Dear
readers, there is a common error that we all make, especially when it comes to
personal hygiene and we are left with the option to pick either deodorant or
antiperspirant—the belief that deodorant and antiperspirant are one and the
same. This is because, many times, people use the word deodorant and
antiperspirant interchangeably. Let’s get the straight. The only similarity
between these two products is that they help in controlling body odor. That is
all. Aside from that these two products differ significantly in their functions
and ingredients. 

To
know which of these products is right for you, continue reading this article to
find out what deodorant and antiperspirant are, what makes them different, and
the pros and cons of using them.

Deodorants
control body odor by masking or neutralizing them. It accomplishes this by
preventing or minimizing the bacteria under your arms that feed on the protein
in your sweat which causes it to smell, horribly, resulting in body odor. They
usually contain antimicrobial ingredients and fragrance that helps you keep
your underarm smelling fresh all day. According to the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), deodorants are classified as cosmetic.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Very gentle on the skin, especially for those that
have sensitive skin.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A more natural option as it does not contain chemicals
like aluminum and parabens which have been linked to some health problems. It
is also a better option for those who are very concerned about aluminum
contents in their body products.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Does not stop you from sweating, especially if you
sweat a lot.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Might not give you long-lasting protection against
body odor as the odor-masking effect might fade after a while after application.
&nbsp;

Antiperspirant,
on the other hand, controls body odor by reducing the sweat that reaches your
skin surface. This is because it contains aluminum-based ingredient which forms
a temporary barrier on the skin surface, blocking the sweat glands in your
underarm from producing sweat. Antiperspirant unlike deodorant is not
classified as a cosmetic but rather as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA.
This means that is governed by stricter regulations than deodorant.
Antiperspirants come in various forms including creams, sprays (this is the one
I am sure you are used to seeing), powders, and roll-ons. 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prevents you from sweating which is very beneficial
for those who sweat a lot.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;It provides
long-lasting protection against wetness and odor due to the sweat-blocking
effect of antiperspirant. 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Many people have worries regarding the active
ingredient—aluminum—in antiperspirants due to the supposed health risk when
used for a long time. However, there is no conclusive evidence as to the link
between the long-term use of this product and any serious health issues.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If not well formulated, antiperspirant when sprayed
over time, can leave white marks and yellow stains on your clothes. Not nice at
all. 

Now
to the main question, which of these products should you use? Well, the answer
is quite simple. I mean now that you understand the differences between these
products, this should be quite a simple question to answer. But, let me help
you.

To
determine which of these products is right for you, you simply have to look at
the specific concern you are trying to tackle. What I mean is that, if you
struggle with excessive sweating and you want to stay dry throughout the day,
then antiperspirant is your best buddy for this. However, if you do not have
this concern, and you just want to smell fresh all day, then deodorant is the
right choice for you. If you ask me, I fall in the second category and my fave
deodorant, which I recommend to anyone, anytime, is the Old Spice Pure Sport
deodorant— it is the baba of all
deodorant. Yes, I said it! Quote me anywhere. Also, you can choose either of
these products based on preference. If you are concerned about using a product
with less chemical content, then deodorant is for you. But if you are not
really bothered about the chemical content, then you can choose an
antiperspirant.

For
my people who want the best of both worlds— smell fresh all day and not sweat—then
there is the perfect option for you as there is such a product. It is labeled
as ‘<a href="https://www.jumia.com.ng/rexona-women-cotton-dry-antiperspirant-deodorant-aerosol-200ml-98661415.html">antiperspirant deodorant</a>.’ It is also a perfect option if you are indecisive
as to whether to use they need a deodorant or an antiperspirant.

The
takeaway here is that it’s entirely up to you, your choice and preference on
which of them is right for you. Both deodorant and antiperspirant are effective
in eliminating body odor as they help maintain the hygiene and freshness of the
underarm in their own special way. So, pick your struggle and assist those around you by smelling better. T for Tenks.

Confused about whether to use a deodorant or an antiperspirant? This article breaks down the differences between the two and helps you decide which one is best for your needs.

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