Deodorant is a huge industry, with consumer purchases totaling about $18 million a year. With all the options available in the market, finding the right product can be overwhelming. You need to think about not just the different types of products that are out there-deodorants and antiperspirants; solid form, roll-on, and spray; natural and common-but also how your body works.
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Part 1 of 3: Making the Choice between Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Step 1. Know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant
Deodorants reduce body odor by eliminating bacteria in sweat, while antiperspirants reduce sweat by stopping sweat glands and preventing them from reaching the skin.
Step 2. Consider whether deodorant is the right choice
If sweating isn't a big deal for you, and you just want to control body odor, this might be the best option.
Step 3. Consider whether an antiperspirant is right for you
Some people sweat profusely, although this is only a medical condition that affects about 2% of the population. However, athletes and others who sweat profusely may find deodorant alone is not enough to cope.
- However, antiperspirants have a number of drawbacks. While researchers aren't sure how this happens, the aluminum in antiperspirants can cause yellow stains on clothes.
- Often, these stains can be removed with bleach, but if this is a big concern for you, just use deodorant.
- Antiperspirants also have the possibility of causing the body to start producing excess sweat to deal with blocked glands – the opposite of what you want!
- For all these reasons, unless you really need an antiperspirant, you may want to make a simple choice and use deodorant instead.
Step 4. Consider using combinations
While an antiperspirant/deodorant combination exists, -actually, most of the common choices fall into this category-you can benefit from both products, you also have to deal with the drawbacks of both.
Step 5. Understand the health risks according to research
Over the years, there have been many rumors about the health risks of antiperspirants and deodorants, including news that they both cause breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Much of this concern is related to the aluminum content in antiperspirants. However, research has not confirmed a clear link.
- Researchers from the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug Administration have confirmed that there is no conclusive evidence that some of these products cause breast cancer.
- Scientists also haven't found convincing evidence linking antiperspirants or deodorants to Alzheimer's disease.
- However, research in this area is still ongoing, so some consumers should remain vigilant.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing a General Deodorant
Step 1. Understand the label
Antiperspirants and deodorants are not magic. The FDA sets rules on antiperspirants and deodorants, but only requires that an antiperspirant must reduce perspiration by 20% to be considered an "all day" product, and by 30% to be considered a "very strong" product.
Step 2. Forget the variations for "male" and "female"
There are some differences in the glands of men and women-women have more sweat glands, but each gland in a man's body produces more sweat-but these differences don't affect how deodorant performs its function.
- Not much has changed between the types of men's and women's products, although the products can have a different look and smell.
- Women may be able to save money by switching to men's products, as there is a tendency to increase prices for goods marketed to women.
Step 3. Consider solid, roll-on, and spray forms. Although Indonesians tend to prefer solid and roll-on deodorants, the spray form is the preferred choice for half of all deodorant sales worldwide. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding which deodorant is right for you.
- Many roll-on deodorants give a clean finish, but roll-on deodorants create a wet feeling that some people may not feel comfortable with.
- Solid deodorants feel drier, and often contain softening ingredients to combat irritation. However, keeping clothes out of solid deodorant can be difficult.
- Spray deodorant dries quickly and lasts longer than roll-on and compact forms, but is often more expensive than other products.
Step 4. Think about fragrances and other things that might be irritating
Especially if you shave your armpits, the skin can become very sensitive. Certain ingredients in deodorants can make this problem worse. Read the ingredient list very carefully if you are prone to dryness or sensitivity.
- Like laundry detergent, perfume, and other products, deodorants often contain fragrance, which can irritate your skin and cause a reaction similar to seasonal allergies.
- Many products also contain alcohol as a propellant (spray form) and/or antimicrobial agent. This also makes it unsuitable for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Step 5. Be prepared to switch
The body can build immunity to certain formulas, so experts recommend changing brands every six months.
- Scientists aren't exactly sure why this happens, but it may be due to excessive sweat penetrating.
- You can also ward off immunity by putting on an antiperspirant at night, when you're not really sweating.
Step 6. See a doctor
If all else fails, the doctor can prescribe a stronger product than those available on the market.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing Natural Treatments
Step 1. Browse the selection of natural brands
Many people prefer to use natural deodorants. For some, it's a matter of avoiding artificial ingredients whose names are hard to pronounce; for others, it is a desire not to interfere with the body's natural sweating process. Whatever the reason, there are many natural options on the market.
- Like other products, people find that natural deodorants have varying degrees of effectiveness. You will have to experiment to find out which type is right for you.
- However, many people find that roll-on and spray forms work more effectively than solid forms.
- You will not find natural antiperspirant products.
Step 2. Make your own
Plant oils and extracts have been shown to have antimicrobial effects. These oils can be mixed with easily available ingredients.
- Try mixing solids such as beeswax, cocoa butter, or shea butter with oils including thyme, rosemary, or lavender.
- Baking soda is also a common ingredient in homemade deodorants.
Step 3. Experiment to see if you really need deodorant
Although the desire to have a good scent is not uncommon, it is not easy to convince consumers to buy deodorant. Remember that the company's business depends on convincing yourself that you stink!
- There is actually a gene that controls whether there is a chemical in the body that bacteria like to eat, that causes sweat to stink. If you don't have this gene in your body, you don't need deodorant.
- Without having to research DNA, you can get an idea of whether you have the gene or not by looking at earwax, which is also controlled by the same gene. If the poop is dry and flaky, chances are you're not sweating smelly.
- Of course, no one needs deodorant for health reasons. It's not something to buy just because someone else bought it.
