Which One? Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: Smell and Sweat


deodorant vs antiperspirant

You are with your friends for a day trip, probably wearing your oversized shirt to hide the excessive sweating later on. You took a bath for more than an hour, leaving an empty bottle of perfume behind. You faked a smile when a friend approached you, hesitant to wave a hand. Like, what if it stinks, right? Unfortunately, she hugged you, and all you could think of was your sweaty and stinky underarms!

Yet, worry no more! Would you like to hug a friend? Go on! How about wave your hand to say hello? There’s nothing to worry about if you have deodorant and antiperspirant to help you fight the unwanted excessive sweat and foul smell of your underarms. Read more to figure out!

Deodorant will help mask the unwanted odor. Antiperspirant, on the other hand, will help reduce sweat underarms. Use them properly: Apply antiperspirant first before deodorant for a better result. Deodorant and antiperspirant are safe from breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney disease. If you’re looking for a whitening product, deodorant and antiperspirant are not what you are looking for unless stated. Beware of myths!

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: History

Do you know that deodorant is a modern invention? A product called mum is an invention in 1888 that can help kill bacteria that produce odors. Years after the first deodorant invention, antiperspirant was born. How do you think other people years earlier than the mum deal with their sweaty and stinky underarms? Sure enough, it’s not as easy as it was today. So, Be reminded that our ancestors do not have those back then to solve their underarms problems, and you have it now. How fortunate! 

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: It stinks! (What should I use?)

Does your armpit stink? Be reminded that it’s not because of your sweat. The proteins and fat combined with your bacteria underarms would result in body odor, making your armpit stinks. If you’re experiencing this, it’s preferable to use deodorant to mask the unwanted smell underarms. 

Deodorant contains alcohol and perfume to both kill bacteria and mask body odor. If you have razor burn underarms, it might sting a little. (or not) If you’re using a deodorant now in hopes of stopping the perspiration, then you’re using the wrong product. Let’s end the myth today about deodorants: It’s not about perspiration (or sweating), It’s about masking the body odor! 

Do not apply your deodorant after taking your shower, and do not wear a shirt immediately, as well, after deodorant. Always dry your armpit first for the best result. 

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: It sweats excessively! (What should I use?)

Have you met antiperspirant already? They would like to say hello! They are used to sweaty underarms, so feel free to wave a hand. They are also here to help you solve your excessive sweating problem underarms. Awesome? Right! 

Antiperspirant temporarily blocks sweat pores that cause you to sweat less. So, if you’re looking for a product that will help you get rid of your excessive perspiration underarms, then antiperspirant is for you. From the term itself, this product is an anti-fan of perspiring. (No joke!)

Sweating is essential in our body despite how gross that might be. So, if you wished to stop sweating at all, that’s not good for you. Sweating helps cool down your body that prevents you from heatstroke, but if you’re excessively sweating, then you might as well consult a doctor to find out if you have hyperhidrosis. 

Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating that’s not due to exercising or heavy activities. It might cause psychological problems, as well, if not treated immediately. It usually affects not only your underarms but your hands, feet, and face, as well. Seek immediate medical attention or ask for a prescription-strength antiperspirant if diagnosed with hyperhidrosis. 

How to Apply Deodorant and Antiperspirant Properly?

To begin with, dry your armpits first. Do not apply deodorant and antiperspirant if your armpits are still soaking wet!

It’s advisable to apply antiperspirant first before deodorant for a better result. (if you’re also using both)

You sweat less at night, so make sure to apply antiperspirant after your night shower. Let it stay overnight. 

Myths about Deodorants and Antiperspirants

  • Antiperspirant causes breast cancer!

If you have sensitive skin, you might experience skin irritation. That usually happens, but that does not mean you’ll get cancer from using the two. That’s a myth! 

  • Deodorant causes you to sweat less

Antiperspirant is what causes you to sweat less. Deodorants can only help you hide the body odor. They are two different products intended for two conditions. 

  • Deodorant whitens your underarms

There might be a deodorant today that helps you whiten your skin underarms, but that’s not the purpose of deodorants. Deodorants are not whitening products!

  • Deodorant darkens your underarms

Contrary to the myth above, some people believe that deodorant will only darken their underarms. This myth is one of the main reasons why some people would not want to use deodorants despite the need for masking. Deodorant sure might darken your underarms, but only if it’s not suitable for your skin underarms. So, make sure to consult your doctor first.

  • Deodorant causes you to sweat more!

Contrary to the myth at number two, some people believe that deodorant causes you to sweat more, but this is not real. If you’re in doubt, you can use a combination of deodorant and antiperspirant instead of deodorant alone. (Yes, the combination of deodorant and antiperspirant exists!)

  • Antiperspirant causes Kidney Disease

You’re not swallowing the aluminum to fear antiperspirant. Do I still have to confirm that this one’s a myth if it’s already on this list? Antiperspirant causes NO kidney disease. 

Aluminum can only harm you if you swallow tons of it. It’s advisable to keep it away from the reach of children to avoid complications.

Final Thoughts

Use deodorant and antiperspirant to reduce sweat and mask the smell on your underarms, leaving it moisturized and fresh for the whole day. If you have problems both in excessive sweating and awful smell, you can try the combination of deodorant and antiperspirant to help you out. Do not forget to consult a doctor when using a product to avoid skin infection and other health complications. 

Sweating and body odor are normal, and that should not embarrass you in any way. Armpit conditions should no longer be a taboo topic today. There are products invented to help you be more confident with your armpit and yourself. Your armpit conditions should not hinder you from raising or waving a hand, hugging a friend, wearing a fitted shirt, and even from being in a crowded place! 

You no longer have to cover your smell with strong perfumes in hopes of eliminating the awful smell underarms. There’s no need to wear baggy clothes, as well, to hide your sweaty armpits from your friends. We have deodorants and antiperspirants in this lifetime to help you regain the stolen confidence from you. Throw your hands on the air or wave your hand for all I care. Your armpits are safe from odor and sweat as long as you have deodorants and antiperspirants with you. They are your saviors in this armpit journey!

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