It is a misconception that deodorants and antiperspirants are a modern invention. The smell of sweat was never associated with a person with something pleasant, so even the ancient Greeks and Romans wore bags with aromatic herbs under their arms, and noble medieval Europeans drowned out the smell of sweat with expensive aromatic oils brought from the East.
Modern deodorants appeared only in the 30s of the 20th century, and by the end of the millennium this cosmetic product had become an integral part of the daily care of almost every person. But with progress, in addition to general availability, came awareness of the harm caused by such deodorants, and humanity is again on the path to finding the ideal remedy for sweat that does not harm he alth.
How deodorant works
Sweating is the ability of the human body to regulate body temperature. That is why, when we are worried or afraid, we sweat more - this is how the body lowers body temperature. Therefore, in the heat, we sweat very plentifully. However, there are microorganisms on the skin that decompose sweat particles andgive it an unpleasant smell. Various factors can enhance this smell - human nutrition, personal hygiene or diseases.
Deodorants are able to mask this smell, often they also contain antibacterial components that kill those very microorganisms, depriving the sweat of an unpleasant odor. However, it should be borne in mind that these funds do not affect the sweating system in any way and do not block it. Only antiperspirants can do this. That is, deodorant won't keep your underarms dry on a hot day, but it will definitely get rid of the bad smell of sweat.
There are also products that combine these two functions - they both reduce sweat production and fight odor-causing microorganisms. These are the most popular and effective, but also dangerous antiperspirant deodorants.
What are the dangers of ordinary deodorants
The skin under the armpits is very thin, so it perfectly absorbs (that is, absorbs) everything that is applied to it. That is why many scientists and doctors are concerned about getting into the tissues, and then into the bloodstream, the substances that make up the deodorant. It has been proven that a large number of chemical elements that have entered the human body can have a negative impact on its he alth - the functioning of the lymph nodes, the hormonal system, and the risk of developing cancer. The least of the evils, but the most common - allergic reactions.
Dangerous composition
So, what should be especially feared? First, of course, it is aluminum. Its harm in the composition of the deodorant is also saida lot has already been written. Aluminum s alts (look for aluminum on the package) shrink the ducts of the sweat glands, which reduces the production of sweat. However, some of these s alts are heavy metals that can accumulate in the body. They can lead to a decrease in estrogen production, as well as provoke the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Secondly, carefully look for propylene glycol in the composition of the deodorant. It is widely used because of its ability to bind water molecules together, which means it retains moisture. However, it also helps to accelerate the absorption of various chemical elements into the skin, which, as we remember, is not very good for he alth. In addition, it is very allergic - only 2% of this substance in the composition will cause an allergic reaction on the skin.
Safe deodorant brands never contain triclosan. It is commonly used because of its high ability to kill bacteria and germs on the surface of the skin. However, in Canada and Japan, all cosmetics with triclosan are banned, as this substance can accumulate in tissues and disrupt the human hormonal system.
The next item on the dangerous composition of deodorant is paraben used as a preservative. It, unlike aluminum, increases the production of estrogen. There are studies that have revealed the presence of an increased content of paraben in women with breast cancer. While there is no exact data on whether paraben affects the risk of developing this type of oncology, howeverscientists unanimously recommend not to use this substance until the exact mechanism of its action on the body is clarified.
And finally, phthalates. They help to keep the fragrance of the cosmetic product on the skin longer. But they also reduce the work of testosterone in the body. And this is dangerous not only for men, but also for women - insufficient work of these hormones negatively affects pregnancy and fetal development.
When conventional deodorants are especially dangerous
Listing all the dangerous ingredients in deodorant suggests that women are primarily at risk. But among them there are those for whom the risk is not just hypothetical, but very probable. And first of all, these are pregnant women who should know which deodorant is better not to use. The risk of using conventional deodorants during pregnancy is associated not only with the harmful effects of its components on the endocrine and hormonal systems. Worse, overly strong antiperspirant deodorants can completely block perspiration. And in this case, its components enter the blood. And if for the woman herself this is not so dangerous, then for the fetus, which has the same circulatory system with the mother, it can be very detrimental.
Ordinary deodorants are no less harmful to nursing women - the ingress of chemical compounds into the bloodstream can cause various skin reactions in a child, especially a very small one.
It is also worth choosing safe deodorants for teenagers, especially for girls. This is the third risk group, since they are just developinghormonal system. Applying too much deodorant and leaving it on the skin for long periods of time can disrupt the endocrine and hormonal systems.
Which deodorants are safe
So, we found out which inscriptions in the composition should be avoided. But what makes a harmless product different and how does it ensure that it is sweat and odor free?
The main component that a safe deodorant has is mineral s alts, most often alum. They do not block the work of the glands, but dehydrate the very microorganisms responsible for the appearance of the smell.
As an antimicrobial agent, natural formulations do not use triclosan, but essential oils such as lemon, lavender and especially tea tree.
Look for deodorants that do not contain aluminum, instead, natural astringents that narrow pores - oak bark or sage - help reduce sweat. And safe absorbents will help remove excess moisture - white clay (kaolin), corn or rice starch, soda.
How to choose a harmless deodorant
To choose the safest deodorant, do not trust the labels "eco", "bio" or "natural" on the packaging. It is better to verify this by reading the composition. What should be in it and what should not, we have already sorted out. If the composition of the product convinced you that it is safe, also pay attention to the special icons that are on all safe cosmetics. These are icons with various images of a rabbit that tell us that cosmetics are not tested on animals. There are also a number of international certificates awarded to environmentally friendly products, such as the French AB certificate, the German BDIH or the unified European NaTrue certificate.
Also look at the expiration date of a cosmetic product - the higher it is, the more preservatives it contains, which can theoretically irritate the skin.
Types of deodorants safe for he alth
Now let's say a few words about the form of the deodorant, because this is also very important. Now on sale you can find the following types:
- Sprays - even with a safe composition, they are not suitable for those who have lung diseases, and they are also consumed faster than others.
- Roll-On Deodorants - The bottle contains a liquid product that is evenly applied to the skin with a roller, allowing you to use it economically.
- Solid, or sticks - create a film on the surface of the skin, which better protects it from sweat.
- Gel - similar to roller, but inside is not a liquid composition, but a gel-like one, it dries faster on the skin, but is more common in products for men.
- Crystals.
The latter should be mentioned separately. Such deodorants, which do not contain synthetic aluminum, are a piece of natural aluminum in the form of a crystal. It has properties to shrink pores and kill bacteria on the surface of the skin. These are the safest and most economical natural deodorants that do not have a foreign smell, do notleave marks on clothes and have no contraindications.
Top brands for women
When choosing the safest deodorant for women, look for German brands such as Dr. Hauschka or Wolken Seifen. Both are excellent odor neutralizers, however the latter contains zinc, which can leave white marks on clothes.
The world-famous cosmetics company Weleda also has a safe deodorant in its product line, but there is one thing. It contains alcohol and does not make the product dangerous, but it can cause skin irritation and dryness.
Classic crystals are also popular, for example from the Lafes brand. Among stick deodorants, SPEICK is distinguished, which not only does not have the above hazardous ingredients, but also does not include mineral oils and synthetic fragrances.
How to choose a deodorant for men
Choosing a safe deodorant for men is not easy. On the one hand, a man needs strong protection, especially for those who play sports or are used to an active lifestyle. On the other hand, it is worth thinking about he alth.
So which deodorants are safe? Among the safest but most effective sweat products for the stronger sex, Yves Rocher Sensitive Homme deodorant stands out, perfect for sensitive skin. Let's also note Collistar Freshness Deo Active Protection - this spray does not have any components that cause allergies, no fragrances, no dyes, no preservatives. Also not includedparabens and phthalates, in general, the ideal choice for those who care about he alth.
For those who prefer firm shapes, the Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Stick is a good choice. An added bonus is that it is odorless, which means it won't conflict with perfume.
DIY Natural Deodorant
If you don't know which deodorant is best, make your own. To do this, take:
- 3 tablespoons each of good quality natural shea butter and coconut - they will give a creamy base that is comfortable to spread on the skin.
- A cup of baking soda is an absorbent and disinfectant ingredient.
- A glass of cornstarch is another absorbent.
- A few drops of lemon essential oil for disinfection and a pleasant scent.
Room temperature oil mix well with the rest of the ingredients and place in an empty bottle from a regular deodorant stick. Put it in the fridge and when the oil has set, your safe deodorant can be used. The oil, applied in a thin layer on the skin, is instantly absorbed, while the remaining components remain on the surface and protect against the unpleasant smell of sweat.
