The whole truth about deodorants

Are deodorants really bad for the skin? What should be in the composition and what is the principle of operation? What deodorants should allergy sufferers use?

Bacteria

- Why is appearing unpleasant smell?

- Fresh sweat is a practically odorless liquid. Our sweat is 99% water and 1% potassium and magnesium salts. However, when it gets on the skin and reacts with bacteria, its smell intensifies and becomes unpleasant. Bad smell occurs only when bacteria metabolize (split) certain components of sweat, such as lipids and proteins. The armpit area creates ideal conditions for the growth of skin bacteria thanks to the humid environment, the higher pH level and the optimal supply of bacteria with nutrients from the sweat and sebaceous glands.

Deodorants are conventionally divided into two large groups: deodorants and antiperspirants (often combined two in one)

Deodorants are
eliminating odors and don't regulate perspiration

Deodorants contain deodorant active ingredients that inhibit the growth of bacteria or even reduce the number of bacteria in the armpit area.
Conventional deodorants don't fight moisture in the armpits, they only mask body odor.
You continue to sweat, but not as intensely, and by acting on bacteria and suppressing their reproduction, sweat stops smelling.
You can use the deodorant every day, it doesn't have to be washed off at night, and you don't need to take a break in use either - the product doesn't affect the sweat glands.

Antiperspirants are eliminating odors and

reduce the process of perspiration

Antiperspirants also fights odor and destroys bacteria, but also controls increased sweating: it partially clogs the channels of the sweat glands and prevents moisture from coming out.
Antiperspirant action is cumulative. The antiperspirant is applied to clean and dry skin at night: the body temperature becomes lower and the active ingredient is absorbed better. In the morning you can take a shower and the agent will not wash away and will work effectively.
Antiperspirants are effective over a long period of time, ranging from 24 to 72 hours. The product clogs the sweat glands, so it is important to give your skin a rest for at least a few days a month, otherwise, may appear inflammation.
Antiperspirants are also deodorant because they inhibit bacterial growth by lowering the pH and less moisture in the armpit area.

What should be in the composition and what is the principle of effect?

Deodorant - blocks the growth of bacteria. It contains bactericidal components: powerful triclosan, farnesol, which is softer than triclosan and does not cause irritation, as well as alcohol - it destroys bacteria, but dries the skin. There should also be caring substances that prevent irritation: plant extracts, essential oils, vitamins, moisturizing ingredients. Antiperspirant - Contains antiperspirant actives - usually aluminum and zinc salts - that reduce perspiration from the sweat glands by forming temporary gel plugs at the very top of the sweat pores. Gradually, these plugs disappear as a result of mechanical action and the natural process of skin renewal. Aluminum salts have been used in the manufacture of antiperspirants for over a century. Antiperspirants containing ethyl alcohol help the active ingredient dry faster on the surface of the skin and also provide a pleasant feeling of coolness, but alcohol can cause dryness. Some antiperspirant deodorants contain antimicrobials to combat bad body odor. Some antiperspirants also contain skin-care ingredients to moisturize the skin and make it soft to the touch.

Deodorant blocks increasing of quantity bacteria. It contains bactericidal components like alcohol that destroys bacteria, but dries the skin. There should also be caring substances that prevent irritation: plant extracts, essential oils, vitamins, moisturizing ingredients.
Antiperspirant contains antiperspirant active substance, usually this are aluminum and zinc salts, that reduce perspiration from the sweat glands by forming temporary gel plugs at the top of the sweat pores. Gradually, these plugs disappear as a result of mechanical action and the natural process of skin renewal. Aluminum salts have been used in the manufacture of antiperspirants for over a century.
Antiperspirants that contain ethyl alcohol help the active ingredient to dry faster on the skin surface of the skin and also provide a pleasant feeling of coolness, but alcohol can cause dryness.
Some antiperspirant deodorants contain antimicrobials to combat body odor. Some antiperspirants also contain skin-care ingredients to moisturize the skin and make it soft to the touch.

The ingredients used in cosmetics are strictly controlled by the European Cosmetics Directive and are subject to stringent safety controls and scientific analysis at European and national levels.

Is it dangerous to block sweating?

There is a legend that aluminum salts in deodorant products can cause skin and breast cancer. Scientific research doesn't support this.
There is no scientific research to prove that any of the ingredients used in deodorants and antiperspirants are harmful to health. Antiperspirants and deodorants are thoroughly tested personal care products and are therefore safe for daily use, act on the surface of the skin and wash off with water.
Sometimes people may find that they are sensitive to certain antiperspirant or deodorant ingredients.
At the same time, in some cases, perspirants can actually cause inflammation of the sweat glands. This happens very rarely, and mainly for two reasons.
First, when a person has an acute, allergic-like reaction to the composition.
Secondly, if the person has used “long-term” sweat remedies. This is a group of deodorants that need to be applied once or twice a week - they work for a long time due to the high concentration of aluminum salts. If you use such a remedy more often than prescribed by the instructions, inflammation may begin.

The use of antiperspirants doesn't affect the thermoregulation of the body. The total area of the armpits is approximately 200 cm2, that is, about 1% of the total surface of the body. This area is too small to interfere with the thermoregulation of the whole body.

The use of antiperspirants does not affect the thermoregulation of the body. The total area of the armpits is approximately 200 cm2, that is, about 1% of the total surface of the body. This area is too small to interfere with the thermoregulation of the whole body.

- What if you have an allergy?

- Reactions to deodorant or antiperspirant may include irritation and rash. Antiperspirant or deodorant sensitivities are most often caused by fragrances that are added to mask body odor.
If a person is sensitive to fragrances, if they have eczema, then an odorless antiperspirant or deodorant may be the best remedy.
There are also allergic reactions to other ingredients in the deodorant or antiperspirant, such as ethyl alcohol or aluminum salts.
You can use an emollient or moisturizer along with an antiperspirant or deodorant to minimize skin irritation.
The best solution is to consult with your doctor or seek professional medical help.

How to choose the type of deodorant?

You need to choose the type of deodorant depending on the characteristics of the body, lifestyle and the result that is needed. If your underarms remain dry throughout the day even with enough activity, deodorant will suffice. If excessive sweating is causing discomfort, you can use an antiperspirant or antiperspirant deodorant that works in both directions.

Types of deodorants

Deodorants, in addition to their properties, differ in the form of release.

Roll-On Deodorants

One of the most popular and easy to apply is the roller format.
The consistency is light, but gel, therefore it dries for a long time, it can leave a sticky feeling and marks on clothes.
The deodorant roll is in direct contact with the skin, so bacteria from the rotating roll can enter the formulation and reduce the shelf life of the product.

Aerosol Deodorant Spray

The spray is the most hygienic format, since the product doesn't come into contact with the skin surface. This deodorant can be used by several people at the same time without the risk of spreading skin infections and bacteria. The aerosol should be shaken well before use, and then sprayed onto dry and intact underarm skin.
Large aerosols are inconvenient to take with you due to the size of the bottle, but there are mini versions that fit in a purse. Among other disadvantages is uneconomical consumption: when spraying, part of the product goes into the air. The aerosol must be protected from children, it is explosive and fire hazardous if the conditions of use and storage are not observed.

Deodorant stick

Deodorant stick is a solid mass in a bottle with retractable contents. Forms a protective film on the skin surface that absorbs moisture and prevents the armpits from getting wet. The stick deodorant is easy to use, compact and fits in a bag.
The sticks are economical and can take care of the skin.
The disadvantages are that the sticks can leave marks on clothes, but there are gel-based sticks that don't leave marks.

Dabomatic

Dabomatic deodorant has one of the most unusual formats. This is a bottle with a synthetic fabric mesh applicator. When the deodorant bottle is inverted, the fabric is moisturized and the formulation can be applied to the skin with pinpoint touches. You don't need to drive the dabomatic from side to side - this will spoil the fabric attachment. You need to store this format vertically.
Most often, antiperspirants are produced in the form of dabomatic for those who sweat profusely - the composition is quite strong and may contain alcohol. It is inconvenient for them to use on the road - it is better only at home, according to the rules from the instructions.

Deodorant cream

Creamy deodorants are the most delicate and are especially popular with those whose skin is prone to irritation.
The product is relatively hypoallergenic. It is economically consumed. The composition usually contains many natural ingredients - the product should delicately care for the skin, soften it, moisturize and promote regeneration. The cream doesn't contain alcohol and does not dry out the skin, doesn't provoke rashes.
This isn't the most convenient form of deodorant on the road or on vacation. Not very effective for sports, but good for a casual walk or date.
Cons of deodorant cream: marks on clothes, relatively low effectiveness compared to other types of deodorants. Usually, creams can be more expensive due to their care composition.

Deodorant crystal

Crystal deodorant is a completely natural product and consists of potassium alum. They have drying, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, cleansing and absorbing effects. There is no aluminum hydrochloride in the crystal.
Salts of this deodorant don't penetrate the pores and don't accumulate in the body. The crystal will not reduce perspiration, but it will allow sweat to dry faster on the surface of the skin: armpits will be dry and there will be no marks on clothes.
Deodorant-crystal must be applied to damp, clean skin of the body, and be sure to moisten before use, otherwise it will not work. The crystal is fragile; if it falls to the floor, it will break. The product doesn't have any smell, and this isn't a plus for all people. It will not cope with profuse sweating and will not save from wet stains on clothes.

Deodorant powder

Dry deodorant is made from natural talc, which is found in baby powders. The powder has increased absorbent and moisture-absorbing capacity, while it doesn't clog pores.
The deodorant in powder form doesn't require absorption, doesn't contain irritating and drying components for the skin, as well as aluminum salts. On contact with the skin, it creates a protective film on the surface that prevents bacteria from multiplying. Reliably protects against moisture in the area of application throughout the day.
Deodorant powder is applied directly to clean and dry underarm skin using a special puff or fingers. For all its advantages, the product leaves marks on clothes, because it isn't absorbed by the skin. May be visible on the armpits and therefore not suitable for sleeveless tops.

Deodorant wipes

Deodorant wipes are a handy product to make your skin feel clean, fresh and light. The napkins even fit into a small purse, so you can take them with you.
Deodorant wipes have a time-limited effect, so you should not rely on them alone. They will help out at the moment when the effect of the deodorant has already ended, but it is important to eliminate the unpleasant odor and get rid of moisture in the armpits. You can use wipes throughout the day as needed - just wipe the skin.

FAQ:

WHY DO WE PERSPIRATE?

Sweating occurs due to several factors. An increased body temperature due to physical activity and / or heat can cause sweating all over the body. With this release of sweat, thermoregulation of the body occurs due to evaporative heat transfer. Sweat is secreted by the so-called eccrine sweat glands and consists mainly of water and salts.

Sweating can also be caused by emotional or psychological stress. In such cases, it usually occurs in the armpits, feet, palms and forehead. Such sweat is secreted not only by the eccrine glands, but also by the apocrine sweat glands. Apocrine sweat is made up of lipids and proteins that are metabolized by skin bacteria, resulting in a specific body odor. Stress-induced sweating is a response to a threatening situation and plays an important role in non-verbal communication.

WHY NEED TO SHAKE A LIQUID DEODORANT OR ANTI-SPIRANT?

Shake antiperspirants well before use so that the antiperspirant active powder (aluminum salt) is evenly distributed over the can. Otherwise, the agent may come out of the hole in an overly concentrated form, which can lead to a blockage of the valve or the appearance of white marks on the skin or clothing.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND IF ALCOHOL IS IN THE COMPOSITION OF A DEODORIZING AGENT?

Chemically speaking, the term "alcohol" refers to a wide variety of compounds. They are united by the fact that their molecule contains a certain group of atoms. However, on a non-professional level, "alcohol" is the ethanol contained in alcoholic beverages (the chemical name is ethyl alcohol). If the packaging indicates that this product is "alcohol-free", this means that it doesn't contain ethanol, that is, "alcohol" or "alcohol, denat." , stearyl alcohol).

IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE A DEODORING PRODUCT IF THE APPLICATION AREA IS DAMAGE OR WOUND?

Shaving removes a small portion of the outer layer of the skin, but this doesno't mean that it necessarily damages the skin and skin barriers. However, minor damage can still occur. In this case, refrain from using deodorants containing aluminum until the irritation or damage to the skin is completely gone.
An antiperspirant shouldn't be used even if the underarm skin is irritated or damaged for any other reason.

HOW DO NATURAL DEODORANTS WORK?

They prevent sweat odor without blocking perspiration. Responsible for this, for example, antibacterial essential oils, soda, hops, witch hazel or potassium alum.

WHAT IS ALUMINUM-POTASSIUM ALUM?

Potassium alum is a mineral of mountain-volcanic origin. It is a safe, odorless organic salt that acts as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent. It can be used both in pure form and in crushed form, depending on the further use.

IS IT TRUE THAT «BALL» AND «STICK» DEODORANTS LEAVE TRACES ON CLOTHES?

Yes, this can happen. But often
white marks on clothes and "rolling" into pellets are the reaction of the deodorant to "extreme" conditions. As a rule, "roll-on" deodorants and "sticks" don't leave marks, if there is no intense heat outside, a person doesn't suffer from high fever and intense sweating.