All About Antiperspirants for Women & Natural Antiperspirants for Hands

In this article, we will learn with antiperspirant means, how to choose antiperspirants for women and natural antiperspirants for hands.

Before we begin, let us understand what antiperspirant means.

Antiperspirant vs Deodorant

A deodorant is a substance in liquid form, which prevents bad body odor when sprayed on the underarms and other areas where sweat generally accumulates. On the other hand, antiperspirant means a liquid substance that comes in spray bottles, which not only prevents bad body odor, but also reduces sweating. This is because of they primarily contain aluminum. Hence, antiperspirants have the ability to prevent excessive sweating and keep body odor at bay for as long as 48 hours without the need for reapplication. On the other hand, deodorants offer odor control for up to 24 hours.

Which one should you choose? Simple. If you have a relaxing day indoors, choose a deodorant. In case you have a long day full of meetings & travelling, opt for an antiperspirant.

Antiperspirants for Women

You need to be aware of the following ingredients in antiperspirants while choosing the right antiperspirants for women, especially women with sensitive skin.

1) Alcohol:
Alcohol tends to dry up quickly and leaves a cool feeling on the skin. Hence, active antiperspirant ingredients, such as aluminum, are dissolved in alcohol. It is commonly used in aerosols, gels, and roll-on antiperspirants. However, alcohol is likely to cause dryness, itching, and irritation in women with sensitive skin. Hence, it is recommended for women with sensitive skin to opt for either antiperspirant sticks or products that are alcohol-free.

2) Aluminum
Aluminium compounds have the ability to stop the flow of moisture temporarily by plugging the sweat ducts. This property of aluminum is likely to cause skin irritation. Hence, it is important for women with sensitive skin to opt for antiperspirants that have a milder form of aluminum as the main ingredient, such as aluminum sesquichlorohydrate.

3) Parabens
Some of the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetic products are parabens. Chemically, they are a series of esters or parahydroxybenzoates of parahydroxybenzoic acid. They have been found to cause disruption in hormone function, as they are known to mimic estrogen. Excessive estrogen can result in the formation of tumors in the breasts. Hence, parabens are also considered to be a cause of breast cancer and reproductive disorders. Owing to these reasons, major antiperspirant brands have started avoiding the use of parabens, and it is highly recommended for women in general to opt for cosmetics/beauty products that are paraben-free.

4) Fragrance
Fragrances in the form of perfumes play an important role in masking body odor because of their ability to add a pleasant and refreshing smell. However, perfumes can also cause skin irritation, rashes, and sensitivity. People with sensitive skin are normally advised to stop using antiperspirants and opt instead for deodorants that contain natural fragrances. It is important to check the labels for ingredients such as perfume and parfum, and avoid those products that contain them. Even thought the antiperspirant effect is not likely to last long, at least there won't be any skin irritation. These products will at the most require re-application every few hours.

Antiperspirant for Hands

Summer is approaching, and it can be a hard time for those who sweat profusely, especially on the hands and feet. In case of armpits and other areas, you can easily spray a deodorant or antiperspirant. Also, maintaining the right hygiene practices, such as using a natural body wash that contains essential oils, such as lavender, and a refreshing face wash also goes a long way in keeping body odor at bay.

However, in case of hands it is not possible to do so. Although there are antiperspirants available in the market for the hands in the form of gels, roll-ons and ointments, there are a few natural remedies that are effective antiperspirants for hands.

Some of these antiperspirants for hands have been listed below:

1) Baking Soda
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of water, and dip your hands in it for 30 minutes. Rinse with regular water and pat dry.

2) Rose Water
Rub rose water on your hands and feet. Once it dries, it will leave a refreshing mild rose fragrance, which will refresh the skin on the hands as well as prevent perspiration.

3) Lemon
Rub a mixture of lemon juice and salt on your hands. Wash off once it is dry. It will reduce perspiration and impart a mild citrus fragrance to the hands.

4) Corn Starch
Simply dust corn starch on your hands, focusing on the areas between the fingers. Leave on. It absorbs sweat effectively and cuts odor.

5) Cold Water
Soak sweaty feet and hands in chilled water for 20 minutes twice a day. This is also an effective long-term remedy for sweaty hands & feet.

6) Potatoes 
Peel & slice potatoes. Rub these slices all over your hands, especially on the area between the fingers. Let the juice dry up. Wash thoroughly.

7) Tomato Juice

Drinking tomato juice daily is among the most effective long-term remedies for sweaty hands and feet, as it has a cooling effect on the body and contains sodium. Alternatively, rub tomato juice on sweaty hands and feet. Wash thoroughly once dry.

We hope the remedies and tips mentioned in this article have helped you understand what antiperspirant means, as well as the natural antiperspirants for hands. Do tell us which of these remedies you found most useful. Have a wonderful summer :)