When it comes to personal hygiene, smelling fresh is an important aspect. However, the debate of deodorant vs antiperspirant keeps wafting through the air. Each time we search online, it appears that these two products stare us in the face, challenging us to make the right choice. But really, what is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? The question, more importantly, is which one is better to use, deodorant or antiperspirant?
This blog will discuss the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, and the reasons to switch.
What is a Deodorant?
First, before we could pledge allegiance to deodorant vs antiperspirant, we needed to understand exactly what each product was designed to do. What is a deodorant, you ask? Deodorant is your trusted sidekick in the war against body odour. It works by eliminating all bacteria on the skin that emit those less-than-wanted smells when mixed with sweat. Think of deodorant as some kind of bouncer at the club called your armpit, which keeps the troublemakers, odour-causing bacteria out.
They come in sprays, sticks, roll-ons, and even creams. Most of them are impregnated with wonderful perfumes so that you glide through your day, trailed by a sweet and welcoming aura. This is important to know, deodorants do not cease to make you sweat, they only ensure that in cases where you do sweat, you are not sending out some sort of olfactory alarm bell.
What is an Antiperspirant?
Antiperspirants take a rather hands-on approach to the problem of sweat. They are formulated to reduce or completely block perspiration by temporarily plugging the sweat glands. This is often achieved through aluminium-based compounds that form a gel-like barrier over the sweat glands, thereby preventing sweat from reaching the skin’s surface.
Antiperspirants are the preference for people who want their underarms to be as dry as the Sahara desert, for instance, on those nerve-wracking days going through a job interview or on first dates. They also come in some forms, just like deodorants, and they also often incorporate fragrance to double up on freshness.
Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant
The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is just about understanding what one wants. Whereas deodorants work only on the odour, antiperspirants attack the root of this problem. For individuals who do not sweat much but wish to smell nice, a deodorant should suffice. But when the same persons start sweating bullets on a chilly day, it is time they give an antiperspirant.
In other words, deodorants are the peacekeepers who ensure your perspiration does not announce to everyone within a ten-block radius. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are some sort of strategic military action that closes the valve from whence the sweat would emerge in the first place. It’s a little like choosing between a friendly neighbourhood watch and a full-on security system for underarms.
Is It Better to Use Deodorant or Antiperspirant?
While choosing which one is better, deodorant vs antiperspirant? It all depends on what you need and what you prefer. In any case, if odour is your real problem and a little moisture does not bother you, then deodorant will suffice. If, however, you happen to sweat a lot as a habit, or you simply just like it that way, for instance, antiperspirant could be the way to go.
Of course, one may also combine the use of both. The idea is that applying antiperspirant at night-let it take effect at rest, applying a fragrant deodorant in the mornings works best. It is somewhat like the use of a base coat of paint before the application of the final colour-serving both dryness and fragrance for the whole day.
Reasons for Switching
Keeping that in mind, here are some reasons you might switch from one to the other:
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Lifestyle Changes
Maybe you just started a new regimen of fitness, and you are sweating more than ever; you might want to consider using an antiperspirant so you can keep cool, even in extreme workouts.
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Skin Irritation
If you find your armpits get irritated or red, then you may want to try a no-chemical product. Many deodorants boast natural ingredients that can be kinder to sensitive skin.
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Environmental Impact
If you are into saving the planet, then there are environmentally friendly deodorants with sustainable packaging and natural ingredients. If you change over for this reason, then they should also be aluminium and paraben-free.
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Fragrance preferences
Sometimes, it is all about the smell. You may fall in love with a fragrance and then find yourself switching to the product offering that fragrance, whether it is a deodorant or an antiperspirant.
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Health Considerations
Some people avoid aluminium-based products due to various health reasons, but studies continue to be inconclusive in certain ways. If this is of concern for you, you may wish to stick with deodorants lacking antiperspirant properties.
The Final Word
Whatever your decision may be on the use of a deodorant vs antiperspirant, or vice-versa, the most important thing to take into consideration is finding a product that will suit your lifestyle and personal preferences, and keep you confident all through the day.
For a deeper look to best decide which is right for you, check out our collection of antiperspirant vs Deodorant from top brands such as Dove, Brut and Mitchum.
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