Skin Deep

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Most people can keep body odor under control with deodorizing herbs and essential oils, such as lavender, sage and cypress.

Most people equate perspiration with body odor, but that’s not really accurate. Perspiration itself doesn’t smell bad — it’s when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on your skin that unpleasant odors are created.

Perspiration is secreted by two types of glands: eccrine glands, which have the job of regulating temperature and produce sweat that’s mostly water, and apocrine glands, which are concentrated in the armpits and groin area and respond to emotional stimuli. The apocrine glands are the primary culprits in body odor because they produce perspiration rich in fatty substances that bacteria feed on. Although the exact function of apocrine glands isn’t clear, some researchers believe that they convey information, such as mood and sexual arousal, through the release of pheromones.

Commercial Deodorants: Do or Don’t?

Regular bathing washes away sweat and bacteria, but most people rely on a deodorant or antiperspirant to control body odor. Deodorants contain antimicrobial compounds and fragrances to mask odors, while antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that react with sweat to plug ducts in the sweat glands, thereby reduc-ing perspiration.

There are good reasons to avoid most conventional deodorants and antiperspirants. Some deodorants (and deodorant soaps) contain chemicals, such as triclosan, a potentially toxic compound implicated in liver damage and cancer. Many health-conscious consumers have long shunned antiperspirants because of the possible connection between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease. More recently, researchers have raised concerns about the potential link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer. Some researchers believe that, because aluminum mimics estrogen, it poses a risk to women. The jury is still out on the health risks of antiperspirants, but the Food and Drug Administration recently began requiring antiperspirants to carry a warning label stating that people with kidney disease should consult their doctors before using the products.

Because safe alternatives to conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are avail- able, there’s no reason to use chemical-laden products. Most people can keep body odor under control with deodorizing herbs and essential oils. Reducing the intake of alcohol, caffeine and garlic also can help alleviate body odor.

HERBAL DEODORANT

Natural odor-fighting herbs, such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris), sage (Salvia officinalis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) make a light, refreshing deodorant. Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial properties.

2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried sage
2 tablespoons dried lavender
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 cup distilled witch hazel
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Steep herbs in witch hazel in a covered jar for one week. Strain, and pour into a spray bottle. Add vinegar and shake well. Spray under arms as needed.