proDERM investigates the effects of antiperspirants and deodorants on stressed subjects
The essential characteristics of the investigation of products for the reduction of stress-related sweat / odour are briefly explained
Sweating, from a thermoregulatory perspective, is a reaction of the body to heat or physical activity. The eccrine sweat glands produce sweat, following a signal of the autonomic nervous system, which then evaporates on the skin. This cools the body. The sweat itself consists largely of water and is odourless. Only if bacteria decompose the sweat is what is generally called “body odour” created.
With targeted advertising promises, manufacturers of antiperspirants and deodorants are increasingly focusing on the dimension of stress-related sweat or odour formation. In comparison to the thermoregulatory process, a very protein- and fat-rich sweat is formed in the apocrine glands during stress, the odour of which is often perceived as even more unpleasant.
If emotional and thermoregulatory sweating are compared in an effectiveness investigation, significant differences arise, especially in the simulation associated with the cause of the sweat. But the recruitment of subjects as well, and their education, present special problems. The essential characteristics of the investigation of products for the reduction of stress-related sweat / odour are briefly explained below:
Screening of subjects
To trigger emotional sweating, the subjects go through various stress situations in the course of the study. What causes how much stress in one person is extremely different, however. Some people even appear to be absolutely insensitive to stress. This fact is taken into account by screening a multitude of the required subjects with psychological procedures and including them in the study.
Informing the subjects
To maximise the subjective feeling of stress, the subjects are left in the dark about the type and extent of the stress simulation. In order to maintain ethical standards, however, they will be told that a psychologically challenging situation will be enacted.
Stress simulation
The stress simulation is conducted using recognised procedures. In two consecutive stress induction phases, the subject must manage various tasks. Each 5-minute phase is recorded on video. The subject must also speak into a microphone. The procedure is standardised and reproducible.
Determining the subjective stress level
During the stress phase, physiological stress parameters are recorded. They serve as an indicator of the stress level and must attain to significant increases for valid test results. One parameter is the heart rate. An additional indicator is the cortisol concentration in the saliva. The subject is also asked to assess his or her feelings of stress on a visual analog scale. If two out of three criteria are met, the values required for the determination of effectiveness (quantity of sweat and/or odour) will be taken into consideration in the study assessment.
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