Deodorants and antiperspirants play an important role in daily hygiene, protecting us from unpleasant odor and excessive sweating. However, choosing the right product can be a real challenge, especially when you consider the variety of products on the market and their possible health effects. In this article, we will look at how to choose safe deodorants and antiperspirants, discuss harmful ingredients and suggest natural alternatives.
The difference between deodorants and antiperspirants
Before you start choosing, it is important to understand the difference between these products. Deodorants aim to eliminate unpleasant odor caused by bacteria on the skin, while antiperspirants block the sweat glands, preventing sweating. Some products combine both functions.
Harmful ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants
One of the key issues surrounding the use of deodorants and antiperspirants is the presence of harmful ingredients such as aluminum and parabens. Aluminum, often used in antiperspirants to block sweat glands, has been linked to potential health risks, including possible effects on the development of cancer. Parabens, used as preservatives, have also raised concerns because of their possible hormonal effects.
Aluminum-free deodorants: safe and effective alternatives
Natural aluminum-free deodorants are becoming increasingly popular as they offer odor protection without potentially harmful chemicals. These deodorants usually contain natural ingredients such as essential oils, aloe vera extract and bamboo charcoal that effectively fight bacteria and keep you fresh throughout the day.
How to choose deodorant for sensitive skin
For people with sensitive skin, choosing the right deodorant can be even more difficult. It is important to avoid products containing alcohol, as it can cause skin irritation and dryness. Hypoallergenic deodorants that are fragrance-free and dye-free are also preferred. Deodorants with moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter or coconut oil, will help keep your skin moisturized and prevent irritation.
Natural deodorants: pros and cons
Natural deodorants without aluminum, parabens and other synthetic substances are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. They contain natural ingredients such as baking soda, tapioca starch, plant extracts and essential oils. However, these products have drawbacks - they may be less effective for heavy sweating and require more frequent application.
Tips for choosing deodorant or antiperspirant
- Study the composition: Avoid products containing aluminum, parabens and alcohol. Prefer deodorants based on natural ingredients.
- Look for hypoallergenic products: If you have sensitive skin, choose products specifically formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Pay attention to the duration of action: Some natural deodorants require reapplication throughout the day, while antiperspirants can provide protection for 24-48 hours.
Your choice of deodorant or antiperspirant depends on your individual needs and skin type. If you want to avoid the potential risks associated with aluminum and parabens, consider switching to natural deodorants. For those with sensitive skin, it's important to choose hypoallergenic, alcohol-free products. Regardless of your choice, always research the product's composition and favor products with natural ingredients.
Deodorants
Deodorants reduce or interrupt the odor of sweat, but are not designed to remove sweating. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in warm, moist areas of the body while at the same time giving off a pleasant odor.
A wide variety of different chemicals are available for deodorants, but the most popular are denatured alcohol and triclosan.
Alcohol is very effective at killing most bacteria and evaporates quickly. However, the number of bacteria on the skin regenerates quickly, so frequent use of deodorants becomes necessary. Alcohol is known to cause burning sensation and can cause sores and redness on the skin. It is possible to successfully use a deodorant for several years and suddenly find that it has a negative effect on the skin. In this case, you should stop using alcohol-based deodorants, as this reaction can worsen the situation and cause contact dermatitis.
Triclosan is a preservative by nature, but it is also often used as an antibacterial agent. Its side effects are still poorly understood, but like most chemicals, it is harmful to health in large quantities. In Europe, they limit the content of triclosan in finished products when used as a preservative to 0.3 %. However, it may be present in deodorants in larger proportions.
Antiperspirants
Sweat itself is odorless, but it creates a moist environment in which bacteria are active. It is the activity of bacteria that leaves an unpleasant odor of sweat on the body and unaesthetic marks on clothing.
Antiperspirants are usually aluminum compounds, sometimes with zirconium salts. These products reduce sweating by blocking the channels that allow sweat to escape to the surface of the skin. Most aluminum salts are irritants that can cause itching, redness, and sometimes rashes.
When using aerosol deodorants, avoid inhaling its vapors. Zirconium salts are harmful to human health if they enter the respiratory tract, which is why they are banned for use in aerosols in both the US and EEC countries.
As an alternative to aerosol antiperspirants, you can consider solid, helium or antiperspirants that are safe for human health. Some antiperspirants have been known to discolor clothing.
It is not safe to use deodorants or antiperspirants. You should always pay attention to the composition of deodorants when buying them.
Various aluminum alum are used to combat sweat and odor. But they are recognized as toxic. A good remedy is salicylic-zinc ointment, which kills bacteria and dries the skin in the armpits. As a result, there is no odor or wet marks.
You can try treating the armpit area with a very strong infusion of green or black tea. The brew contains tannins, which have a strong astringent effect and can tighten the pores to reduce sweating. However, after using the tea, the armpits should be blotted well. Good chemical peelsit's not a bad solution.
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I use solid antiperspirants all the time, it's the only thing that makes me feel comfortable. Folk remedies may be good, but they are not quite reliable, especially when you are in public. I understand that they are not harmless, but I can't stand the smell of sweat from people, let alone from myself.
All my conscious life I use ball deodorant of various brands, but after your article I began to think about their safety. Could you please tell me what names of the ointment mentioned in the article exist?