Why do we sweat anyway?

Sweating is a natural and important function of our body that helps us regulate our body temperature. Especially under the armpits, it can sometimes be unpleasant, but once you understand why our body sweats and how odor develops, you can view the whole thing more relaxed.

Why do we sweat?

Sweat is produced by special glands in the skin – the so-called sweat glands. It consists mostly of water, but also contains small amounts of salt and other substances such as lactic acid and urea. We sweat to regulate our body temperature. When we get warm, sweat cools our skin by evaporating on it.

There are two types of sweat glands:

1. Eccrine sweat glands – These are located almost everywhere on the body and produce odorless sweat. They are responsible for cooling the body when hot or during exertion.
2. Apocrine sweat glands – These are found mainly in the armpits, on the nipples, and in the intimate area. Apocrine sweat contains more proteins and lipids and is often activated by emotional stimuli such as stress or nervousness.

Why does sweat smell?

Interestingly, sweat itself doesn't smell. The typical body odor only develops when the bacteria living on our skin break down the sweat. Especially the apocrine sweat glands produce a "nutrient cocktail" that bacteria love. They break down the proteins and fats, creating odorous substances that we perceive as rather unpleasant.

There are also factors that influence the odor, such as diet, hormones, or certain medications. But don't worry, with the right care – for example, with our natural deodorant cream – you can not only combat sweat odor but also nourish your skin.

In the next post, we will take a closer look at how you can naturally care for your armpits and get sweat odor under control – in a healthy and sustainable way.