5 Embarrassing questions about sweating and body odor, answered

For some reason, most Filipinos aren't comfortable talking about sweating—a natural bodily function—and the body odor that comes with it, despite the fact that we live in a tropical country where such issues are fairly common.

That being said, we’ve taken the liberty of addressing several body odor-related questions most people are too shy to ask. Read on:

Why do some people sweat or smell more than others?

Sweat is odorless, to begin with; rather, it’s the colonization by bacteria that causes odor. While the smell is bearable, eating food like onion and curry can make your sweat more pungent. Excessive sweating could also be a sign of a health condition, such as thyroid disease.

Which types of food make you sweat?

Certain foods, such as spicy dishes, can leave you covered in sweat. Aside from hot meals, though, alcohol, chocolate, and tomato sauce—which irritate and activate the nerves connected to sweat glands—also lead to perspiring profusely.

Why do I experience night sweats?

Ever find yourself soaked in sweat in the middle of the night? Night sweats, also known as sleep hyperhidrosis, are caused by medications or medical conditions and are generally linked to fever, weight loss, localized pain, cough, or diarrhea.

Why do I sweat a lot in the eyebrows and around the mouth?

Sweat glands are all over the body, and some parts like the hands, feet, and armpits just have more than others. This is also why your crotch, forehead, upper lip, and scalp, which are considered sweat hot spots, are drenched after physical activity.

Should I use antiperspirant or deodorant?

Deodorants are made to combat odor, the same way antiperspirant is for sweat. Antiperspirant blocks the sweat glands, while deodorant stops bacteria from building up. It really depends on what you need, but it’s possible to use both at the same time.

Aside from taking a proper bath regularly and making good grooming a habit, it’s important to be smart with one’s personal hygiene. In fact, spraying on scents after a bath and changing into clean clothes go a long way.

A good recommendation would be Blackwater Deo Mist, which is formulated with anti-bacterial ingredients to help deodorize your body and protect it from odor-causing germs. It comes in four variants, all of which are good for everyday use: Dark Rebel, Dark Pleasure, Smooth Chaos, and High Spirits.

Blackwater Deo Mist is available in Lazada, leading supermarkets, drugstores, department stores, and EB counters nationwide. Follow Blackwater on Facebook and Instagram to know more.