Getting the Most Out of Your Deodorant

Americans spend an estimated $18 billion per year on deodorants that mask the smell of our own bodies. But did you know that the use of deodorants and antiperspirants is a relatively new phenomenon?

It’s true! Forget about having the most stylish shower doors. Prior to 1888, there were no deodorants.

In those days, most people didn’t shower daily. In fact, they were lucky if they took a bath once per week. Most people just got used to the smell of themselves and other people.

Sweat and Bacteria

Obviously, today we know more about the benefits of keeping and smelling clean. While sweat itself is essentially odorless, its moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria that can result in unpleasant body odors.

Most deodorants are a type of mild anti-bacterial that tries to kill this bacteria before it has a chance to create an odor, as well as using perfumes and other chemical aromas to mask the smell. Some deodorants also contain aluminum compounds that essentially plug the eccrine sweat glands under your arms.

Antiperspirants dry up your body’s natural perspiration before it can accumulate so that bacteria don’t have a place to reproduce.

Changing Brands

Your body’s bacteria are smart, at least when it comes to counteracting the effects of your deodorant. Sometimes bacteria found in sweat will develop an immunity to the mild antibacterials found in your deodorant, rendering it essentially ineffective.

That’s why it’s a good idea to change deodorants every six months or so, in order to counteract this resistance.

Men’s and Women’s Deodorants

Have you ever run out of deodorant and been forced to use your spouse’s? Is it okay for a man to use a woman’s deodorant, and vice versa?

The experts say “Yes”. The bacteria in your sweat can’t tell the difference between a men’s and women’s deodorant brands. Most of the difference is simply marketing and the types of perfumes they contain anyway.