Circadian rhythms in axillary skin surface pH.

Sweat and skin surface pH are critical parameters in determining the performance of antiperspirants. The mechanism of action, the so-called 'plug theory' first proposed by Reller and Luedders, involves the expression of eccrine sweat onto the surface of the skin into which the solid antiperspirant salts, typically an aluminium chlorohydrate or zirconium aluminium glycine, dissolve. The resultant acidic 'solution' then diffuses with time into the sweat glands, where it hydrolyses in more alkaline sweat and forms an amorphous metal hydroxide agglomerate that physically plugs the ducts some 20-100 mum into the glands. It is therefore important to understand whether diurnal variations in skin surface pH exist in the axilla, as these may influence strongly the time of day at which antiperspirant should be applied in order to yield maximal protection. Clinical studies demonstrate a significant fall in axillary skin surface pH between the morning (pH = 5.87 +/- 0.23) and the evening (pH = 5.49 +/- 0.23). This diurnal variation in skin surface pH suggests that antiperspirant efficacy will be optimal when products are applied in the morning. In addition, the data suggest a circadian rhythm in axillary skin barrier function, indicating that chronopharmacology, the timing of administration of medication, could be used to optimize treatment of axillary hyperhidrotics using topical administration of anticholinergic drugs.