Generally, people apply antiperspirant to keep their armpits dry and smell good. Antiperspirants are chemicals that reduce sweat production. This substance is found in many underarm fragrance products.
However, there are rumors that the use of antiperspirants is associated with various conditions, such as allergies, cancer, and even Alzheimer's disease. Is that right?
Antiperspirant Functions and Differences with Deodorants
Some people think that antiperspirants and deodorants are the same product, even though they have different ingredients and functions.
Antiperspirants contain ingredients that can clog sweat glands so sweat production will decrease, while deodorants contain ingredients that can eliminate body odor or underarm odor due to bacterial growth from sweat. In addition, antiperspirants are classified as drugs and deodorants, including cosmetic products.
Although they are two different substances, most of the underarm deodorizing products on the market are a combination of these two substances. However, there are also products that contain only one ingredient.
Facts about the Use of Antiperspirants and Deodorants on Health Issues
Usually, antiperspirant or deodorant products do not only consist of these two substances. A number of other ingredients, such as parabens (as a preservative), lanolin (as a moisturizer), propylene glycol or other alcohol compounds (as a solvent and emulsifier), and fragrances, are also included.
The following are some of the health issues associated with antiperspirant use and the facts:
1. Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions can occur in some people after using antiperspirants and deodorants. It is characterized by itching, red rash or bumps on the armpits. Allergies usually arise due to the use of products that contain fragrances.
If you experience these symptoms, stop using the product and consult a doctor. Doctors can give creams or ointments containing corticosteroids to relieve allergic reactions. To prevent this, choose products without added fragrances and labeled “hypoallergenic” (non-allergenic).
2. Cancer
The use of antiperspirants every day is considered to make the aluminum and paraben content absorb into the skin and trigger breast cancer.
This allegation arises because the content of these two substances is similar to estrogen. Estrogen is one of the hormones that can trigger the development of breast cancer. What's more, aluminum compounds are also thought to react directly with breast tissue.
Even so, until now, there has been no research that can prove a relationship between the use of antiperspirants or deodorants with the development of breast cancer.
3. Alzheimer's disease
Aluminum salts, such as aluminum chloride and aluminum zirconium, are active ingredients in antiperspirants. This content is thought to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
This assumption still needs to be investigated further. Because although several studies have found an increase in aluminum concentrations in the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers, the relationship between aluminum exposure and the emergence of Alzheimer's disease has not been confirmed.
4. Kidney disease
Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5 need to consult their doctor before using antiperspirant products. This is because at this stage, the kidneys can no longer filter aluminum optimally. So as much as possible the use of products containing aluminum is avoided.
Several health problems that are thought to arise due to the use of antiperspirant and deodorant products have not been proven to be true and still require further research.
If you are still worried, choose an antiperspirant and deodorant product that is free of aluminum and parabens. If excessive sweating and body odor are bothersome or if you have health problems that prevent you from using antiperspirant products, consult your doctor for proper treatment.