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Beauty ARTICLES

Sweat Talk

21st September 2008

Perspiring is your body's way of controlling your body temperature and keeping you cool when you're exercising or exposed to hot weather. The average person produces about a litre of sweat each day and this is most noticeable under our arms as there is nowhere for it to go. We tend to sweat excessively when nervous or stressed and this can make us feel even more uncomfortable in a difficult situation. We all want to smell nice and stay dry, but with all the stories going around claiming that the use of antiperspirants increases the risk of breast cancer, it's no wonder that a lot of us are having second thoughts about the deodorant we use.

It was originally speculated that toxins are removed from the body when we perspire and that these toxins accumulate in the breast area if perspiration is prevented. Another theory is that certain deodorants and antiperspirants contain toxic chemicals which can be absorbed by our bodies through cuts and scratches. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support either of these theories and it has been confirmed that breast cancer is so complex that one factor cannot be blamed for causing the disease.

Some antiperspirants contain aluminium salts which can apparently penetrate the skin, but the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association denies that this is the case. Should our bodies indeed absorb tiny amounts of aluminium salts, this would be insignificant compared to the levels of aluminium found in our food and water. Apart from the health risks, a lot of people, especially those with sensitive skin, experience skin irritation or inflamed skin conditions when using antiperspirants. This probably explains why, according to a recent survey, about 12% of people in the UK don't believe in using deodorants at all.

Luckily a few forward-looking companies have brought out more natural products which have been especially created for delicate areas of skin, so now there's no excuse. These deodorants contain moisturisers and natural alum which works actively with your skin to provide effective protection, while letting your skin breathe. Whichever product you choose, just make sure that it is alcohol-free, dermatologically tested and validated by the British Skin Foundation. Recommended are Nivea's Double Effect Aerosol and Roll-On, Dove's Invisible Dry Roll-On which minimises white marks and Mitchum's Big Ball Roll-On, Aerosol or Ultra Dry Stick.

Whether you decide to continue to use deodorant or not, here are a few handy tips for keeping your skin cool and fresh -

· Drink lots of water and fresh fruit juice to keep your skin hydrated and your body cool, especially if you've been doing sport.
· Run cold water over your wrists where the veins are near the surface for an instant cooling effect.
· Wear loose cotton or linen clothing when it's hot and humid or when visiting tropical countries. It is important to allow your skin to breathe, even if you are exercising.
· Choose pale coloured clothing as dark colours tend to absorb the heat.
· Relax in a lukewarm bath or take a long, cool shower and use a mild body scrub to remove any dead skin or dirt if you've been physically active.