Our experts provide answers to questions
About Sweat
Sweating is a natural process that primarily depends on temperature, physical exertion, and emotions. Sweat cools the skin, protecting us from internal overheating. Thus, natural sweating makes an important contribution to our health.
Sweat production is regulated by approximately two to three million sweat glands distributed throughout the body. When body temperature rises, for example due to high ambient temperatures or physical exertion, we sweat.
Stress triggers a biological reaction in the human body, releasing stress hormones. This leads to increased muscle performance and higher oxygen supply. In the past, people reacted to impending dangers in this way, for example, with fight or flight. The increase in muscle tension and pulse leads to a rise in body temperature and ultimately to sweating. This is why we still sweat today in situations we perceive as stressful.
Sweat consists of 99% water and only develops an unpleasant body odor in combination with bacteria. Bacteria naturally occur on our skin surface and thrive in warm, moist body areas. Therefore, our armpits and feet are particularly affected by unpleasant sweat odor.
The number and size of sweat glands are the same for all people. The difference lies in sweating behavior, which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. People with an overactive autonomic nervous system sweat more quickly and intensely. This is largely genetically determined. The extreme form of this overactivity is hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which patients sweat excessively and rapidly. It is estimated to affect 1% to 2% of all people. The most common causes are genetic predisposition, physical illnesses, heat, and diet. In most cases, people suffering from hyperhidrosis produce too much sweat in the armpits, face, and feet. This is not dangerous but leads to discomfort and a reduction in quality of life.
Our clothing also influences physical well-being. For example, clothing made of synthetic materials promotes sweat production. Tight-fitting clothing and an excess of clothing also stimulate sweating. In contrast, loose clothing that allows air to circulate better reduces sweat production. Clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, feels pleasantly natural on the skin and absorbs larger amounts of moisture.
A healthy and balanced diet has a positive effect on sweating behavior. A high proportion of vegetables is beneficial. The diet should also not contain too much salt and not be too acidic. Dairy products are well suited as a refreshment, especially on warm summer days. Rice and rice-containing foods can also have a sweat-reducing effect.
About Yerka
Yerka is based on an antiperspirant that was developed back in the 1920s. The product was introduced at various Berlin theaters and was initially used by artists and event-goers. For over 70 years, the product, under the name Yerka and in its continuously developed form, has been a proven effective antiperspirant for people suffering from heavy sweating.
An important unique selling point of Yerka is its product design and dosage form. Yerka has always been offered exclusively as a liquid in a glass bottle. This offers many advantages, especially compared to widespread roll-ons and other packaging forms. For example, the removal of Yerka is optimally hygienic with every application. Since Yerka is applied with a cotton pad or cotton ball, it can be individually dosed with each application. Yerka can also be diluted with water if desired, depending on preference. This enables the best possible result in terms of individual tolerability and sweat reduction.
Yerka effectively helps with sweating problems. It is particularly applied for excessive perspiration under the armpits, on hands, and feet.
Every person has individual skin and personal well-being. Decide for yourself the frequency of application and the amount of Yerka you want to use to achieve an optimal result.
Yerka effectively combats excessive sweating, especially under the arms.
Proceed as follows:
- Clean your armpits with clear water in the evening before going to bed. Refrain from shaving your armpits before application.
- Dry yourself thoroughly.
- Moisten a cotton ball with Yerka. Usually, a few drops are sufficient. Apply the cotton ball by dabbing.
- Let Yerka work overnight.
- Wash your armpits with clear water the next morning.
Initially, use Yerka two to three times a week. As long as your armpits remain dry, no further application is needed.
Yerka also helps against sweaty hands and feet*.
* For further details and before use, please read the instructions for use.
A bottle of Yerka contains 50 ml. The duration of bottle use fundamentally depends on individual consumption. You decide how often you apply Yerka and how much Yerka you apply per use. With normal application and dosage, Yerka lasts for many months. After opening, Yerka is stable for at least 12 months.
A deodorant consists of ingredients designed to mask body odor, for example, with perfume or fragrances. It does not affect the body's sweat production. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, specifically reduce sweat production where they are applied. For this purpose, aluminum salts are often used, which temporarily constrict our sweat glands and thus reduce sweat production. Natural perspiration is maintained.
Yerka is free from animal testing, alcohol, preservatives, microplastics, fragrances, and synthetic dyes.
Yerka ingredients (INCI name*): AQUA, ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE, CITRIC ACID, GLYCERIN, TARTARIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, HYDROCHLORIC ACID, SODIUM CHLORIDE, CI75470
*INCI: International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients
Aluminum salts are a particularly important component for the desired effectiveness of our antiperspirant. Their use temporarily constricts the sweat glands. This leads to a reliable reduction in sweat production. Natural perspiration remains unaffected. With proper use of Yerka, the concentration of aluminum salts is low and therefore harmless.
Current studies, both in Germany and the EU, confirm that the use of aluminum salts in cosmetic products is safe. In July 2020, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) conducted a new assessment based on an extended human study. The BfR concluded that the absorption of aluminum through the skin is unlikely. The EU Commission also published a study on this in March 2020. These new research results confirm that there is no scientifically proven evidence that healthy people fall ill from the customary use of cosmetics containing aluminum salts.
Further scientific information and links:
New assessment of aluminum in antiperspirants by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in July 2020
EU Commission study, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), from March 2020: "The safety of aluminum in cosmetic products"
A summary of the publications by BfR and EU, as well as the current state of research, is provided in the MedWatch article from July 11, 2020: Official all-clear for aluminum in cosmetics
Yerka Cosmetics is available in pharmacies and online. If Yerka is exceptionally not directly available in stores, it can be ordered via the pharmaceutical central number (PZN), 02448532 (D) or 3115962 (A), and delivered promptly. In Norway Yerka can be obtained at Vita, Norway’s largest chain of health and beauty stores.