The Centenarian

Most people assume that there is not much difference between antiperspirant and deodorant, but you might be surprised. Antiperspirants use chemicals to obstruct pores, which prevents the release of perspiration. Deodorants, on the other hand, allow perspiration to occur but counteract the odor.

Many people worry that they will offend others if they forego using antiperspirant. Even if they use a deodorant to minimize unpleasant odor, they may be uncomfortable with appearing “sweaty” or fear that they are just covering up one smell with another.

Contrary to popular opinion, most deodorants do not just cover up odor with fragrance. They actually have antiseptic properties that work to kill bacteria, which is what causes odor to begin with.

However, both products may have adverse effects on your health. 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.

While the subject continues to encounter heated debate, at least 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 links parabens found in many deodorants to breast cancer as well. One study used autopsy results from women who died of breast cancer, which discovered parabens in their breast tissue. For many professionals as well as consumers, this is enough of a correlation to cause concern.

Some members of the medical community are not convinced that there is any validity to these concerns. 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.

This subject is likely to be debated for some time, and further study is indicated. In the mean time, consumer watchdogs as well as some health professionals advise consumers to reconsider using antiperspirants. They also advise checking deodorant labels to insure that they do not contain parabens.

Increasing questions about the safety of everyday products have led many people to choose 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.

Some people have gone so far as to make homemade natural deodorant, mixing equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch and adding a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. This mixture can be applied by dabbing it on with a damp cloth. This concoction washes away easily and is believed to be a safer alternative than some of the commercial products available today.

Sweat of any person is without fragrance. Sweat makes lots of bacteria and smells.

One should use deodorants to control the growth of bacteria and smells.

There are large numbers of deodorants from many reputed companies available in the market.

People can easily make deodorants at home in a few minutes.

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Homemade Deodorants:
Stick Homemade Deodorant
Ingredients:

* 2 ounces of baking soda
* Vodka about one ounce
* Beeswax- 8 ounces
* Cornstarch—4 ounces
* Liquid chorophyll—1 ounce
* Distilled water—about 2 ounces
* 10-15 drops of rose, honeysuckle, coriander oil according to the choice

Procedure:

Except chorophyll and wax, put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix and stir well. And then melt beeswax in a double boiler at low heat. After this add chorophyll and wax and blend it gently. Now leave it for cooling by before solid, mix essential oils and liquid clorophyll. And after this pour this mixture into a mold and leave it for solid. Remove the prepared deodorants from mold and keep in dry cool place.
No-Sweat Tea – homemade deodorants
Ingredients:

* One full teaspoon of dried hops
* One full teaspoon of fresh rose petals
* Stinging nettle, one teaspoon
* Four full cups of hot water
* Dried leaves of strawberry, one teaspoon
* Dried leaves of sage, three full tablespoons
* Fresh leaves of walnut-one full teaspoon

Procedure:

Take and Mix all ingredients and steep them for about 60 minutes. After this, strain the tea and take with honey.
Cream Deodorant
Ingredients:

* Glycerine one full tablespoon
* Cocoa butter—half ounce
* Rosewater one full tablespoon
* Beeswax—half ounce

Procedure:

Take beeswax and cocoa butter in a large boiler and melt them well. And then add rosewater and glycerine after removing from heat. After this, add a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus, lemon, sage, calendula, lavender, coriander, thyme or rosemary. If cream is separated, stir the deodorants before using it.
Herbal Deodorant Powder
Ingredients:

* Take one part of powder of white oak bark as an astringent
* Take two parts of powder of sandalwood for anti-microbal and fragrance properties
* Take one part of powder of lovage root

Procedure:

Take all powder in a food processor and blend them well until all powders change into a fine powder. Transfer this powder into a dry or clean iron skillet. Before using it pat bags on the feet and under arms.
Deodorizing Foot Bath:
Ingredients:

* Take 5-6 tablespoon of Epson salts
* White vinegar half cup
* Warm water about one gallon

Procedure:

Mix all ingredients and Soak the dirty feet in the solution to prevent sweat and bad smell.
Sage Deodorizing Foot Powder
Ingredients:

* Sage essential oil—2 or 3 drops
* Baking powder—One full tablespoon

Procedure:

Mix oil and baking powder in a bowl and shake well. And then leave it to dry for a few minutes.

Filed under: Body on December 26th, 2007