What is an Antiperspirant?
Antiperspirant tends to be an over the counter spray, or roll on liquid or waxy substance that reduces sweating in the underarms. Antiperspirant works through an active ingredient containing some form of aluminum compound. The aluminum partially blocks the sweat glands and generally results in reduction, but not total elimination of sweating. Some people, particularly in Europe, use a small crystal called alum, as an antiperspirant. This has approximately the same effectiveness, and the crystal tends to last longer. Many people also use an antiperspirant that has fragrance to eliminate the odors caused by sweat. In fact, sweat doesn’t really cause odors. Bacteria on the skin breaking down the sweat is most responsible for creating what many consider “bad” smells. Thus use of an antiperspirant that doesn’t have fragrance may not eliminate all odors. A person will still sweat somewhat. Antiperspirant tends to block between 20-30% of the sweat glands in the underarms, and greater exertion
An antiperspirant will temporarily reduce perspiration in the underarm. Generally, an antiperspirant reduces odor like a deodorant because it prevents perspiration which is the stimulation for odor causing bacteria. Plus the fragrance helps to minimize problems with unpleasant odor. The more effective the formula, the more effective and longer lasting the protection.
10. Is there a correlation Between Deodorants and Breast Cancer? September 18, 2007 British researchers measured the aluminum content inside of breast tissue to find a relation between breast cancer and deodorants. They found that there is a significantly higher portion in the outer regions of the breast that have the greatest exposure to antiperspirant. This recent study identified a specific distribution of aluminum in breast tissue which may be associated with breast cancer. Deodorants are mainly made up from aluminum salts that have been associated with cancer and other human diseases. Continuous usage of antiperspirants is likely responsible for the buildup of alu…
