Sweat is a natural bodily fluid in humans. However, perspiration varies from one person to another. Sweating also varies according to factors such as climate, physical exercise, diet, stress...
Sweating is a perfectly normal mechanism, and nothing to be ashamed of. However, if you work around people all day and want to avoid sweat rings on your shirt, or if you're worried about your body odor, there are several ways to reduce sweating.
Hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating
Excessive sweating is known ashyperhidrosis, and is managed by dermatologists. The most innovative protocols for treating hyperhidrosis are iontophoresis and botox injections, which destroy the sweat glands. Despite the effectiveness of these techniques, results are only temporary.
Antiperspirants are the easiest way to reduce perspiration over the long term.
There are two types of "antiperspirant" products. Deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants mask the smell of sweat, while antiperspirants try to replace it.
In this sense, the essential oils are the product of choice in the fight against perspiration. The easiest way to use essential oils is to make your own deodorant blend, which you then apply to the areas affected by sweat.
It's easy to use essential oils to make your own deodorant. Whatever oils you decide to use, you'll need to dilute them with :
- a mild carrier oil such ascoconut oil (antibacterial), sesame oil, or grapeseed oil at a dilution rate of 2%, safe for topical application.
- Mix five to ten drops of the essential oils of your choice with carrier oil to prepare a deodorant that you can apply to your armpits.
What are the most effective antiperspirant essential oils?
- True lavender oil
Certainly one of the most popular essential oils, it has been proven that lavender essential oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. You can mix a drop with essential oils of rose, clary sage, lemon, lemon balm or lemon balm. patchouli and mandarine to obtain a soft floral fragrance.
The smell of sweat comes from the action of bacteria on your skin. Lavender is a known antimicrobial, so it can prevent bacteria from breaking down the smell of your sweat. Its pleasant scent promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation.
You can apply
- one or two drops directly on your armpits, or
- mix 3 drops in a teaspoon ofvegetable oil then apply to underarms.
Although effective, this essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant women under 3 months, nursing mothers and children under 3.
- Clary sage essential oil
The essential oil of clary sage is known for its antimicrobial effects, and is also very pleasant to wear on a daily basis. Diluted clary sage essential oil can have a positive impact on certain strains of bacteria. You can mix :
- 5 drops essential oil of clary sage with
- a teaspoon vegetable oil then apply the mixture to clean underarms.
Clary sage essential oil is contraindicated for people with low blood pressure, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children. Because of its estrogen-like effect, it should not be used in cases of cancer or a history of hormone-dependent cancer.
- Bergamot oil
Bergamot essential oil is antiseptic, antispasmodic and analgesic. Bergamot is an antibacterial agent, and is also known to have a calming effect that can be particularly useful for people struggling with anxiety or depression.
Bergamot essential oil should never be applied directly to the skin. This could cause extreme skin inflammation, stinging and photosensitivity.
Instead, dilute it with a neutral carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil ou de jojoba) before applying to the skin.
- One or two drops bergamot essential oil are mixed with
- 5 drops sweet almond oil before being applied to healthy skin.
Bergamot contains a substance known as bergapten, which is highly phototoxic. If skin exposed to bergamot oil is then exposed to the sun's UV rays, a potentially serious skin condition called photodermatitis may occur. This essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant women under 3 months, nursing mothers and children under 7 years of age.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a very popular and important essential oil thanks to its many properties. It is antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial, and can eliminate many fungi and bacteria. It doesn't have a direct antiperspirant effect, but it can neutralize all the germs responsible for unpleasant odors. Simply mix
- two to three drops tea tree essential oil
- to a teaspoon vegetable oil (like sweet almond oil), then apply the mixture to the desired area.
Tea tree essential oil is contraindicated for those suffering from atopic dermatitis or mycosis. It is contraindicated for pregnant women under 3 months, nursing mothers and children under 3.
- Lemon essential oil
In addition to its distinctly refreshing aroma, lemon essential oil and lemon itself have been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of health problems. It is acidic by nature and can slightly alter your skin's pH level, inhibiting bacterial growth.
Mix 5 drops lemon essential oil to a tablespoon sweet almond oil before applying to clean, healthy skin.
This essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant women under 3 months, nursing mothers, children under 3 and the elderly.
It is photosensitizing, and exposure to the sun for at least 8 hours after cutaneous application should be avoided.
- Rosemary cineole oil
Rosemary oil is a popular essential oil known for its many health benefits. It has an enchanting aroma, making this essential oil an amazing odor blocker and stress reliever.
Because of its antimicrobial and skin-enhancing qualities, you can use rosemary cineole essential oil mixed with vegetable oil (5 drops in a tablespoon) sweet almond oil for example) or you can create your own blend using rosemary cineole essential oil as a basis.
Rosemary cineole essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant and breast-feeding women, children under 6, people suffering from hepatic hypersensitivity and epileptics.
- Geranium oil
Renowned for balancing the mind and sorting out emotions to help you relax after a long day at work or school, using geranium essential oil can also protect your body from perspiration. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, geranium can eliminate perspiration odors.
Simply add 5 drops essential oil of geranium in a spray bottle mixed with 5 tablespoons of water. The mixture is sprayed onto the desired area. Its astonishing fragrance is quite similar to that of orange, rose or lemon.
Geranium essential oil is contraindicated in children under 3, during the first trimester of pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
How to combine essential oils to combat perspiration?
- Create your own antiperspirant
In a glass spray bottle, you can use
- 10 drops rosemary cineole essential oil as a base by mixing it with
- five drops of clary sage essential oil,
- five drops coriander essential oil,
- five drops True lavender essential oil et
- two ounces of distilled witch hazel in a vaporizer.
- An underarm blend
This mixture can later be used as an ordinary spray.
L’huile essentielle de coriandre est interdite chez la femme enceinte et allaitante, les épileptiques, les hypertendus et les enfants de moins de 6 ans. Elle peut avoir un effet “progesteron-like”.
Vous pouvez créer un autre mélange tout aussi efficace en mixant dans un flacon en verre :
- 60 drops clary sage essential oil,
- 60 drops lemon essential oiland
- 30 drops True lavender essential oil.
Simply apply two drops of the mixture to the armpits for an antiperspirant effect. Application can be repeated every 12 hours.
However, avoid using the essential oil blend on freshly shaved armpits, as it can sensitize and irritate your skin.
Most essential oils are antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial to some extent. You can therefore choose an essential oil for cutaneous use (caution: some are dermocaustic and not suitable for long-term cutaneous use) or a combination of oils to make your own deodorant.