What kind of "old man's smell" is? Why does "old man's smell" appear when you love to be clean?
Walking into Lao Zhang's house, a unique smell came to my nose. It is a warm but slightly calm taste, which reminds people of the precipitation of years and the richness of life. Lao Zhang always maintains a clean and tidy Xi life, but this unique taste seems to be closely related to aging. This is often referred to as "old man's taste", a change in body odor that naturally occurs with age. But what is the reason for this change? Why is it still impossible to avoid the appearance of "old smell" even with a strong focus on cleanliness and personal hygiene, and what is the science behind it?
The secret of the old man's taste: the aroma of age
As the years go by, subtle and complex changes occur in the body, including what is often referred to as the "old man's taste". This characteristic smell is not the result of simple uncleanliness or neglect, but a deep physiological phenomenon.
"Old man's smell" stems from a compound called 2-nonanone, a substance that gradually accumulates in the human body as we age. With age, the hormonal balance of the human body changes, especially the decrease in sex hormones, which directly affects the secretion of sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands secrete oils that are effective in protecting the skin at a young age, but as we age, these oils undergo chemical changes to produce 2-nonanone.
In addition, the skin's metabolism is also declining year by year. Slowed metabolism means that dead skin cells on the surface of the skin are not easily removed in a timely manner, which provides an environment for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria break down these dead skin cells and produce metabolites that are also one of the sources of "old man smell".
Scientific studies have shown that although "senile smell" is found in people of all ages, it is more common in people over the age of 75. The study also found that different populations have different levels of sensitivity to the "smell of the elderly", which may be related to genetic factors as well as an individual's ability to perceive smell.
Cleaning is powerless to block the "old man's smell"?
Love clean, but it is difficult to escape the trouble of "old man smell". This is not only a matter of personal hygiene, but also a physiological phenomenon. First of all, it is important to understand that the "smell of the elderly" is not simply caused by the smell of sweat or uncleanness. It stems from changes in skin secretions, which with age undergo subtle changes in substances secreted by the sebaceous and sweat glands, which interact with bacteria on the surface of the skin to produce a characteristic odor.
The main component of this odor is the non-invasive 2-nonanone, a lipid oxide. As we age, the body's antioxidant capacity decreases, causing lipids on the skin's surface to oxidize more easily, resulting in more 2-nonanone. Even if you shower and change your clothes every day, this odor caused by metabolic changes in the body is still difficult to completely avoid.
In addition, the skin structure of the elderly is also quietly changing, the skin is gradually thinning, the moisturizing ability is reduced, and it is prone to dryness, and these changes can also affect the microbial community on the surface of the skin, which in turn affects body odor. Factors such as Xi diet habits and long-term medication will also indirectly affect the composition of body odor.
Demystifying the "Old Man's Taste": Scientific Research Data Speaks
As we age, the human body undergoes a variety of changes that are reflected not only in appearance but also in body odor. Studies have pointed out that with age, the lipid composition of human skin changes, especially the secretion of sulfur-containing compounds increases. This sulfur-containing compound is the main source of the "old man's smell".
A Japanese study found that 2-Nonenal is a specific chemical that is more common in body odor in people over the age of 40. This compound is associated with the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the skin, a process that becomes more pronounced with age. The smell emanating from 2-Nonenal has been described as oily and herbaceous, which is what is commonly referred to as the "old man's smell".
In addition to physiological factors, lifestyle also has a certain impact on the production of "old people's taste". Dietary Xi, such as regular intake of high-fat foods, will exacerbate the oxidation of fatty acids in the body, thereby enhancing the "old man's taste". Conversely, a diet rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can mitigate the taste.
Environmental considerations should not be overlooked. The ventilation and cleanliness of a home has a direct impact on body odor. Studies have shown that body odor is more pronounced in enclosed, humid environments that favor the growth of bacteria, which are an important factor in the production of body odor.
Defeating the "Old Man's Taste": Scientific Strategies in Everyday Life
As we age, the specific chemicals produced by the body change, resulting in what is known as "old man's smell." Although this is a natural physiological process, this taste can be effectively mitigated or avoided through scientific lifestyle adjustments.
First of all, when it comes to cleanliness and personal hygiene, it's not just a matter of bathing. The cleaning products you use when bathing and the frequency of bathing are essential for controlling body odor. For example, using a neutral or weakly acidic body wash can better maintain the skin's natural pH, which reduces bacterial growth, which is a major cause of bad body odor. In addition, warm bathing helps maintain the skin's natural oils more than hot bathing, which help keep the skin healthy and reduce odors.
When it comes to diet, certain foods like onions, garlic, and spicy foods may enhance body odor through sweat. Conversely, fiber-rich foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits help detoxify internally and reduce the production of undesirable body odor. One study showed that consuming enough water not only helps keep your skin moisturized, but it also dilutes the chemicals in your sweat and reduces body odor.
Adjusting the living environment is also one of the key strategies to reduce the "smell of the elderly". Maintaining ventilation in your home can effectively reduce odors in your living environment. For example, opening windows regularly, using an air purifier or placing some odor-absorbing plants, such as lavender or lemon balm, can all help improve the smell of your home's environment. At the same time, keeping clothing and bedding clean and washing them regularly, especially during the wet season, is also necessary to control body odor.
