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Soda vs. pop.Antiperspirant vs. deodorant.
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Its all the same thing, right?
(Actually, real quick: Mass is a measurement of matter, weight is gravitational force.)
You may think the choice is obvious (better to kill more birds with one stone, right?)
but theres a little more nuance than that.
Not all armpits are created equal.
What is antiperspirant?
As the name suggests,antiperspirantsblock that sweat thanks to a trusty active ingredient called aluminum.
(Yep, its the same stuff your kitchen foil and soda cans are made of.)
“It can also help reduce bacteria found on the skin that leads to underarm odor.”
Essentially, it comes down to this.
Antiperspirants have gotten a bad reputation in recent years, thanks to the health and wellness rumor mill.
“There is no direct link between aluminum in antiperspirant and Alzheimers Disease,” affirms Dr. Hartman.
I consider aluminum safe and not toxic."
However, antiperspirants do have a few proven (but far less serious) downsides.
Without them, youre more likely to get psoriasis, rosacea, and acne.
Your next decision will be the format.
Antiperspirant comes in sprays, gels, lotions, powders, and roll-on liquids.
It really all comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
Most antiperspirants can be found over the counter, including those marketed as “clinical strength.”
“I recommend it to patients with skin conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis.”
What is deodorant?
Most antiperspirants are deodorants, but all deodorants are not antiperspirants.
Instead, deodorant refers to analuminum-freeproduct that doesnt block sweat ducts, and targets smell instead.
The main risks with deodorants are tied to irritating ingredients.
Essential oils and perfume are common culprits, so those may be ingredients youll want to avoid.
Alcohol can also be harsh on skin.
“Deodorantscan contain potentially sensitizing ingredients like baking soda and synthetic fragrances,” says Dr. Mikailov.
“Instead, consider deodorants formulated with natural antimicrobial ingredients like coconut oil.
The formula is alcohol-free and includes moisturizers to keep underarms soft and smooth, as well.
Key differences
Generally speaking, one is not better (or safer) than the other.
It totally depends on what issues youre trying to address and what your skin will tolerate.
“It really depends on personal preference,” says Dr. Graf.
If odor is your only concern, deodorant will offer odor protection.
Should I get both deodorant and antiperspirant?
We wont stop you, but its probably not necessary to buy both.
More on sweating and what products to use:
Now, Anitta’s 10 Minute Sweat Proof Beauty Routine: