Antiperspirants, Deodorants, And Aluminum
We all sweat and at times, well stink. Whether it is a hot humid day, in the gym or just under stress about a meeting or speaking engagement without a little protection, well you get it. What is the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants? We have heard about aluminum, but is it bad in underarm products?
Antiperspirants VS. Deodorants
It seems that the terms antiperspirant and deodorant are interchangeable but they are not. An antiperspirant works by actually preventing perspiration from happening. Deodorants, however, actually allow you to perspire but block the odor by killing the bacteria that causes the odor. Because we were meant to perspire it would make sense for you to use deodorant because it is a more natural process. I can’t think of anyone who would like to be smelly but many of us do not like to sweat either. So, what is the problem and what is the answer?
Many the products that are on the market today contain aluminum as an active ingredient. As I said in an earlier blog, aluminum is a neurotoxin meaning it affects the nervous system. That being said aluminum free products would be the best to use, and anymore they are pretty easy to find.
Because many deodorants contain aluminum and processed fragrances, and other components, many people find that they are sensitive to them. [1] Irritation under your arms is an indication that you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. This is usually to the aluminum which is toxic to the body. This is particularly dangerous to women because aluminum has been associated with breast cancer and just think how close your underarms are to your breasts. Aluminum has also been associated with other health problems, [2] [3] [4] such as: Alzheimer’s Disease, bone problems and osteoporosis and kidney problems.
What To Look For...
First and foremost, aluminum-free deodorants. Look for ones that contain all natural ingredients and essential oils. Care must be taken when choosing aluminum free because that alone may not be enough. According to the Environmental Working Group some aluminum-free deodorants are still high risk. They can contain chemicals like triclosan and propylene glycol. Triclosan is perhaps a fiercer endocrine disruptor than propylene glycol, so try to avoid it. This article contains a recipe for making your own deodorant using natural ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil.
What Is Triclosan?
According to an article published by the FDA, triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, deodorants and some cosmetics — products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also can be found in clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys — products not regulated by the FDA.
How Safe Is Triclosan?
Some short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones. But we don’t know the significance of those findings to human health. Other studies have raised the possibility that exposure to triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. At this time, we don’t have enough information available to assess the level of risk that triclosan poses for the development of antibiotic resistance.
There are other ongoing studies that involve the safety of triclosan. One is a study investigating the potential of developing skin cancer after a long-term exposure to triclosan in animals. Another is a study on the potential breakdown of triclosan to other chemicals on human skin after exposure to triclosan to ultraviolet (UV) rays. At this time, neither study has been completed.
How Can I Tell If There Is Triclosan In A Product?
Antibacterial soaps, deodorants and body washes, and fluoride toothpastes are considered over the counter (OTC) drugs. If an OTC drug contains triclosan, it should be listed as an ingredient on the label, in the Drug Facts box.
Propylene Glycol And Some Dangers
According to an article written by Dr.Axe, a typical adverse reaction to propylene glycol is mild skin irritation. Usually, this happens in people who are allergic to the chemical and subsides after a short period of time after the body has had time to break down the compound. (5)
If exposed to the eyes, propylene glycol can cause mild conjunctivitis. This is also referred to as “pink eye.”
Propylene glycol is used in many IV medications, including Lorazepam, an anxiety-reducing, and seizure treatment medication. This drug is often administered to patients with extensive burns as sedation during the healing process or to psychiatric patients. When given Lorazepam for an extended period of time in large doses, clinicians have discovered possible kidney issues in the form of increased creatinine levels in the blood. (6) Generally, creatinine (a product of muscle breakdown and growth) remains inconsistent levels in the bloodstream. Excess creatinine is a sign that the kidney is unable to process compounds at a normal rate.
People who already operate with poor kidney function are unlikely to be able to process propylene glycol efficiently and should avoid exposure when possible.
A 2007 study from the University of Connecticut assessed the treatment of propylene glycol toxicity and also noted it can be dangerous for those with liver problems. (7)
On an interesting, positive note, propylene glycol might actually have the ability to protect your liver from damage done by the common headache medication, acetaminophen. (8)
4. Neurological Symptoms
The one area in which the CDC’s toxicity profile negatively assessed propylene glycol was in the area of neurological symptoms. When taken orally and tested by patch test to find the amount of the chemical still in their system, a number of people were found to have varying degrees of neurological issues, including stupor, convulsions and other unspecified “severe mental symptoms.”
The Take Home
With new evidence and reports of adverse reactions staring us in the face, it is difficult to ignore the potential danger of so many health and beauty items on the market. What it boils down to, however, is that each of us has to take the initiative and actively seek out the products that are healthier for us.
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