Deodorant For Men

Deodorant, Where To Start?

Unfortunately for us men we are more prone to sweat than women. This is because women need to reach a higher temperature before they start to sweat, having hormones that help to keep their temperature regulated. As summer is fast approaching and we aren’t all lucky enough to spend the summer relaxing by the pool but carrying on with the hard graft, I thought I'd look into deodorant, because let's face it they’re never as good as they say are!

Deodorant and Antiperspirant are very different things. Most retailed brands of deodorant or antiperspirant advertise as being a bit of both. Deodorant simply hides the smell, keeping the bacteria locked into your pores. Whereas antiperspirants works by essentially blocking your sweat glands. Sweat itself isn’t what gives off that awful odour we all know too well, what causes the stench is your sweat coming into contact with the bacteria on your skin.

Spray deodorant or antiperspirants may feel nicer, the cold spray certainly wakes you up when it hits your skin but did you know just how damaging they are for the environment and for us! Over the years there are more people experiencing side effects to spray deodorants such as irritated skin, breathing difficulties and those with asthma really don’t want to be breathing in your lynx.

Spray antiperspirants include aluminium, this is used because it clogs the glands and allows the product to do what it says on the label - stop you sweating. Researchers have concluded that this ingredient could be the cause of more serious health issues, for example some cancers and possibly even Alzheimer's disease.

If you have read any of the other blogs on here, you’ll know I am trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle and spray deodorant does not fall into that category. Although many deodorants are no longer made with ozone damaging chemicals, they still include compressed gases and hydrocarbons which are partly responsible for raising your carbon footprint.

What Type?

There are so many forms deodorants and antiperspirants come in, roll on, solid, the dreaded aerosol but which one is better? It’s not all about which one feels the nicest, or the cheapest or even which one is the best! There’s so many things to consider like personal and environmental health, the ingredients used, how it’s made etc so here are a few points to help make up your mind.

#1 Firstly let’s talk about roll on. Very hydrating as most roll on’s are made mainly with water. I’m sure at some point you’ve tried them, standing there with your arms in the air waiting for what feels like hours for it to dry, it’s not the most comfortable ways of neutralising your scent.

#2 Now for the stick deodorant, unlike the roll on this style of antiperspirant is a solid, meaning there’ll be no wet layer left waiting to dry after application. Most users of stick deodorant believe they are easier to control with less waste and not to mention the packaging is smaller so it’s one of the more sustainable options but, do they work?

I’m not just here to talk about the types and ways we can use deodorant I also wanted to look into the chemicals used in creating them and if natural is the right way to go this summer. A common misunderstanding is that one deodorant or antiperspirant will work for us all, this couldn’t be more wrong. The amount we sweat is personal and dependent on our lifestyles. Whether we exercise daily, eat spicy pungent food a lot or have a manual labouring job working in the hot sun all day. All of these factors change the way the deodorant will work for you.

Most natural deodorants or antiperspirants are aluminum free which is a thumbs up from the planet. Creating aluminium takes a lot of energy and almost instantly impacts the surrounding area.

When changing to a natural deodorant it can take our bodies some time to adjust, just the same as it does when we change our moisturiser or morning routine. It can take up to 30 days for your body to change the way they react, essentially your body needs to detox from all of the aluminum.

Triclosan, simply known as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Sounds harmless right? Wrong! Trclosan has been investigated a lot since its first use in 1972. It is said to be linked to a weakened immune system, reproductive toxicity and it affects the way our bodies release hormones into the bloodstream leading to lower energy levels.

What Deodorant Should I Be Using?

Although I hope I have convinced you to go natural, I realise it may not be easy ditching your spray deodorant so I’ve been trying out SA.AL&CO 051 Deodorant. Aluminum and paraben free this spray on deodorant is strong enough for those who work out hard or gentle enough for those with office job and the blessing of aircon.

Vegan and Natrue certified SA.AL&CO’s deodorant is the perfect place to start, providing a fresh and dependable spray. This can be purchased on the The Modern Man.

Now for the perfect roll on. The Bluebeards Revenge decided to create the perfect roll on deodorant, easy to apply, natural and designed to keep any man, in any situation smelling fresh. You can put your trust that the Eco Warrior Deodorant is there to help you. Another quirk is that they have designed this is a small bottle, perfect gym or travel size so whenever you need to top up you can. Again this cost effective essential is available on the The Modern Man.

L:A Bruket have brought us their own Deodorant Spray, infused with coriander and vetiver, it leaves you ready to take on the day, whatever day you’re having. This handy 60ml spray bottle perfect to carry with you and top us if you need it! Remember there’s no shame in needing to top up especially if you’re not used to a natural deodorant, it takes time!

Why not give it a go? What have you got to lose?