

All About Antiperspirants And Deodorants

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As with most products on the market today, antiperspirants are manufactured in a large assortment of types and scents by a number of different companies. Additionally, a large number of deodorants are also on the market. Going beyond the scents and fragrances that are attached to each of these products, are there any real differences among them? The initial concept for both products is the same - to prevent odor. However, a very basic difference exists and that is the simple fact that antiperspirants stop you from sweating and deodorants allow you to sweat, but cover up the odor or smell.

How Does Sweat Create Odor?
In reality, the bacteria that is present on the body breaks down the sweat that is produced by the sweat glands. Bacteria grows in the moist warm spots where sweat collects - typically the same place it is produced. The bacteria take what they need from the sweat and discard the rest. This process is responsible for the odor that eventually becomes quite unpleasant if allowed to linger too long.

What Did People Use Before Antiperspirants And Deodorants?
Before the advent of products designed to eliminate sweating and the unpleasant odors associated with it, many cultures had their own distinctive and interesting ways to deal with it. Alum crystals were used in many Asian countries and still are today. Vinegar was used in some areas of Russia. In some places, a concoction of lime juice along with a few other key ingredients was used to combat the problem. In fact, some people suggest that vinegar or rubbing alcohol can be used today to help eliminate body odor problems.
What Are Some Of The Differences Between Antiperspirants and Deodorants?
In addition to all of the smaller differences among deodorants and antiperspirants, some very large differences exist as well. Specifically, the two groups differ according to the way they work as well as the potential implications their use has for the people who use them.

Deodorants reduce the bacteria that occur under the arm. In particular, deodorants have been developed to allow the release of perspiration while controlling the odor that perspiration can cause. Most deodorants use antiseptic agents such as an alcohol-based product to kill the bacteria that cause odors. Some deodorants contain an active ingredient, commonly Triclosan that prevents the bacteria from growing and from breaking down the sweat.

The addition of a fragrance helps to mask the odor produced as the sweat breaks down through the bacteria’s action. Women, who do not sweat profusely and only want to mask any odor that might occur, should consider using deodorants over antiperspirants.

Antiperspirants actually are designed to block the pores and prevent the release of perspiration. The aluminum or zinc salts clog the pores so that their production of sweat is reduced greatly. Many of these contain fragrances in them also. Since the body does not perspire as much, the focus is not on antiseptic agents needed to kill any bacteria. Plus, without as much bacteria or sweat, odors do not result. Many antiperspirants might contain zinc salts or aluminum compounds that interact with the sweat glands, stopping them from working.
This type of product is meant for underarm use only. Blocking your sweat glands from working prevents your body from cooling down. Therefore, if you were to spray your entire body with this product simply because you like its fragrance, or even if you are trying to reduce the amount of sweating the rest of your body does, your body could possibly overheat.

What Types Of Antiperspirants Are There?
Antiperspirants are available in several different styles including roll-on liquid, spray, and stick. All of these products contain a form of compound that blocks the sweat glands from functioning fully, thereby reducing the emission of sweat. Typically, these products cannot bring about a total reduction of perspiration and the individual will still sweat. However, in most cases, women will see a huge difference.

These products are available scented or unscented. Unfortunately, the fragrances might not eliminate all of the odors associated with excessive sweating. Since the sweat glands are activated during puberty that is the best time to begin using one of these products.

What Are Some Of The Problems That Can Occur With Antiperspirants and Deodorants?
Even if you use a good antiperspirant, some sweating is still possible. For some women, excessive sweating is a constant problem no matter what they use.  If that is the case, cloth pads can be attached to your clothing to prevent the sweat from leaking through onto your good clothing. Individuals who have severe sweating problems that are not alleviated with over-the-counter antiperspirants can get a prescription for their physician for a prescription antiperspirant that contains a higher concentration of aluminum.
Some antiperspirants are more likely to irritate sensitive or freshly shaven skin. Therefore, for someone who practices frequent shaving, using a deodorant might be beneficial if rashes or irritation occurs. The compounds in an antiperspirant can be irritating to the skin, especially skin that is already damaged or dry.

To avoid staining clothing with an underarm deodorant, purchase the product in a style that goes on clear. Always put the deodorant on and allow it to dry before putting on your dress, blouse, or shirt. Sometimes, nothing can be more embarrassing than having your underarm deodorant cake on your underarms. Again, using a version that goes on clear should eliminate this problem. Additionally, avoid putting too much of a good thing on in the first place and you should be able to avoid this problem entirely.

How to Choose an Underarm Deodorant
Since such a wide variety of items are on the market, thinking about a few things can help make your selection an easy one. The obvious step is to decide if you want to use an antiperspirant or a deodorant. After that decision, consider whether you want to use a product that uses natural ingredients only or synthetic ones. Products such as Burt’s Bees, Tom’s of Maine, and Jason only use natural ingredients. Top sellers of the synthetic variety include Secret, Ban, Arrid, and Lady Speed Stick.
Next, you need to decide among the various styles- spray, roll-on, gel, stick. Read the ingredient list as well, especially if you have allergies to various things. Once you are sure that the listed ingredients meet your approval, check the fragrance to determine if it is one that you like. Although many manufacturers produce the same fragrances for their products, variations do exist. Some might be stronger than others or they might include additional ingredients that do not appeal to you.

Antiperspirants and deodorants can make life easier as long as we remember to use them properly. Experiment with a few different brands, fragrances, and styles until you discover the one that works best for you. Unfortunately, you might want to remember not to get too attached to one particular fragrance since these often go out of fashion and disappear from the shelves. Moreover, the smaller the store is where you are shopping, the smaller selection you will have to make your choice from.

Is Your Hygiene Heinous?
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