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 Sweating and Antiperspirantsby Valerie Gladstone — February 29, 2008We all sweat, of course. And we all have to do something about it. Some choose to simply wash under their arms frequently; others try antiperspirants. What They Do Traditional antiperspirants temporarily occlude sweat ducts to prevent perspiration from reaching the skin's surface, where exposure to bacteria renders it unpleasant. Rock Crystal Antiperspirant The active ingredients in most crystals are salts--mineral salts and other salt compounds. And though these products are not technically antiperspirants (meaning they don't prevent you from sweating), the salts are drying and may absorb perspiration. The argument that rock crystals are better because they're "natural" is specious. There's no control for irritancy or efficacy of these products but if it doesn't irritate, there's no harm in using them. Myths About Antiperspirants There have been stories linking aluminum to breast cancer and Alzheimer's, and since antiperspirants contain aluminum, they were considered possibly dangerous. But dermatologists say that the ingredient's molecular size and weight make it unlikely for it to enter the bloodstream through tiny cuts from shaving your underarms. But if it's something that worries you, shave at night and apply your antiperspirant in the morning. Antiperspirant that Are Less Likely to Irritate the Skin In order to penetrate the pores and sweat glands--and therefore be effective--an antiperspirant has to be acidic; the more acidic it is and the higher percentage of active ingredients there are, the more irritating it will be. In general, aerosols, gels, and roll-ons tend to be milder than solids and creams. Over-applying might cause irritation. One stroke up and one down will effectively cover the underarm area. Antiperspirants for Those Who Sweat a Lot Try a really strong over-the-counter product, such as Secret Platinum Protection because it contains a high percentage of the very effective aluminum zirconium. Also effective are Certain Dri (a roll-on you use at night) and Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream; both contain a form of aluminum chloride, another strong antiperspirant ingredient. Next step: the prescription antiperspirant Drysol, with 20 percent aluminum chloride. If you only sweat during big moments, try Garment Guard shields; stick the single-use pads to the inside of your shirt, and the pads--instead of your clothes--absorb the perspiration
What people are saying...
Thanks for this article but I think I have to disagree with what was said about aluminum chlorohydrate. I don't think any woman should put aluminum under her arms so near the breast. Also, our bodies need to sweat to rid itself of toxins. I use Crystal in a liquid form and it works really well. I still sweat but it doesn't smell because the natural minerals block bacteria from forming all day. I always say, do the most natural alternative possible. Thanks I had to give up anti-persperants because the aluminum gave me huge boils in my armpits. I tried several different brands with slightly different compounds, but always ended up with a boil or at the least, itchy skin. There are deodorants that do a very good job at stopping the odor, as mentioned in the previous comment. I have been using one made by the Alvera company for years without irritation nor odor that ruins my clothes even in the worst of situations. Yes, I may still get wet underarms (what menopausal woman not on HRT doesn't?), but I do not have to worry about offensive odor. This makes me upset. Are all of those studies just bunk now? Aluminum chlorohydrate can't be good for the environment, much less some of the most tender skin on your body. I thought this was an environmentally-conscious website! I guess I was wrong. Where's the other side of the argument? We want facts! Way to go, greenwashers. Support the man a little bit more why don't you? there always seem to be studies that support conflicting views. the best thing is to make your decisions on your own research. In my previous post I forgot to add that using body lotion on your underarms BEFORE applying helps to eliminate irritation from the anti-perspirant/deodorant. i understand that our armpits need to sweat- and thats all good- but NOTHING is more offensive to me than armpit BO. period. I have my arms in people's faces all day and the last thing you would want is your hairstylist BO'd armpit waving around! hahah Comment on this Post
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