Do you experience skin irritation after applying deodorant, such as itching, redness, or swelling?
Do you want to find an alternative, natural solution that will be effective, healthy, and environmentally friendly?
Sweating (perspiration) is a natural process of our body. This process is the body's physiological response to heat and helps us cool down. In most times, sweating occurs when the ambient temperature is high. The precise temperature at which the brain signals the sweat glands varies depending on individual sensitivity to heat, activity level, and humidity. However, generally speaking, most people begin to sweat when the ambient temperature exceeds 77-86 °F (25-30 °C). The mechanism for maintaining body temperature is the evaporation of sweat from the skin surface, which results in heat transfer in the body-environment system.
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There are two main types of sweat glands - eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine sweat glands are simple tubular structures distributed throughout the entire skin, with the highest concentrations on the palms, soles, forehead, and armpits. They produce the prevalence of sweat and help regulate body temperature, especially during physical activity or in high environmental temperatures. The apocrine sweat glands reside in the areas of the body that have hair, such as the armpits and genital region. These glands become active at the onset of puberty. Although their sweat is initially odorless, it becomes susceptible to producing an unpleasant odor when bacteria on the skin react with it. Enzymes produced by the bacterias Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Propionibacterium play a significant role in undesirable odors creation.
Deodorants and antiperspirants are essential in controlling unpleasant odors and moisture in the armpit region. However, these products differ significantly in their functions, mechanisms of action, and compositions.
Deodorants primarily focus on neutralizing the unpleasant odors resulting from sweating. They typically contain antimicrobial agents that combat the bacteria responsible for the unpleasant smells' existence. Additionally, deodorants incorporate substances that either mask or eliminate these odors. It's crucial to note that deodorants do not hinder sweating yet address the accompanying odors caused by bacterial activity on the skin.
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On the other hand, antiperspirants minimize moisture under the armpits. Their active ingredients, mainly aluminum salts, temporarily close sweat channels and thus reduce sweating. In essence, antiperspirants prevent or decrease the physical release of sweat in the treated areas. Beyond aluminum salts, antiperspirants may contain parabens and phthalates. Parabens serve as common preservatives, while phthalates contribute to the smoother application of the product.
In the current market, it's common to find products that seamlessly combine the functionalities of both deodorants and antiperspirants.
Scientists have long expressed concern about the safety of aluminum (Al) because it is present in our environment. Aluminum is an ingredient in many cosmetic products, such as antiperspirants, lipsticks, and sunscreens.
Antiperspirants contain aluminum chlorohydrate, which can enter our bodies and harm our health.
An in vitro study (under laboratory conditions) has shown that aluminum from antiperspirants can be absorbed through the skin.
A review study examined the association between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use and found no direct link. Scientists believe that new research is needed to research this controversial association.
However, a year earlier, a study came out claiming that the toxicity of aluminum is clearly proven and that recent research convincingly claims that aluminum could be involved in the processes that lead to cancer. They further claim that recent research on cells supports the hypothesis that this metal can accumulate in the mammary gland and selectively interfere with the biological properties of breast cells, thus promoting a series of changes reminiscent of the early stages of malignant transformation.
In addition, several studies suggest that the presence of aluminum in the breast may influence the metastatic process. Bearing in mind that the toxicity of aluminum is widely recognized and that it is not a physiological (natural) ingredient in human tissues, reducing the concentration of this metal in antiperspirants is urgent.
Finding and proving a direct link between the development of this insidious disease and daily exposure to inorganic aluminum compounds is a major scientific challenge. Some claim that it is safe to use cosmetic products because they contain these compounds in small concentrations. However, we mustn't overlook the cumulative effect.
This metal absorbs through the skin and accumulates in our bodies. The daily use of antiperspirants represents the highest exposure to aluminum daily.
Also, aluminum ions (Al3+) can enter the nervous system by transport across the blood-brain barrier. Another controversial link that scientists have been investigating for years is the link between the onset of Alzheimer's disease and aluminum exposure.
Studies have confirmed the presence of elevated concentrations of aluminum in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, as well as in the case of some less widespread neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. The aluminum removal by chelating agents is very beneficial in Alzheimer's patients.
A review study suggests that the origin of most age-related neurological disorders is usually unknown, but they are generally not caused by a genetic factor. Thus, unknown environmental factors drive their development. Aluminum accelerates brain aging, research shows.
Preservatives (ingredients that prevent the growth of microorganisms) are used to extend the shelf life of various foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Parabens are synthetic chemical compounds and the most popular preservatives and ingredients of these products worldwide. Considering the easy absorption of parabens by the human body, it is crucial to evaluate their health impact.
Numerous scientific studies revealed that parabens interfere with the normal functioning of natural endocrine hormones. The endocrine system is a complex structure of internal organs capable of producing hormones. Hormones are signaling molecules that the circulatory system carries to specific destinations. The proper functioning of the endocrine system is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the human body.
The Expert Panel on the Safety of Ingredients in Cosmetic Products evaluated the safety of 21 parabens as preservatives in cosmetic products. All ingredients are listed as preservatives in cosmetics.
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The panel reviewed relevant data related to the safety of these ingredients under reported conditions of use in cosmetic formulations. In conclusion, 20 of the 21 parabens within this report are safe in cosmetics at current use practices and concentrations described in this safety assessment when the total sum of parabens in any given formulation does not exceed 0.8%. However, the cumulative effect, again, must not be overlooked!
Natural deodorant is an effective and environmentally friendly product. It is a healthy option since traditional antiperspirants often contain chemicals such as parabens, aluminum, and other synthetic substances that absorb through the skin.
These chemicals are associated with health risks, including possible links to hormonal imbalance and the risk of certain diseases.
Aluminum, for example, is often used in antiperspirants to stop sweating by blocking the sweat glands. However, research has shown that long-term exposure to aluminum can cause health problems, including neurological diseases. Parabens, used as preservatives, can mimic estrogen hormones and lead to hormonal imbalance.
In addition, its use in these products can have a potentially harmful effect on the environment. Aluminum compounds reach aquatic ecosystems through municipal water, which can disrupt the ecosystem and organisms living in water. Also, aluminum can accumulate in the soil with the consequence of deterioration of the fertility and quality of the soil. Thus, aluminum can contaminate soil and water, and these changes can have cascading effects on entire ecosystems, including plants, animals, and humans.
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Given these potential environmental risks, consumers should consider switching to aluminum-free cosmetic products or choosing products with more sustainable packaging.
Coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils are usual ingredients of natural deodorants. These ingredients provide effective odor control and nourish and condition the skin without exposing it to potentially harmful chemicals.
6 Benefits of using natural deodorant:
No unpleasant odors, no compromises: Choose natural deodorant
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