Choosing the Right Deodorant For You

         One of the most neglected parts of your body are the armpits. Their repertoire involves sweat and smell. It’s no wonder why they never get the vote for being the favorite part of a person's body! Nonetheless, taking care of your underarms is essential and they should be treated just like any other part of your body. This article will focus on finding that perfect deodorant match for all your underarm needs.

Let’s define the differences between deodorants and antiperspirants.

    Antiperspirants prevent sweating while deodorants neutralize odors.  The combination of sweat and bacteria causes our underarms to produce an odor.  If you tend to produce more sweat than most people, using an antiperspirant would be a better choice rather than classic deodorant.  However, if your body scent is stronger than average, then using a deodorant would a better option.

Here are some facts on antiperspirants.

          The active ingredient in antiperspirants is an aluminum-based compound that temporarily plugs the sweat ducts and prevents you from perspiring. A majority of antiperspirants are accompanied with a deodorant; which supplies a pleasant scent to mask body odor.

      While there are some systemic diseases may cause excessive underarm sweating, AKA axillary hyperhidrosis, most cases are in people who are otherwise healthy. Typical triggers for hyperhidrosis are emotions and heat. 2-3% of Americans suffer from excessive underarm sweating.  One of the first steps of treatment for hyperhidrosis is using an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride.  For the fellas, we recommend trying Old Spice Sweat Defense.

Lets look at some facts on deodorant.

          Deodorants are usually alcohol-based and turn your skin acidic, making it less attractive to bacteria. Deodorants often contain perfume fragrances intended to mask odor.  Deodorant targets the bacteria that hang around your armpits. Ingredients like triclosan in deodorants make the underarm  skin too salty or acidic to support the indigenous bacteria that are meant to thrive there. Ladies may want to try  Dove Go Sleeveless Beauty Finish Deodorant. Using deodorant as opposed to an antiperspirant is recommended if excessive sweat is not an issue.  

Here’s some facts on natural alternatives to deodorant.

            If you are more prone to using natural products, then your choice of personal hygiene should be natural as well.  Witch hazel has been found to shrink the pores in the armpit. It also causes any sweat that does escape from those pores to evaporate.   Mineral salts work by forming a temporary layer on the skin, rather than a plug in the pore. This layer prevents the growth of those skin bacteria whose digestion process makes sweat so smelly.  Mineral salts, which occur naturally and don't irritate the skin, are commonly found in solid crystal deodorants.  Another alternative to using deodorants would be applying essential oils. True these oils may feel strange under your arms at first, but they stop odor before it begins. Some notable antibacterial essential oils include rosemary, lichen, sage, lemongrass and tea tree oil. We recommend trying Truly’s Natural Deodorant for men, women and children.  Be sure to read our latest article on Aromatherapy and Essential Oils.

     In conclusion, there are many different ways to help neutralize and stop underarm odor.  Antiperspirants work well for people who sweat more than others and deodorants are appropriate for most people. There are some natural alternatives to consider rather than going the commercial route. There is also the option of not using any underarm odor protection.  However, it is always good to think of the people around you if you decide to go au naturel.  This article should give some insight on what underarm product is suitable for you.

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