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Antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat, and deodorant eliminates unpleasant odors. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, sometimes together with zirconium salts. They partially constrict the excretory ducts of the sweat glands. Because of this, less sweat is temporarily produced.
Deodorants only mask the unpleasant smell. Or neutralize it by killing bacteria. They do not affect the amount of sweat and do not make the armpits dry.
Antiperspirant works better on dry skin. Do not apply it if you have just come out of the shower or are already sweating.
It is better not to use deodorants and antiperspirants immediately after shaving. They can cause irritation, especially if there is a lot of alcohol in them.
This trick can be done with dry shampoo or mascara. But an extra layer of deodorant won't refresh you if you haven't washed all day. It should be applied to clean, dry skin. If you apply it on top of another product, the effectiveness will also decrease.
Despite the widespread belief, deodorants and antiperspirants should be applied not in the morning, but in the evening before going to bed. At this time, the sweat glands are less active. The antiperspirant will easily get into the excretory ducts and remain in them. Therefore, dermatologists advise you to take a shower in the evening, wipe your armpits thoroughly and apply an antiperspirant.
Dermatologist Fein Frey recommends a moisturizer with dimethicone. Or coconut oil if you want something natural. It soothes dry skin and reduces moisture loss. In addition, coconut oil has antibacterial properties.
The skin under the arms needs to be taken care of, as well as the face. When choosing a deodorant, consider your skin type and its sensitivity. A high alcohol content in the composition or a sharp aroma can cause irritation in people with hypersensitivity.
Conventional antiperspirants constrict the ducts of the sweat glands by 20%, and clinical ones — by 30%. They have an increased concentration of aluminum salts. Due to this, they work more efficiently, but also irritate the skin more. Frey advises people with sensitive skin to abandon them and use products with dimethicone.
Many people disdain natural deodorants and do not believe in their effectiveness. But this is quite a good option for those who sweat a little or just want to mask an unpleasant smell.
White traces of deodorant cause a lot of trouble. If simple washing does not help, use a mixture of water with lemon juice in the proportion of 1 : 1. And in order not to have to mess with stains, carefully choose a deodorant.