If you usually sweat too much, you’ve probably considered using an antiperspirant to contain the devastating effects of this condition. However, you might be hesitating to do so, possibly because of the numerous myths and misconceptions you’ve read on social media or heard from family and friends. But is all that true?
If some rumor you read or heard is the reason you are not using an antiperspirant to control your sweating, fret no more. Read on as we debunk 5 of the most common antiperspirant myths, so you can tell myths from facts.
Myth #1: You Should Apply It in The Morning
Many believe that the morning is the best time to apply antiperspirant. But that’s not true.
Antiperspirants work by blocking the pores on the outer skin layer, thus reducing sweating. For that reason, the best time to apply is at night before going to bed. This is because you are less likely to sweat in your sleep, giving the active ingredients in the antiperspirant enough time to do the clogging.
After waking up, you could top up with an extra coat, and that should do for a smell-free day. But it doesn’t cause any harm to do a touch-up during the day if you feel the need to.
However, for people with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), the average antiperspirant may not do. It would help to use clinical strength antiperspirant that is much stronger and effective in controlling sweating.
Myth #2: Antiperspirants Cause Cancer
A simple search on the internet or social media will reveal numerous stories that antiperspirants cause cancer. Most of these unconfirmed cases argue that the ingredients such as aluminum, parabens, and others present in these products are likely to seep through the skin, causing a cancerous growth in the breast.
However, the National Cancer Institute maintains that there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause breast cancer or any other type of cancer.
Myth #3: Antiperspirant and Deodorants Are the Same
Many people use antiperspirants and deodorants interchangeably. However, these two are not the same and do not really serve the same purpose.
While both are designed to control body odor, antiperspirant works by reducing the amount of sweat flowing from your armpit sweat pores. On the other hand, deodorants limit the growth of bacteria under your armpit, which is responsible for the foul odor, ensuring you smell fresh for longer.
In simple terms, antiperspirants are better suited for people suffering from hyperhidrosis, while deodorants will keep you smelling fresh all day.
Myth #4: Antiperspirant Causes Kidney Disease
All antiperspirants are supposed to carry an FDA warning label advising users to consult a doctor before using if they have kidney disease. However, the FDA requires the warning label because large doses of aluminum are harmful to people with kidneys whose function is less than 30%.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, the amount of aluminum present in an antiperspirant application every morning is negligibly low to cause any harm to the kidneys.
Myth #5: Antiperspirant Prevents the Body from Releasing Toxins
The kidneys and the liver are the primary organs responsible for removing toxins from the bloodstream. This usually happens through urine and sweat.
Although the underarm is one of the parts that sweating takes place in, it accounts for a negligible percentage of toxin excretion. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that antiperspirants can prevent the body from releasing toxins.
Wrapping Up
There you have them. Five common myths about antiperspirant debunked. You can now go ahead and get your favorite antiperspirant to keep yourself dry and smelling fresh all day long, even during the hot summer months.
