You would never want to leave your house with a body odour and for that relying on a deodorant is the best option. But have you ever thought – is your deodorant safe?
Deodorants are substances which are applied to the body to get rid of body odor which is usually caused by bacterial growth due to perspiration in armpits, feet and other areas of the body. To overcome such problems deodorant comes handy!
But applying deodorant can be dangerous in the long run, say experts. The substance can cause breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and different skin problems.
“Some may develop irritation and allergies due to the deodorant leading to itching, burning, rashes and bumps. While in the past, there were fears of aluminum in deodorant & antiperspirant products causing breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Rickson Pereira, Consulting Dermatologist at Dr. Minal’s Dermatherapie Centre.
Deodarant Vs Antiperspirant
A deodorant is designed to mask bad odor. The alcohol in the deodorant reduces bacterial activity on the skin which is responsible for the production of the odor. On the other hand an antiperspirant contains aluminum chlorohydrate or zirconium salts or both, which reduces the production of sweat.
When you say deodorant you often talk about a single product that contains both deodorant and an antiperspirant. Most people think that deodorants and antiperspirants are the same thing, but they aren't. Deodorants are designed to eliminate odor, they are alcohol based with antimicrobials such as triclosan to slow bacterial growth. They may contain perfume fragrances or natural essential oils to mask the odor of perspiration.
“Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents such as aluminium salts so that they can't release sweat. Antiperspirants are typically applied to the underarms, whereas deodorants can also be used on feet and other areas,” explains Dr. Anu Jain, Consulting Dermatology at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
She added, “Deodorants are classified and regulated as cosmetics by US FDA, whereas antiperspirants are classified as drugs.”
Regular and prolonged use may induce several health problems:
• Compounds of aluminium, zinc and zirconium, which are astringent salts can cause skin irritation, inflammation and rashes
• Compounds of zinc and zirconium can be toxic to lungs if inhaled
• Prolonged use of antiperspirants can cause underarms nodules/granulomas
• Triclosan in deodorants can cause liver damage
• Propellants used in aerosol spray can cause cardiac arrhythmias if inhaled in high concentration
• Aerosols carry a risk of being accidentally sprayed into the eyes
Is it necessary to use a deodorant?
A new research shows that more than 75 per cent of the people with a particular genotype do not produce under-arm odor but use deodorant anyway. This implies that most of the people, who are using deodorants, actually do not require them.
While artificial deodorants have aplenty harmful effects, a good option is to opt for natural ones.
What are natural deodorants?
“Conventional deodorants invariably contain antiperspirants that interfere with natural sweating of the body. Natural deodorants use natural herbs and plant extracts to stop your sweat from breaking down and smelling bad. Natural deodorants are free from PEGs, parabens, aluminium compounds and antibacterials like triclosan,” said Dr. Anu.
Why choose a natural deodorant over an antiperspirant?
Deodorants do not interfere with sweating, a natural process of body for cooling. They just make the skin more acidic and unfriendly for bacteria. Antiperspirants should only be used on advice of dermatologists for conditions of excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.
Make your own deodorant
In order to prevent body odor, Dr. Nipun Jain, Senior Consultant, Dermatology at Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Instiute, suggests some indigenous methods instead of deodorants:
• Use baking soda and water and apply on areas like under the arms.
• Use alum (phitkari) in water and add some mint leaves in it.
• You can add rose water to bath water as it works as a natural coolant.
• Use a citrus fruit like lemon which changes the pH level of your skin, making it more acidic. All bacteria, including the odor-causing kinds, have a hard time surviving in a highly acidic environment.
• Eat plenty of spinach and green leafy vegetables which are rich in chlorophyll, as they have a powerful deodorizing effect in your body.
However if you wish to apply the artificial deodorants, Dr. Rickson points out to look for the terms ‘hypoallergenic’ and ‘sensitive skin’ on the label. Besides, avoid deodorants with aerosols.
