Antiperspirant/Deodorant Basics

Get the lowdown on top antiperspirants and deodorants, how they work, and finding the one that works best for you. Think it’s obvious? If you’ve had a smelly day before and you don’t care to repeat it, read on to, well, refresh your memory.

Deodorant
Deodorant is probably what comes to mind first when you think of wetness and odor protection. Deodorants usually contain alcohol, which kills bacteria, and perfume. You may be surprised that deodorant isn’t dedicated to stopping sweat as much as it’s about camouflaging the smell of sweat.

While deodorants may be effective at controlling odor, they’re best when paired with an antiperspirant (see below). Those of us who prefer a natural product, though, may want to use a deodorant like one from Jason or Tom’s of Maine.

Antiperspirant
Antiperspirant is the real powerhouse in the whole sweat control equation. It actually slows down the production of sweat, so you won’t sweat as much and you’ll smell less as bacteria has less to eat. Antiperspirants generally contain aluminum based components like aluminum chloride or aluminum hydroxybromide.

While you may not find the right antiperspirant right away, you’ll be happy to know that the FDA requires that all antiperspirants stop sweat by at least 20 percent. If you’re still sweating buckets, then take a quick trip to the doctor, where prescription products have a higher concentration of aluminum components. Top prescription brands include Drysol and Maxim.

Tips

• Don’t just rely on deodorant. For the sake of others, shower regularly to have your deodorant or antiperspirant work its best.

• Choose between sticks, roll-ons, sprays, or creams. It doesn’t matter, as long as you allow it to dry before you get dressed.

• Reapply product before and after exercising.

• Keep in mind that “24-hour Protection” isn’t exactly what you’d expect. Always bring some combination deodorant/antiperspirant along with you, to reapply at lunch or at least after work, on your way out on a date, to the bar, or to another meeting.

• Don’t forget to wear an undershirt to prevent your shirt from getting sweat stained. And, please, change your undershirt when it gets stained!

• Choose clear deodorant to protect your shirts from chalky white stains. Surely you can think of a better accessory than that. Right?

• Antiperspirant is handy for other stuff, too. Did you know that a razor nick from shaving can be healed easily with a dab or two of antiperspirant? Don’t forget to wipe the top of your bar of deodorant before applying it to a cut.