Aging smell: where it comes from and how to get rid of it

0

Smell old age is often associated with poor hygiene, but scientists have discovered that it is a result of the release of certain chemicals by the skin as we grow older. The older a person is, the more they are formed. In this case, the senile odor can appear at an advanced age, and already after 40 years.

Where does the senile odor come from

According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2-nonenal builds up in the skin over the years. It is a chemical compound that occurs when omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids are oxidized and gives a characteristic smell. Japanese scientists note that the content of this compound increases directly with aging.

Around the age of 40, in both men and women, the skin begins to produce more fatty acids as its natural antioxidant defenses begin to deteriorate. Hormonal changes, such as menopause, can contribute to this chemical process. Because 2-nonenal does not dissolve in water, it can remain on the skin despite thorough washing. Therefore, the smell remains on the body and on the fabrics even after hygienic procedures and washing.

This theory of senile smell was confirmed by the research of a 46-year-old biologist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center. He collected sweat samples from people aged 20 to 95 and found that 2-nonenal was more concentrated in the skin of the elderly. This compound most often gives the skin a characteristic grassy, ​​waxy, or “greasy” smell.

How to get rid of nonenal odor

Healthy lifestyle and maintaining hygiene help reduce the smell of old age to a minimum. This includes regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and maintaining good body and oral hygiene.

One Japanese skin care brand claims to have found an herbal combination that works with the smell of nonenal. These are persimmons and green tea. Tannins in persimmon extract help break down and wash out 2-nonenal, while antioxidants in Japanese green tea detoxify the skin and prolong the deodorizing effect.