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Living an active lifestyle can sometimes come down to learning to juggle your world and its many moving parts. In an exceedingly busy and high-stress world, navigating the waters without accessorizing your outfit-of-the-day with sweat stains may be high on your list of priorities (along with a catch-up sesh with your BFF, of course). We’re taking a look at all things deodorant - some of the myths, best time to apply it (every morning, right?), and what it does to your body. Whether you have an intense day at the office or want to get a workout in before you head there, sweat will find you. We have some tips on how to keep odor and sweat at bay.
What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
The first ever deodorant dates back to the year 1888, while the first antiperspirant emerged on the scene in 1903. While both address underarm odor, they each have two different purposes. Deodorant is used to primarily combat odor, while an antiperspirant is a subclass of deodorants that goes head-to-head (well, underarm-to-underarm?) against sweat. Let’s break it down. Deodorant can get rid of odor, but not sweat. Its goal is to make the underarm area less attractive to bacteria, which feed off of perspiration. Deodorant normally contains alcohol, which kills bacteria. Because sweat is odorless before it combines with bacteria, getting rid of the bacteria gets rid of the odor. So really, it’s a domino effect. Antiperspirant, on the other hand, is actually considered an over-the-counter drug, and it’s the aluminum ingredient that blocks sweat pores, keeping the area dry.
When is the best time to apply deodorant - before bed vs just before working out?
This has been an ongoing debate. It seems the verdict is in and that the best time to apply deodorant is before you turn in for the night - sweet (smelling) dreams! If you think you are receiving the highest odor and sweat protection by keeping your routine to the AM, you may want to consider the science. Applying deodorant before bed has much to do with your body chemistry. Deodorant and antiperspirant are most effective on sweat glands that are less active. At night, when your body temperature is lower, your sweat glands are less active, and therefore are able to absorb more of the product. On the contrary, your sweat glands are more active in the morning, and are less likely to absorb the deodorant in an effective manner. With long hours of protection in most modern-day deodorants and antiperspirants, the short of it is, your next-day coverage will most likely still be intact, but topping it off if you feel you need the extra security will not do any harm.
Which is better, natural or regular deodorant?
This is an important question, and one that requires a little more deep-diving. The loaded question on a lot of people’s minds is, do we really need to worry about a link between wearing deodorant and breast cancer? The concerning claims are everywhere in the news, online, and even a part of your hiking discussion. According to the National Cancer Institute and other research, the claims that there is a link, are simply untrue. To date, there has not been any conclusive evidence that the use of underarm deodorant and antiperspirants causes breast cancer. Still, the concern is there, and it arises from the idea that one, we apply the products so close to the breast area and tissue, and two, the products contain harmful substances, like aluminum. If there are questionable chemicals in the products, why wouldn’t there be a concern? In addition to the concerns about breast cancer, the aluminum and preservative paraben ingredients also has been linked to worries about the underarm product causing other cancers, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Natural deodorants usually don’t contain aluminum, making consumers feel safer about wearing them. We encourage you to do your research, and make the best personal decision on deodorants and antiperspirants, according to what works best for you and makes you feel comfortable.
Now you know...
Now that we’ve answered some of your pressing questions about deodorant, this is the perfect time to reset what you’ve always known about the products and experiment, so that you know what works best for you! Deodorant? Antiperspirant? Natural? Regular? We have a natural deodorant in our box, this month! Hoppin’ Fresh by Ursa Major is an aluminum-free formula that offers long-lasting protection by eliminating odor-causing bacteria - you not only get to reap the health benefits, your white tanks and tees will thank you when they don’t have to endure those unsightly yellow stains!