Magnesium, typically in the form of magnesium hydroxide, functions as a deodorant by counteracting odor-causing bacteria present on the surface of the skin.
Magnesium's Deodorant Mechanism
Unlike antiperspirants that block sweat glands, magnesium hydroxide works primarily on the skin's surface. Studies indicate that magnesium hydroxide does not absorb into the skin. Its main role is to target the bacteria responsible for body odor.
Here's how it works based on the provided information:
- Targets Bacteria: The primary action of magnesium hydroxide is to counteract any odor-causing bacteria that live on the skin. These bacteria break down sweat, creating the odor we associate with body odor. By interfering with these bacteria, magnesium helps reduce or eliminate the smell.
- Surface Action Only: This action occurs strictly on the skin's surface. It does not penetrate deeper layers.
- No Impact on Dermis: Importantly, it works without impacting the dermis. The dermis is the layer of skin containing essential structures like sweat glands, pores, and hair follicles. Magnesium hydroxide's action is limited to the top layer where bacteria reside.
In essence, magnesium provides odor control by managing the bacterial environment on the skin's surface rather than affecting the body's natural sweating process or deep skin layers.
Key Points:
- Does not absorb into the skin.
- Fights odor by neutralizing surface bacteria.
- Does not affect sweat glands in the dermis.
