Sweating like rain... Summer concern, how to reduce 'sweat'?

◆ Summer indoor temperature is 25-26°C

If the indoor temperature is too low, you may catch a summer cold due to temperature shock. Maintaining the indoor temperature at around 25-26°C is appropriate. Additionally, showering with lukewarm water at about 33-35°C is beneficial for temperature regulation. While showering with cold water may temporarily lower body temperature, it causes peripheral blood vessels to constrict, putting strain on the heart and causing body temperature to rise quickly. Drinking at least 7-8 glasses of sufficient fluids a day is essential.

Pay more attention to dehumidification than cooling

During the hot summer, people often focus only on air conditioning, but managing dehumidification along with cooling is essential for a comfortable living environment. The reason why shade remains cool even in midsummer is because the air is dry, so only radiative heat needs to be avoided. However, when the humidity is high, sweat cannot evaporate, making the discomfort index even higher. While outdoor conditions are unavoidable, indoors, attention should be paid more to dehumidification than to cooling. The most comfortable humidity level for humans is between 40% and 60%.

▲ To reduce body odor, also refrain from foods with strong smells.

Consuming garlic, spices, alcohol, and other substances can cause sweating, which leads to the excretion of these components and can intensify body odor. For example, allicin, which gives garlic its smell, is metabolized into a sulfur compound called allicin methyl sulfide. This compound is excreted through sweat and pores, contributing to the odor. If body odor becomes bothersome, reducing alcohol intake and avoiding excessive use of garlic and spices in food are effective ways to lessen the smell.

▲ How to reduce sweat and body odor during the summer

Sweat secreted from apocrine glands concentrated in the armpits contains a high amount of lipids. When skin bacteria break down these lipids, they produce fatty acids and ammonia, resulting in body odor. Deodorants commonly used when going out help eliminate body odor by removing skin bacteria, but their effect is temporary, so they need to be reapplied frequently.

If you have excessive armpit sweating and severe body odor, over-the-counter antiperspirants can help. Antiperspirants work by forming a plug in the sweat ducts of the sweat glands, physically blocking sweat, which is different from deodorants. Sweat that cannot escape through the sweat glands is excreted through urine. If you are suffering from armpit sweat, trying an antiperspirant may be a solution.