Time for true confessions. When I was a young girl I used to sweat a lot. Pre-puberty...I was a stinky and sweaty kid. For a boy, this is no big deal...for a girl BIG deal. I was embarrassed by how quickly I would sweat and how stinky I was. What's a kid to do? Be sure to check out all of our amazing Green Living Ideas for Families.
Well, after talking with my mom, my doctor prescribed soap to use. How humiliating. Thankfully, I outgrew this affliction. But, my obsession with deodorant and antiperspirant began at this tender age. I have been fearful of life without my protective coating ever since.
When I went through my massive purge of chemicals a few years back, I took one look at "aluminum blah, blah, blah" on my antiperspirant bottle and pitched it in the garbage. My days of being a slave to this salve were over. Or so I thought. Why is aluminum in antiperspirants anyway? What is this I have heard about a link between deodorant and breast cancer? What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant anyhow? Time to investigate.
Common Questions About Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Why is aluminum found in antiperspirant?
The very term antiperspirant means to stop perspiring. Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrexgyl is the common ingredient used to stop perspiration. This is the technical stuff..." both the aluminum and zirconium ions form a gel that clogs large numbers of pores from releasing sweat. This clogging ability is common amoung aluminum-based antiperspirants." Clogging large numbers of pores...yikes.
Deodorant and breast cancer...what's up with that?
Okay, so the National Cancer Institute, in the US, states that "there is no conclusive research linking the use of underarm antiperspirant or deodorant and the subsequent development of breast cancer." However, through my research, I discovered that there is growing concern over the antibacterial ingredient triclosan. Triclosan is an ingredient in most deodorants, and antibacterial soaps, and is now being investigated by the FDA. The FDA is investigating because numerous scientific animal studies indicate that triclosan may be a hormone disruptor and may also lead to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. So, while the link to breast cancer isn't clear at this time...studies are still underway. It is also important to note that a link has been made between aluminum and Alzheimer's Disease. Studies results vary regarding making a link between using aluminum-based antiperspirants and AD. Aluminum is absorbed through the skin. Always follow the label's instructions and do not apply deodorant to any open cuts on the skin.
What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant anyway?
Sweating is our body's natural way of cooling and regulating our internal temperature. When we sweat liquid leaves our bodies, if it is not wicked away, it will sit on the skin and bacteria will begin to grow. Where bacteria grow...smelliness follows. Deodorant's function is to decrease the smell of sweat. Deodorant includes ingredients like Triclosan and other antibacterials in an attempt to keep our warm and sweaty areas, like armpits and feet, bacteria-free - and odour free. Antiperspirant, as I explained earlier, works to actually stop the body from excreting any sweat. Unfortunately, most bottles on our drugstore shelves are actually both deodorants and antiperspirants.
So, what to do with this information. Well, initially when I made the switch to "natural" deodorants I quickly learned that they are not all created equally. Firstly, to be truly natural you really need to either make it yourself or use a rock. However, if you peruse the shelves of a health food store, you can find alternatives. If you take this step you too will learn that it really is a matter of trial and error. Unfortunately, we (my husband and I) have discovered that a product and brand might work for a few weeks, even a few months and then you might develop an itchy rash. This is just a reaction of your skin to the product...and you must move on and try another one. Alternative deodorants contain plant-based ingredients, like citrus, which can cause skin irritations. Read the label carefully, and see if there are any ingredients that you might be allergic to...like nuts.
Truth be told, I gave up. After a couple of rounds of rashes and uncomfortable sweating, I caved. My husband found his ideal "natural" product and has stuck with it. I, on the other hand, fell back into the comfort of my old chemical-rich antiperspirant. However, after my research here I am going to try again. I'll report back on my progress in my search for the perfect product for me. Here are some alternatives to try. Please, let me know what alternatives have worked for you.
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Veronica Slater presents says
This is great information. like you, I've tried different options without much success. I insisted my pre-teens, now teens use the natural stuff but they hated it as they thought it wasn't effective or reliable. So we're all back to our old habits. I look forward to reading about your new finds, Jen! Great work!
Joey says
I stopped using deodorants/antiperspirants about 15 years ago and convinced my husband to do the same. I myself didn't have any kind of reaction to using them but watching him develop these large lumps in his armpits that were literally pores plugged with deodorant I said that was enough! ANTIPERSPIRANTS MAKE YOU SWEAT MORE! Your body's natural defense is to create more sweat to try and unblock the pores. If you don't use it you honestly don't sweat as much! We don't live in a really hot climate but I find that a rinse in the shower every morning and perhaps a bit of natural solid perfume is adequate to stop any odor. I also shave my armpits so that bacteria doesn't have hair to grow on and cause odor. I suggest going cold turkey in the winter, when you are less likely to be sweating. Good luck!
KitchenCounterChronicles says
That's some amazing information Joey! Thanks for your insight. Deodorant is a tough one! I'm still fumbling my way through different options...I am a pretty sweaty person. Thanks for stopping by!