Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant : What's the difference and does it matter?

Hey everyone! Hope you're well ♡
Today I thought I'd address the confusion regarding the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. When we are out shopping, we may look at the two products shown in the picture above and think they're basically the same and we tend to base our decision of which one to purchase on the difference in scents or even the packaging. But we need to know that we may be looking for one product and buying another just because we don't know which one we actually need.

First of all, we need to know that, generally, there are two types of products dealing with underarm sweat:  Antiperspirants & Deodorants.

Next, we should recognise the difference between the two types mentioned above



1. Deodorants:

They are meant to give sweat a nice overall smell. That's the bottom line. Whatever scent you pick is supposed to overpower the odour of sweat. For optimum results, it is recommended to shower or clean the area before application (obviously).

[If you'd like to learn more about labels on cosmetic products and what they mean, be sure to check out 365Gorgeous' post right here!]



2. Antiperspirants:

They work by inhibiting the release of sweat from sweat glands. Most antiperspirants and even some deodorant formulations contain Aluminium which is the substance that actually blocks the release of sweat and is even linked to Alzheimer's disease if absorbed in adequate amounts and therein lies the ultimate question,
Is it harmful to use antiperspirants?
Many believe that antiperspirants can block the release of toxins which leads to their accumulation in the body leading to problems and even cancer!

Although this claim has been denied by The American Cancer Society,
the accumulation of aluminium in the body can actually occur to some especially susceptible individuals especially if they use antiperspirants frequently leading to complications.

Therefore it's still best to limit their use to when you actually need them; If you know you'll be sweating a lot that day or if you're wearing clothes that show sweat stains etc. you may want to choose an antiperspirant over just a deodorant for that occasion.

I personally only use antiperspirants when I am attending an important event or if I know I'll be sweating a lot that day and when I do use them, I make sure to shower right after I get home to curb the exposure to the chemicals in the antiperspirant and prevent further absorption. 

I might be a bit paranoid but recently there has been a lot of talk about how beauty products can go beyond just the skin surface and that we should be more mindful of what we expose our skin and bodies to. 
[for more information regarding this particular issue, check out this blogpost] 
Better safe than sorry, right?
Let me know what you think in the comments below x
  
☁️  r e e m a  ☁️