Demoting Deodorant
As a young teen I was introduced to deodorant as part of my daily routine. I can't honestly recall how, but I suspect it was mostly via peer conversations and TV adverts. I certainly don't remember my parents telling me anything.
Since then it's been a routine in the morning. Get up, shave, shower, and spray on my deodorant of choice. If I am going out later in the day I might refresh with more spray. The brand of choice has not changed often in all these years, although more recently I've settled on an eco-friendly style.
I certainly would never use antiperspirant (yes there is a difference) -- for reasons outlined later.
Is it absolutely necessary?
Around six months ago I started wondering if it was really necessary to apply after a shower. I was clean and fresh, so why spray some chemicals on me?
As an experiment I decided not to contaminate myself for a few days. It very quickly became obvious that there was no difference. I was starting to go off and smell unpleasant later in the day.
I extended my trial, and decided I would apply it later in the day if I felt I needed a burst of scent.
Time has ticked on and I can count on one hand how many times I've used deodorant as part of my process. Occasionally I've given myself a spritz before we go out for a meal or other evening event.
Not everyone is equal
I accept we are not all the same. If I worked in a particularly physical job, or produced a lost of sweat, I'd be topping up the freshness during the day.
I am saving a surprising amount of cash and not dousing myself in more chemicals.
Antiperspirant / Deodorant - the difference
I thought I'd add a few paragraphs to help educate on the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant.
Deodorant is, in most cases, a simple scent which you either spray on, or apply as a substance via a roll-on/cream. It is designed to mask the scent produced by the breakdown of bacteria which occurs during natural perspiration. Some people perspire more than others. The more damp we are, the greater the opportunity for bacteria to grow and eventually produce odours which can be unpleasant. We can perspire from any part of our skin, in varying amounts -- it's how we cool down. However, sheltered areas, such as under the arms and groin, don't allow evaporation of the sweat easily so it accumulates and smells. Washing your body and clothes will of course keep you fresh.
Antiperspirant is different to deodorant. It has the pleasant smelling scent that we all expect from deodorant, but there are added chemicals.
Typically aluminium chloride (or derivatives) is added to the mix. These react (interfere) with the chemicals on the skin's surface and actually block the sweat glands with a micro gel-like substance. This stops you perspiring in the treated area, therefore no opportunity for bacteria to grown. Your skin will feel very dry and you may notice it when washing the area with soap. Some antiperspirants even claim to protect you for 48 hours.
I can't think why I would want to actually block my skin's natural process. If my body needs to cool down it should not be hindered; that's not healthy.
If you feel you perspire excessively it is worth speaking to your doctor about hyperhidrosis rather than trying to treat it yourself with an antiperspirant.
Summary
For me, it works. I do not need to continually cover myself in chemical and I do not smell unpleasant. On occasion, when I need to, I will apply some.
What are your views? Am I in the minority?