Women's deodorants: types, selection and use
It's hard to imagine a bathroom shelf or vanity table for a modern lady without deodorant. This tool is included in the list of mandatory purchases for women. How to choose the right product and is it true that some types of deodorants can interfere with the thermoregulation of the body? Let's talk about this in our article.
What is deodorant for?
A deodorant is a cosmetic product that fights against increased perspiration, protects against the spread of unpleasant odors, and helps in the fight against wet yellow stains on clothes.
One of the obvious tasks is to eliminate the inconvenience of increased sweating. This is the smell and unpleasant dark stains on clothes, caused by the removal of moisture from the body through the sweat glands. However, the active reproduction of pathogenic microflora not only causes an unpleasant odor, but can also provoke inflammatory processes, skin diseases. It turns out that the use of antimicrobial deodorant agents prevents such pathologies.
Some types of products not only fight odor, but also affect the functioning of the sweat glands, that is, the very mechanism of increased sweating. Naturally, this also helps to combat unpleasant odors.
Benefit and harm
The obvious benefits of deodorant are - regulation of perspiration and concealment of unpleasant odors. Such problems are not only cosmetic inconveniences. With increased sweating (especially in warmth), active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms occurs. This, as mentioned above, can provoke inflammation, skin diseases.
Medicated deodorants are used in complex therapy in the fight against hyperhidrosis. In other words, they have the same benefits as any therapeutic agent for external use: they alleviate the symptoms of the course of pathology, accelerate recovery, and reduce the risk of complications. Many medicated foot deodorants additionally fight fungal infections.
Deodorant can be harmful if it is used improperly (for example, applied to dirty skin, applied too often) or if an unsuitable or substandard product is used.
Thoughts about the dangers of deodorants based on aluminum salts can be considered too exaggerated. Contrary to popular belief, they do not clog pores, do not completely block the removal of excess moisture from the body, and do not lead to disturbances in thermoregulation.
The main thing – examine the composition of the product... The content of aluminum salts or other metals should not exceed 30% (this is the maximum that is found in drugs for the treatment of severe hyperhidrosis). Such formulations cannot be used during pregnancy, individual intolerance to a particular metal, hormonal disruptions and during puberty.
It should be understood that any component (even natural plant extract) can cause allergies. Therefore, if you have an individual intolerance to a particular ingredient, you need to carefully study the label of the product.
Views
Depending on the method of action and composition, all antiperspirants are divided into 2 groups. These are deodorants and antiperspirants. The former have the ability to suppress pathogenic microorganisms, the activity of which causes the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Besides, deodorant has a drying effect. To do this, add to its composition:
- triclosan (demonstrates the strongest antimicrobial effect);
- farnesol (inferior to the previous component in its effectiveness, however, it demonstrates a more careful attitude to the skin, does not dry it out so much);
- alcohol (has a drying effect, so it can dry out the skin greatly).
To neutralize such a negative effect, extracts of plant components, essential oils are additionally added to the composition of the product.
Antiperspirants have a triple effect. First of all, they contribute to the narrowing of the sebaceous ducts. This is achieved by mixing the components of the composition (usually aluminum salts) with sweat particles. The result is a viscous substance that settles on the walls of the sweat ducts and thereby narrows them. This helps to reduce the process of sweating.
In addition, antiperspirants contain the antimicrobial and drying agents already mentioned. They fight the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms and demonstrate a deodorizing effect. Today, most manufacturers produce antiperspirant deodorants, so this division is becoming more formal.
Women's products can have several versions of the release form.
Spray
Aerosol form of release, the product is enclosed in a can with a volume of 80-250 ml, there is a spray button. Typically, these formulations are alcohol-based. Because of this, they are not always suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin. Convenient to use: do not require drying time, do not leave a sticky layer and stains on clothes on the body, have a large coverage area.
At the same time, with careless handling, sprays can get into the eyes, mouth, nose, causing lacrimation, burns of mucous membranes. We must not forget that the aerosol is injected into the cylinder under pressure, and therefore the agent is classified as fire and explosive.
Ball
It is a deodorant that is similar in consistency to liquid soap. Produced in a container equipped with a roller ball (for this product is also called "roll-on deodorant"). The product is first applied to the ball, then to the body.That is, it is assumed that the ball is in contact with human skin, which is why this product cannot be called hygienic.
In the same time Roll-on deodorants usually show better antibacterial effects than sprays, and there are types that do not contain alcohol. Of the minuses - the need to wait a couple of minutes after application, so that the layer of deodorant is absorbed into the skin and does not leave white spots on clothes.
Gel, cream
They are tubes of gel or cream. They may have additional functions: skin softening, moisturizing, wound healing. Gel products are usually pharmacy.
Stick
A solid deodorant that resembles ordinary soap in appearance and structure. There are options with a large amount of alcohol in the composition, which makes the products unsuitable for sensitive and dry skin types. They are characterized by economical consumption, they are convenient to take with you due to their small volume and solid structure (will not leak out). However, like the roller options, such deodorants can leave a sticky feeling immediately upon application, as well as stains on clothing.
Mineral
The product is on a natural basis, looks like a mineral stone. Such deodorants are made on the basis of mineral salts, quartz stones. Helps to cope with moderate sweating, suitable for allergy sufferers, people with sensitive and dry skin. Mineral deodorants do not contain fragrances, do not mask the smell of sweat. It should be noted that such products are significantly more expensive than the usual deodorants.
Powder
Deodorant powder or talcum powder. It has a good antibacterial effect, dries up the skin, but does not mask the smell of sweat. It can be used to treat both mild and moderate hyperhidrosis.
Also, all deodorants for women can be divided into cosmetic and medical... Cosmetics are suitable for daily use and are sold in any cosmetics and household chemicals store. Medicines are intended for people with pathological sweating. Like any drug, they are used in accordance with the instructions.
Most often, such a deodorant is hypoallergenic, so it can be easily purchased by allergy sufferers.
At the place of application, you can distinguish deodorants for the body (primarily the armpits) and for the legs... Usually, medicinal products have a narrower division: here you can find both universal products (although this is quite rare), and deodorants for the body, legs, face. Depending on the presence of alcohol, they release funds for alcohol and alcohol-free.
Most deodorants have additional functions: they soften, moisturize, etc. Separately, we will highlight the perfumed deodorant, usually such products are produced along with the main scent (perfume, eau de toilette), but can be used instead of them. They are characterized by a more pronounced and persistent aroma.
Manufacturers
Let's take a look at the most popular brands of deodorants for women.
Garnier
A well-known brand, in the line of which there are products in several forms of release. Deodorants are effective and gentle on the skin. Provide protection for 48 hours, including with increased physical activity. Does not cause irritation and dryness, does not leave marks on clothes.
All deodorants from this manufacturer are perfumed, but have an unobtrusive scent that does not interrupt the sound of the main perfume.
Vichy
A remedy suitable for daily use can also be used for mild to moderate hyperhidrosis. It has several forms of release (there are funds specifically for increased activity and against stress), does not contain alcohol and can be used even after depilation. The deodorant effect lasts up to 48 hours. All products have a pleasant aroma, more pronounced at the time of application and invisible "in wear".
Rasyan
A product in the form of a crystal with a strong antibacterial effect. Suitable for dry and sensitive skin, with allergies, as well as for pregnant and lactating women... The base is aluminum alum, there are additional ingredients: green tea extract and aloe.
Crystal-only formulations are also commercially available. The deodorant is easy to apply, does not form a sticky layer, does not stain clothes. You can buy it only in specialized stores: where Korean and Japanese cosmetics and care products are sold.
Rexona
A popular cosmetic product that demonstrates the optimal balance of quality and price. Antiperspirants come in many forms, the composition is characterized by the minimum content of fragrances and fragrances. The product has a light, subtle aroma. The line of aromas is wide.
Weleda
This manufacturer relies on the safety and hypoallergenicity of products, therefore most of the products in the line are represented by roll-on deodorants, gels, sticks... The composition does not contain phthalates, aluminum salts and mineral oils, but it contains many natural ingredients.
How to choose?
First you need to decide for the purpose of using the funds. If you have severe hyperhidrosis, then it is better to use specialized pharmacy options. In addition, we must not forget that such a problem is not an independent disease, but a symptom of some other, underlying ailment. Testing is recommended.
If you need deodorant for everyday use, a cosmetic product will do. For greater reliability, it is better to give preference to antiperspirants. Modern products do not clog the skin and are suitable for frequent use. If you're worried about the smell of sweat, get a triclosan-based deodorant.
The next criterion is skin type.
- If she normal or oily almost any product will do.
- If dry and sensitive it is worth looking for a product without alcohol in the composition. Otherwise, the deodorant will only increase the dryness of the skin, provoke flaking. Usually, prolonged use of sticks leads to increased dryness of the skin. Please note that such a remedy is not the best choice for use in the summer.
Sticks in the heat quickly lose their properties.
Sprays are considered more versatile, but they are not always convenient to take with you. If you have an allergy, a mineral remedy will work. For feet, choose a deodorant in the form of a gel, cream, or powder. To cope with irritation (for example, after depilation) will help products without alcohol in the composition, but containing natural oils, vitamin E, panthenol. Deodorants with B vitamins and retinol can help speed up the healing of cuts.
Terms of use
Any deodorant is applied only to dry skin. It is recommended to take a shower, dry the skin and only then use the product. Sprays are sprayed at a distance of 15-20 cm from the body. After applying the roll-on, you need to give it 1-2 minutes to absorb.
The cream or gel must also be absorbed after application. Powder is sprinkled on the skin, the excess can be brushed off with a clean dry napkin. However, if you take the right amount of funds, such a need does not arise.
When using deodorant for your feet, it is a good idea to pre-wash and dry your feet naturally. The deodorant is applied along the entire foot and in the toes, paying particular attention to the space between the toes.
Review overview
Deodorants deserve a positive rating when it comes to affordable and suitable for daily use products. Oriflame, Avon, Faberlic, Garnier, Rexona... As for the latest brand, you can find several reviews on the network that ball-point products leave white marks.
Rasyan crystals are highly appreciated by users. They are characterized as an effective and durable product - only 50% of the purchase is consumed in a year of use. For sensitive skin, it becomes a good option Vichy... And here is the remedy Weleda takes very gentle care of the skin, but ineffective in case of excessive sweating.
The following video provides a list of budget women's deodorants that can be purchased at any store.