Body Parts with Special Needs

Although exogenous factors such as temperature, wind, UV exposure and the penetration of aggressive substances adversely effect the skin, some areas of the skin, like the hands and armpits, naturally need more care.

Hands
In the course of daily work in the house, office and garden, the hands are especially burdened by contact with water, surfactants and solvents. Frequent contact with water can dry out the skin and severely impair the barrier function. In addition, there are physiological peculiarities which dictate a greater need for lipids. Suitable cleansing and care products for hands should employ substances that replace lost lipids, maintain the physiological pH and promote the regeneration process.

Damaged, cracked, dry and sensitive skin has an increased tendency to develop eczema. Hand eczema affects 5 -10% of the population and is the most commonly reported occupational disease.

Armpits
This area of the skin has a pH of 6.5, well over the physiological pH of 5.5, and therefore, has a physiological gap in the acid mantle. The higher pH influences the growth of bacteria in the armpits. In the process of metabolising sebum and sweat, larger amounts of intense odor-producing substances are formed, which can lead to unpleasant and strong body odor.

Various methods exist to prevent body odor:

• Masking it with perfume
• Controlling perspiration with antiperspirants
• Minimizing the growth of bacteria by altering pH or using antiseptics