The armpits produce odor and humidity. It is a fact. Luckily, there are deodorants, which have been helping us to keep these inconveniences at bay for a long time as part of our hygiene routine.
Always having one on hand outside the home can help you quickly resolve an embarrassing situation, especially at work. So consider getting a travel-size one for your shoulder bag as well, or wherever you transport your personal items.
Spray, stick or roll-on, which is better?
Deodorants come in three formats: spray, stick and roll-on. If we compare good quality products, their effectiveness is very similar. But each has a series of pros and cons that can help you decide:
Pros and cons of sprays
The biggest advantage of the spray compared to other formats is that can be applied both in the armpits and on any part of the body. Because of this, many men use them as the only fragrance in certain situations.
If you don't have time to waste in the morning, spray deodorants will work well for you. The reason is that tend to dry faster than sticks and roll-ons. Generally, you are ready to go in just a couple of seconds after using it. Furthermore, brands no longer use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in their manufacture. These destroyed the ozone layer, which protects us from ultraviolet radiation.
However, they have their downsides. The main one is probably the need to use it in a well-ventilated placeBreathing it is not the most pleasant or beneficial activity in the world.
As for products, it depends a lot on the smell preferences of each one. Rexona Invisible Ice Fresh is highly rated for its fresh fragrance, which tends to last all day. Biotherm, Nivea and Ax (offering a wide variety of scents to choose from) are other spray deodorant brands worth considering.
Pros and cons of sticks and roll-ons
When it comes to sticks and roll-ons, its ability to combat sweating is considered to be slightly above sprays. The reason is that they allow you to apply a greater amount of product. Another way they outperform spray deodorants is that there is no risk of breathing them in each time they are used.
As for cons, note that they can leave residues on clothing. It is necessary to be careful in this regard and wait a bit before dressing, especially when it comes to black garments. That is usually enough to prevent staining. Finally, there is its status as a one-man product (the fact that, unlike sprays, it cannot be loaned or shared), which can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage.
L'Oréal Carbon Protect is probably the most reputable roll-on deodorant. Gillette and Sanex between the cheap and Vichy among the high-end are other of the roll-on and stick deodorants with the best ratings on the market.
Artificial deodorants vs natural deodorants
Perhaps the most important decision when buying a deodorant is not the format or the brand, but its composition. Artificial deodorants are widely questioned. The fault lies with ingredients such as aluminum, parabens or silicones. These could enter the bloodstream through the armpits and build up in the tissues with prolonged use. The body does not need these substances, so it is a good idea to look at the labels before choosing a deodorant, as well as any other hygiene product.
Natural deodorants are considered safer. They are generally made with mineral salts that do not irritate the skin. Your armpits may continue to perspire, but they form a layer that prevents odor from bacteria. The most popular is the alum stone deodorant. Its disadvantage is that it is necessary to moisten them with water before and after each application. Likewise, the stone must be dried (for example, with the towel) before putting it away.
Schmidt's is an aluminum free brand, propylene glycol, artificial fragrances and animal cruelty. It offers neutral natural deodorants, as well as different natural fragrances, such as lime with bergamot. You can choose between balm or the typical stick.
Salt of the earth, Biotherm or Saltz are other brands that clearly indicate that their deodorants do not contain aluminum or parabens. Compared to ordinary deodorants, their prices are considerably higher. Is it worth the investment? For many people, yes, since betting on natural deodorants is a smart decision for health. On the other hand, it should be noted that although it helps, it is not enough to completely get rid of the chemicals. This is a practically impossible task, since we live daily exposed to a large number of them.