John Myers
Maximum perspiration protection: An antiperspirant keeps you dry even on hot days or during heavy physical exertion. But how does the product work and what should be considered when using it? We explain everything you need to know.
These are antiperspirants
While an ordinary deodorant with active ingredients such as scented oils or alcohol only reduces the smell of armpit wetness, an antiperspirant reduces the flow of sweat. How it works? Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts that narrow the pores of sweat. As a result, less or no sweat penetrates to the surface of the skin in the treated areas. This will prevent excessive sweating and also reduce any odours. They only develop when sweat that has escaped is decomposed by bacteria in the air.
An antiperspirant works fundamentally differently than a classic deodorant. Antiperspirants without aluminum do not yet exist. Good to know: Depending on the product, antiperspirants are not only effective under the armpits. There are also antiperspirants for the face, foot antiperspirants and hand antiperspirants, among others. In short: This helper works in all places where you sweat an undesired amount.
Sounds too good to be true? Unfortunately, aluminum salts quickly irritate sensitive or dry skin and can provoke itching and redness.
Tips on using antiperspirants
Whether spray, cream, or roll-on: antiperspirant deodorants as well as aluminum-free deodorants are available in many forms. However, the use of antiperspirants has its own guidelines. So you should not apply the product in the morning after showering, but ideally in the evening. Because: The sweat glands are less active at this time of the day. This allows the aluminum salt to take effect overnight.
Also, only use the product on dry and unbroken skin. So wait at least 24 hours after shaving before applying your antiperspirant. It is also advisable not to use the welding protection every day. In this way, you also minimize the potential health risk that is repeatedly suspected with aluminum salts. A risk that has not yet been sufficiently scientifically proven.
If you’re looking for an alternative, try our guide to homemade spray and roll-on deodorant.
