deodorant vs antiperspirant – what you need to know
Deodorant vs antiperspirant, what is the difference? How do they work? Are they safe? what’s better deodorant or antiperspirant. Have you asked these questions, I have? Let’s break it down to get a better understanding.
Sweat: why do we sweat?
Sweat is produced by glands which are found all over the body. The majority however are on the forehead, palms, soles of feet and armpits. The main function of sweat is to cool our body temperature. Because it is mainly water (with some salt), as it evaporates and the skin cools. Hence, sweat is a good thing because without it the body can over heat causing issues such as heat stroke.
Why sweat sometime smell bad?
Sweat itself does not smell. However, it creates a wonderful environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria break down sweat into fatty acids which produce the unpleasant odour.
How do Deodorants work?
Deodorants don’t stop sweat but rather help prevent odour. A good deodorant does this by killing the bacteria. A good natural deodorant achieves this without introducing potentially harmful chemicals to the skin.
How do antiperspirant work?
Most antiperspirants contain aluminium to help reduce sweating by temporarily plugging pores. Antiperspirant products don’t completely prevent sweating; they just reduce the amount of sweat excreted.
Are they safe?
This is a controversial point as some in the health-care field say that blocking sweat can lead to serious health problems. The long term use of aluminium based Antiperspirants may contribute to clogging of underarm lymphatics and which may then to breast problems such as cystic disease. Aluminium toxicity has been implicated in Alzheimer’s due to Aluminium accumulating in the brain. I must mention that this has not yet been proven.
Forgot all the controversy surrounding the safety of aluminium. One thing to remember, our bodies need to sweat to regulate our body temperature and keep it cool. Heat stroke occurs when sweat can’t evaporate fast enough to cool the body.
Natural Alternatives & Herbal Deodorants
Eating a good diet, drinking plenty of water and maintain a healthy weight can help control excessive sweating. For normal everyday sweating use a natural deodorant. Make sure you check the ingredients. Deodorants can be labelled “natural” because they contain Herbs or Oils. However, when you look closely at the other ingredients, they are not so natural.
These are some natural ingredients that help prevent body odour
Calendula is an antibacterial herb that is often used as an antiseptic to help wounds and rashes heal, quell inflammation, and soothe skin irritation.
Chamomile has been used to heal wounds. Studies show that it kills bacteria and have soothing and restorative properties. In addition it has a spicy, relaxing scent with an antiseptic quality.
Lichens are plants made up of algae and fungus that grow on solid surfaces and contain acids which combat bacteria
Tea tree oil is world renowned as an antibacterial agent; Hence killing the bacteria present on the surface of skin to prevent unpleasant odour.
Pure baking soda helps absorb the moisture therefore helping you keep dry. Pure baking soda can cause a rash on some people, with this in mind, test a small area of skin first.
Zinc Phenolsulfonate prevents or inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms
Deodorant vs antiperspirant, ultimately it is a personal choice, but generally speaking, I would choose the one that works with my body not against it.