Many people probably think that deodorants and antiperspirants are the same thing, but they aren’t.

Actually, antiperspirants work by blocking the pores “thanks” to aluminum salts so that they can’t release sweat.

Important thing is that aluminum linked to serious health effects, from Alzheimer’s disease to virulent cancers can accumulate in the brain.

Scary isn’t it?

As we all know, antiperspirants stay on our bodies for hours, so this allows harmful chemicals to be absorbed through the skin. 

Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria.

Deodorant allows the release of perspiration, but prevents odor by combating it with antiseptic agents, which kill odor-causing bacteria.

Antiperspirant label may list aluminum as: 

•    potassium aluminum sulfate
•     ammonium aluminum sulfate
•      aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly
•      aluminum chlorohydrate

The safest way for you is to choose natural hair care and skin products as well as natural deodorants.

Some medical professionals believe that blocking the pores and obstructing the body’s natural method of lowering body temperature is unhealthy. More important, many believe that the chemicals used in antiperspirants, specifically aluminum compounds, may be linked to serious health problems.

Also, a handful of studies show a connection between the regular use of antiperspirant and the risk of breast cancer. At least one study shows the risk to be elevated if antiperspirant is applied directly after shaving underarms.

There is also research that indicates that aluminum compounds can be absorbed into the blood stream, and eventually build up in the brain. Researchers have tied this phenomenon to the increase in cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

Deodorant was believed to be a safer alternative, but a new study unfortunately links parabens found in many deodorants to breast cancer as well. Healthcare professionals and some health agencies claim the cited studies are flawed, and believe that any danger thought to be caused by antiperspirants or deodorants is just a myth. However, there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue.

Best way for you is to use natural alternatives. Natural deodorants are available in many health stores and online, and may provide a healthier choice. Consumers should still read labels to insure that such products do not contain dangerous chemicals. Not everything that is advertised as “natural” is made from 100% natural ingredients.

Natural deodorants do not act as antiperspirants to block sweat but are made of natural anti bacterial agents and perfumes which limit the bad odor.

You can choose from crystals to sprays and roll-ons. They are good for sensitive skins and contain natural anti-bacterial ingredients and essential oils for scent. Naturally deodorizing ingredients to look out for are witch hazel, lichen extract, sage, calendula, lavender and tea tree. You should know that talc also absorbs moisture but could encourage bacterial growth.

Natural deodorants may not sound great but their results are generally
pretty good, especially if you do not sweat too much. They protect the skin a lot better than shop-bought ones do and they control the sweat and simply eliminate the odour naturally without clogging up the pores. 

Create your own natural deodorant

Some people make homemade natural deodorant, mixing equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda adding a few drops of essential oil for fragrance applied with a damp wash cloth. This mix kills off the odor-producing bacteria.

Creating your own deodorant isn’t as hard as you may think. It all depends upon whether you want to cover your body odor up completely or you just want to enhance your own natural scent.

What we eat affects our bodies in a large variety of ways.  Try to cut down alcohol, junk food and meat. The best food for reducing body odor is yoghurt as controls and changes the bacteria within the body and this helps to neutralize any body odors.  

Peppermint and sage can improve your body odor. Sage can be used in a cup of tea and peppermint can be added to water and it should be drunk every hour or so.

You may also try to blend lemon and orange peel to create a powder and then simply rub the powder onto the skin and you will have a really good, fruity deodorant. 

Generally there are hundreds of natural deodorant recipes online which you can try. They are better for your skin and do work surprisingly well.

So now…you are left to make your own judgments.