Is it necessary to change the deodorant as we do with the cream?

Just as we adapt our clothes and accessories to each season, we have long known that we must also do the same with our daily beauty routine. Thus, during the summer we tend to resort to lighter textures and fresher aromas, while in winter we opt for more unctuous creams and formulas and active ingredients that are not so appropriate for the sunnier months. And it is exactly the same with body cosmetics: with the arrival of autumn we substitute sunscreens for intense exfoliants and lotions that regenerate the skin from the ravages of the holidays. But what about deodorants? Is it necessary to have different references that adapt to the different situations related to sweat that we experience throughout the year? We tell you everything you need to know about this daily hygiene product.

What is sweat and what types are there?

“Sweating is a normal physiological mechanism essential to regulate body temperature, helping to cool the body when its temperature rises,” he explains. Manuel Fernández Lorente, dermatologist Pedro Jaén Group. In the presence of certain stimuli that increase said body temperature (stress, fear, ambient heat, eating food and / or spicy drinks …), our hypothalamus sends a signal mediated by a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine that orders the sweat glands to secrete sweat. When it reaches the surface of the skin, it evaporates and cools, managing to lower the thermal degrees ”, he continues.

In general terms, there are a couple of reasons why we sweat: when the body temperature increases due to environmental heat or physical activity, or when we are subjected to some situation that generates stress. In this way, sweat can be divided into two types, as explained by the doctor:

Sweat secreted by the eccrine sweat glands. These glands are distributed throughout the skin and secrete a sweat composed almost entirely of water and a small fraction of mineral salts and amino acids. It is colorless and odorless.

Sweat secreted by apocrine sweat glands. These glands are located in very specific areas (armpits, genitals, scalp …) and secrete sweat containing lipids that favors the proliferation of bacteria responsible for body odor. Adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress-related hormones come into play.

Deodorant versus antiperspirant

“Antiperspirant deodorants are those that act by blocking the sweat glands and, therefore, prevent sweating. Non-antiperspirant deodorants (known as deodorants, no more) are those whose mechanism of action consists of reducing and controlling bacterial populations on the skin, preventing them from breaking down sweat and giving rise to volatile compounds that cause bad odor ”, clarify the experts from the brand’s technical team Cocunat.

Depending on your objective, or the problem you have, you will have to choose one or the other. However, there is something important that the dermatologist says you should keep in mind: “Antiperspirants must be applied at night. They should be spread on completely dry skin, before going to bed, and left to act overnight. This is how they enter through the holes where the sweat glands enter the skin and therefore have their effect, since while we sleep it is the time of day when the armpits are driest. In the morning you should wash the area with soap and water, and then apply the deodorant ”. In addition, you should know that these irritate the skin if a large amount is used or if they are used daily; That is why it is advisable to use them 3-4 times a week, at the most.

There is a myth that you have to change products periodically because it is losing effectiveness, but experts say that is not true. “The problem is that certain people, especially patients with atopic skin, can develop sensitivity to perfume over time. In other words, using the same deodorant for a long period of time can make them sensitive and develop contact eczema. But this alone is not something generalized ”, affirms Fernández Lorente.

To know what your body needs on a daily basis, a good option is to think about what day is waiting for you, and if it seems to be more stressful than normal, you will need extra protection. In this case, opt for a deodorant that contains arrowroot powder, vegetable charcoal or tapioca starch, which are active ingredients that absorb sweat. The rest of the days, a softer one will be perfect to keep the sweat secreted by the eccrine sweat glands.

What ingredients to avoid in deodorants and why

“The synthetic does not have to be toxic, in the same way that the natural does not always have to be innocuous. There are certain synthetic and natural ingredients that we should avoid in deodorants ”, they report from Cocunat, brand from which they list which ones should not incorporate a deodorant to be called ‘toxic free’:

Aluminum salts and derivatives. Is he The main active ingredient in antiperspirants and works by blocking the sweat glands. Given the closeness of the armpits to the breasts, several scientists and studies suggest the possibility of a relationship between aluminum salts and breast cancer.

Silver (colloidal / nano). It acts on the bacterial population, but as this compound is easily oxidized to Ag + (toxic ion), products containing this compound are not safe.

Sodium bicarbonate. It works on the bacterial population, the sodium bicarbonate increases the pH of the medium, thus preventing the bacteria from performing their function. But you must not forget that this component is an alkaline and abrasive substance and, therefore, it can be little respectful to the skin. The continued use of deodorants with this component can cause itching and local irritation to the skin.

Alcohol. Eliminates the bacterial population and helps keep the armpit dry. The drier the skin, the less bacteria grow on it, but we can find an unwanted effect such as irritation of the dermis.

Your allies

Fresh Ringana Deodorant. This water in oil contains frankincense, essential oils and silica to provide the skin not only deodorant active substances, but also vegetable oils and natural moisturizers. Protects from unwanted odors by dispensing with aluminum salts and supports the natural function of the skin that regulates sweat (23.60 euros).

Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant. Its formula, which contains 98% ingredients of natural origin, is effective for 24 hours. Neutralizes odors, reduces bacteria responsible for bad odor, hydrates and calms. It does not contain aluminum salts, alcohol, silicones, or sodium bicarbonate and is suitable for all skin types (12.60 euros).

Unbeatable de Cocunat. This toxic free and vegan bacteria neutralizer provides 2 to 7 odor free with a single application. It controls the bacteria that cause odor, absorbs sweat and removes moisture from the skin (19.95 euros).

Payot Neutral Roll-On Deodorant. Neutralizes odors and absorbs moisture to provide a feeling of freshness for 24 hours. Its fluid texture and fast absorption formulation is composed of 95% natural ingredients, such as sage oil, horsetail extract and bamboo powder (19 euros).

Vichy Roll-on 48h Anti-perspirant Treatment. Its antiperspirant active ingredients in microparticles act directly on the heart of the sweat pores for 48 hours. Hypoallergenic formula, without alcohol and without perfume, and tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control (11.20 euros).

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