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AN OVERVIEW AND FUNCTIONING OF HUMAN SUDORIFEROUS GLANDS

Posted on by Nel Aron

Let’s talk sweat. Or in slightly fancier terms—sudoriferous glands. These are the small but mighty glands responsible for all things perspiration, found mainly in areas like the underarms, scalp, palms, and soles of the feet. While they might get a bad rap, sweat glands actually play a vital role in regulating body temperature and keeping us cool.

Two Types, One Mission

There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.

  • Eccrine glands are found all over the body and are active from early in life. They respond primarily to heat and physical activity.
  • Apocrine glands, on the other hand, become active during puberty and are found mostly in the underarms, groin, and around the navel. These are the ones responsible for stronger-smelling sweat, especially when mixed with bacteria on the skin.

Interestingly, dermatologists now believe that body odour may be in your DNA. So yes—it’s not always about hygiene; genetics might be the reason behind how much you sweat or how strong your body odour is.

What Triggers Sweating?

The body reacts to more than just heat. Sweat can be triggered by:

  • Emotions like stress, shame, or excitement
  • Hormonal shifts like menopause
  • Spicy food, caffeine, and certain medications (morphine and painkillers, for instance)

And while sweat is 99% water, it also contains minerals and waste products. Not the most glamorous fact, but one that’s important when considering how to manage odour.

Who Sweats More?

Men generally sweat more than women, but female body odour tends to have fruitier, more acidic notes. Fun fact: Koreans often lack the gene associated with strong body odour, while Caucasians tend to produce stronger-smelling perspiration. Cultural factors also play a role—some regions use very little to no deodorant at all, which can get tricky in tropical heat!

Deodorants vs. Anti-Perspirants

Let’s break it down:

  • Deodorants work to mask or eliminate odour.
  • Anti-perspirants reduce sweating by blocking sweat glands using ingredients like aluminum or zinc salts.

And then there’s hyperhidrosis—a condition where excessive sweating occurs, often leading to blocked ducts and unpleasant odours.

For the Scent Enthusiasts

If you love to smell good all day long, popular scent combinations include:

  • Rose & Vanilla
  • Citrus & Peppermint
  • Apricot & Patchouli
  • Coconut & Shea Butter

Fun Throwback: The Old Spice Legacy

Let’s not forget Old Spice, the iconic male deodorant brand launched in 1938. With its base notes of carnation, cedarwood, and vanilla, it’s stood the test of time—though it has faced a few bumps in the road with modern marketing trends.

Introducing MATSI: Freshness, Reinvented.

At Matsimela, we’re excited to launch our latest innovation under the MATSI brand—a modern, affordable and effective range of body odour solutions made just for everyday life in South Africa.

Crafted with care and inspired by real people and real needs, this range helps you feel confident and fresh—every day.

SHOP NOW

Nel Aron