element and the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust.

The aluminum salt aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) is a water-soluble compound derived from aluminum and used as an active ingredient in everdry antiperspirants.

This salt is the primary and sole active ingredient in antiperspirants and deodorants that can effectively reduce sweat and, consequently, sweat odor.

Aluminum chloride narrows the sweat pores, thus regulating sweat production in the long term. This results in an astringent (narrowing) effect. Aluminum chloride in antiperspirant products has a cumulative effect, which reduces the frequency of application over time. Visible sweating diminishes, requiring only occasional use.

Chronic Course of Diseases

A disease is considered chronic if it develops slowly and lasts for a long time. In some cases, a chronic disease is no longer completely curable.

The opposite of a chronic disease is an acute (sudden) disease. Many diseases can have both acute and chronic onsets. This can happen, for example, if a disease is not treated or completely cured.

Chlorine Cleaners: Cleaning Agents

The term "chlorine cleaner" refers to cleaning agents that contain the active ingredient sodium hypochlorite or active chlorine. Contrary to the potentially misleading name, these cleaning agents do not contain elemental chlorine in its pure form, but rather in a compound.

Chlorine-containing cleaning products are used for sanitary cleaning, mold removal, and surface disinfection. Chlorine cleaners are also popular in textile cleaning due to their bleaching effect, which achieves good results, particularly in stain removal.

Eczema: Inflammatory Skin Condition

Eczema refers to an inflammatory skin condition that can lead to swelling, redness, and the formation of blisters or nodules. In the course of eczema, severe crusting can occur. Eczema typically causes intense itching in affected individuals. Additionally, the stratum corneum thickens, and the skin often becomes dry and cracked. Eczema is categorized into external eczema, which is caused by external influences, and internal eczema, which is organically based.

Internal (endogenous) eczema is also known as neurodermatitis. Eczema almost always occurs in areas where contact with the trigger occurred. Eczema can also be allergy-related. Allergic reactions do not necessarily occur immediately but can also develop after years of exposure to the substance.

Common triggers for eczema are often cosmetics or chemicals, textiles, metals, foods, or even plants. If you notice eczema after contact, you should avoid the substance as much as possible and prevent direct contact with it.

Electron: Negatively Charged Elementary Particle

The electron is a negatively charged elementary particle with the chemical symbol e−. It is the lightest of all electrically charged elementary particles.

Epidermis: Outer Skin Layer

The epidermis refers to the outer skin layer. It is organized into multiple cell layers and has the stratum corneum (horny layer) on its surface. The epidermis completely renews itself every 30 days. It separates the organism from the external environment, protects against harmful influences, and also releases substances through glands, such as sweat.

The Common Cold

The common cold is an acute infectious disease of the nasal mucosa (including the paranasal sinuses), throat, and bronchi.

Causes of the Common Cold

The infectious disease is predominantly caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses, enteroviruses, mastadenoviruses, or the corona and paramyxoviridae virus families. Sometimes, the infection is additionally caused by bacteria. This is then referred to as a secondary infection, also known as a superinfection.

A mild cold should not be confused with a flu-like infection or the significantly more severe real flu (influenza), which can be fatal, especially for immunocompromised individuals.

Risk Factors for the Common Cold:

The still widespread belief that cold, drafts, dampness, and hypothermia are the sole causes of a cold is NOT correct.

Cold ALONE cannot cause a cold. However, cold can lead to a weakened immune system, making it easier for viruses to establish themselves in the body.

Anything that weakens the immune system can make us more susceptible to colds. In addition to hypothermia, this includes stress, lack of sleep, and other illnesses. Close contact facilitates the transmission of pathogens. Large gatherings of people in enclosed spaces make it easy for viruses to spread.

Symptoms of the Common Cold:

Often, it starts with a slight scratchiness or pain in the throat. As it progresses, cough, runny nose, and hoarseness can occur in any combination and severity. Those with colds often complain of headaches and body aches and feel tired and sluggish.

Fever (body temperature above 38°C) can also be a accompanying symptom and is a natural part of the immune response. The temperature increase itself is usually harmless and typically ends with the successful defense against the infection. Therefore, the use of fever-reducing medications is generally unnecessary.

For severe discomfort such as headaches, joint, or muscle pain, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications with active ingredients like paracetamol or ibuprofen may help.

However, if the symptoms persist or even worsen, you should definitely see your doctor.

Transmission of the Common Cold:

The disease-causing viruses are transmitted both as droplet infections through the air and directly or indirectly through contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects via contact infection.

Therefore, it is particularly important for infected individuals to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from other people. Furthermore, using a tissue to cover the mouth and/or nose when sneezing or coughing and practicing thorough hand hygiene help prevent the risk of transmission. People with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or infants, should be avoided during the cold season, as a harmless cold can quickly develop into a serious illness, especially in these groups.

Course of the Disease:

In most cases, those affected recover from a cold within 10-14 days. It is important to get enough rest and avoid physical exertion.

Therapy:

This primarily consists of rest, rest, and more rest…ideally in a warm and cozy environment! Physical exertion is absolutely taboo and can even harm the body in its weakened state.

Adequate fluid intake is important to sufficiently support metabolism and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes through sweating.

Over-the-counter medications with active ingredients like ibuprofen and paracetamol often help with pain and mild fever.

However, if symptoms persist, they should be checked by your doctor. Stronger medications may be necessary to get rid of the annoying viruses.

Inflammation: Immune Response Against the Body

Inflammation (Latin-medical: Inflammatio) refers to reactions in which the immune system targets the body's own tissues. Triggers can include allergens or pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. However, mechanical stimuli like pressure or friction can also lead to inflammation. The goal of inflammation is to eliminate the damaging stimulus (e.g., remove pathogens or toxins from tissue cells) and create the conditions for repair processes ("healing"). Inflammation is thus an expression of an organism's immune response.

The inflammatory response is a complex process involving the regulation of, among other things, immunocompetent cells, antibodies, and inflammatory mediators.

The medical terms for inflammations are usually formed by adding the suffix -itis to the Greek term for the affected organ.

Genetics: The Study of Heredity, Discovered by Gregor Mendel

Genetics, or the study of heredity, is a subfield of biology. It deals with the laws and material foundations of the development of heritable traits and the transmission of hereditary characteristics (genes) to the next generation (heredity). It is based on the research of Gregor Mendel (1865).

Gynecology: Women's Medicine

"Gyné" is Greek and means woman. Hence the medical term "gynecology" for women's medicine.

It is the study of the research and treatment of diseases of the female sexual and reproductive organs.

Gynecologist = Women's Doctor = Specialist in Gynecology & Obstetrics

After completing medical school, a doctor must undergo a five-year residency as a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics. At least three years of this residency must be spent in hospital service. Only then does the doctor receive certification as a gynecologist.

German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW): The Manufacturers' Association

The German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e.V., IKW for short) is a German association of manufacturers and distributors of personal care products, detergents, cleaning agents, and hygiene products, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. Over 85% of its members are small and medium-sized enterprises.

The IKW's main concerns lie in providing competent advice to its members and supporting them in their business activities. This includes answering questions about product groups in the beauty care and household care sectors. In particular, the IKW provides its members with legal advice on the implementation of legal standards.

Immunology: The Study of Defense Against Pathogens

Immunology is the study of the biological and biochemical foundations of the body's defense against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as other foreign substances like toxins and environmental poisons.

The analysis of disturbances and malfunctions of these defense mechanisms also plays a crucial role. Immunology is therefore a subdiscipline of biology. The subject of research is the immune system, which realizes the recognition and inactivation of pathogens and foreign substances.

Immunology is of great importance in medicine for the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of diseases.

Iontophoresis: Definition and Procedure

Definition of Iontophoresis according to the German Dermatological Society

"Tap water iontophoresis is a procedure in which continuous or high-frequency pulsed direct currents are passed through defined skin areas using water baths or moist electrodes. Generally, it involves the treatment of palms and soles, and less frequently, the armpits or other areas."

Procedure of Iontophoresis

Weak, harmless electrical currents are passed through the skin of the palms and soles using hydroelectric baths. This leads to a functional inhibition of the sweat gland cells, reducing excessive sweating. Follow-up applications of 1 to 2 times weekly are necessary to maintain normal sweating.

Contraindications of Iontophoresis

• Individuals with implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers, should not be treated with iontophoresis.
• There are insufficient studies on pregnant women, so this application is discouraged.
• Extremities with metal implants in the path of the current (e.g., arms or legs) must be excluded from treatment.
• Body parts with skin defects are excluded from application.

Cortisone: Medication for Combating Diseases

Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone and one of the most well-known medications. It is successfully used in a wide variety of diseases.

Cortisone (or cortisol) is a vital, naturally occurring hormone. It is produced in the adrenal cortex in the human body and released during stress. In this stress situation, the active form of cortisone, cortisol, provides as much energy as possible and, among other things, enhances the breakdown of proteins and fats. This increases blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, cortisol inhibits the activity of white blood cells, which belong to the immune system. Although the main task of white blood cells is to fight pathogens, they primarily trigger inflammation. In some medical cases, however, it is important not to provoke inflammation, so cortisone is used in these instances. Cortisone is intended to suppress this inflammatory process. As a result, cortisone is one of the most well-known and important medications and is used in a wide variety of diseases, such as rheumatism and neurodermatitis.

Depending on the clinical picture, cortisone can be taken in tablet form, used as a cream or spray, or injected.

Preservatives: Substances for Extending Product Shelf Life

Preservatives are substances used to extend the shelf life of products such as food or cosmetics. They prolong the durability of these products by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, molds, yeasts, or fungi, thus protecting the products from spoilage. The use and quantity of preservatives are subject to the applicable EU legal regulations and must be approved and declared in the "ingredients list" of the products.

Microbial: Factors Caused by Microorganisms

Factors that are caused by microbes (microorganisms such as bacteria). The opposite is "antimicrobial / antibacterial": this involves inhibiting/preventing the activities of microbes, such as growth.

Orange Peel Skin: Cellulite: Connective Tissue Weakness

Orange peel skin (cellulite) is a connective tissue weakness that is exacerbated by poor circulation and significant fat accumulation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Cellulite manifests externally as dimples on the skin, preferably on the upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. Women are more frequently affected by cellulite because men have a different connective tissue structure.

Sage: Antibacterial, Antiperspirant Medicinal Plant

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a herb that originated in the Mediterranean region but can now also grow very well in our local gardens. It is a medicinal plant with strong antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, and antiperspirant effects. For this reason, sage is used very versatilely as a valuable medicinal herb in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products.

Sweat: Watery Secretion of Sweat Glands

Sweat is a watery secretion that is excreted through so-called sweat glands via the skin. Sweat consists of over 99% water. In addition, various salts are among its other components. Fresh sweat is almost odorless. It is only the breakdown of long-chain fatty acids into shorter chains such as butyric acid or formic acid that causes the typical sweat odor. Various bacteria, which use sweat as an optimal breeding ground, are responsible for this.

Stress: Excessive Physical & Mental Strain

Stress is understood as an extreme strain on the body due to psychological and/or physical burden. Depending on the individual, stress is perceived differently: what is total stress for one person is a minor issue for another. What is negative stress for one means a positive challenge for another.

A strong emotional burden should definitely be taken seriously and balanced out, as long-term stress can weaken the immune system and exacerbate conditions such as neurodermatitis.

Pregnancy: Gravidity

Pregnancy (medical term: gravidity or gestation) is the period during which a fertilized egg develops into a child within the body of the expectant mother.

A normal pregnancy lasts an average of 266 days from the fertilization of the egg to birth.

Sweat Glands: Sweat Producers on the Skin

Sweat is secreted through the sweat glands on the skin. These glands are found on almost all parts of our body, especially on the face, under the armpits, and on the hands and feet.

Depending on the sweat secretion, sweat glands are divided into 2 types: eccrine sweat glands (distributed over the entire body; sweat secretion serves for cooling) and apocrine sweat glands (located exclusively in the hairy areas of the body; also called scent glands, they serve for individual recognition).

Acid Mantle: Hydrolipid Film of the Skin

Through the secretion of sweat and sebum, the skin acquires the property of maintaining a slightly acidic pH value of an average of 5.0 to 5.5 over its entire surface. This sweat-sebum film is also called the hydrolipid film.

The acid mantle contributes to protection against pathogens and dehydration, as well as against the penetration of harmful and irritating substances.

Silver Chloride: Substance from the Sea with Antibacterial Effect

Silver chloride is a substance that is obtained, among other sources, from silver salts from the sea. It serves for the long-term inactivation of bacteria and is often used in the production of hygiene care products or antibacterial functional underwear with an anti-odor effect.

Subcutaneous Tissue: Subcutis

The subcutaneous tissue (subcutis) consists mainly of connective tissue and fat. The overlying skin layers are supplied by the subcutaneous tissue via the larger blood vessels and nerves. Furthermore, the subcutis serves as a so-called sliding layer for underlying structures, such as bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This prevents friction and allows us to maintain our smooth and pain-free freedom of movement.

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO), headquartered in Geneva, was founded on April 7, 1948. It is the coordinating authority of the United Nations for international public health. Its goal is the realization of the highest possible level of health for all people worldwide.The tasks of the WHO include, among other things, the fight against diseases and the promotion of general health.

Menopause: End of a Woman's Fertility

The menopause (medical term: climacteric) refers to the phase of a woman's life in which fertility slowly declines and eventually ends.

The menopause begins for some women as early as their 40s, but for others, it may not start until their 50s. This new phase of life is associated with physical adjustment processes that can be unpleasant and lead to emotional problems. The main cause of this is shifts in hormone balance (declining estrogen levels), which can lead to a range of discomforts and complaints.

Signs that the menopause may be starting can include: irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, sleep disturbances – and very frequently occurring hot flashes with sweating. Also, read our guide "Sweating During Menopause."

Active Ingredient: Substances That Cause a Desired Effect

Active ingredients are the substances or components in products (functional foods, cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, etc.) that are responsible for their advertised effect, e.g., aluminum chloride is the only approved active ingredient in cosmetic products that can effectively and long-term reduce sweat and sweat odor.