Side Effects of Deodorant: Here’s Why You Should Stop Using the Fragrances Now!
Fragrances and deodorants have often contributed to mild allergies, like sneezing or watery eyes, but the chemical scents may also bring on a host of other health conditions. This list of potential health risks might make you hold off deodorants for good.
Scent sells. So not only are there definitely more fragranced products in the world, but the fragrances themselves are also more complex. And for many people, repeated exposures can bring about a constellation of symptoms. The fragrance mixture itself can be comprised of dozens, even hundreds, of individual chemicals, and those don't have to be listed on the label. You may not just get allergic reactions from the compounds in deodorants, but they can have long-term health effects. Here are the major ones.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Parabens are found in most fragrances. The problem with letting the parabens enter your body would mean that they mimic estrogen in your body. Parabens can throw off your body’s hormonal balance which in turn, can cause an early onset of puberty, increase your risk of hormonal cancers, and even birth defects in your future children. Is this not a good reason enough to stave off deodorants?
2. Itchy and Dry Skin
Even if you are a connoisseur of all things natural, a natural deodorant may not make your skin happy. Yes, it may contain all-natural oils, but alcohol could be lurking in the ingredients too. This can give a stinging sensation, especially when you have a razor cut. Sometimes it can also lead to dryness, itching, and flakes. The constituent ingredients, colour and preservative components could also lead to allergic reactions and cause dry patches on the skin. Use these 5 eco-friendly cosmetics if you care for the environment.
3. Body Odour
It's enough to make you break out in a cold sweat. Studies suggest that the antiperspirants we use to keep from smelling bad could theoretically make us smell worse. The bacteria killed off by deodorants and antiperspirants allow bacteria that produce even more pungent odours to thrive. In other words, they can mess with the microorganisms, many of which are beneficial, that live on and in your body. As some researchers would argue, deodorants can make the odour more pronounced, while stopping the use of antiperspirants may eventually lessen the smell.
4. Alzheimer’s Risk
Aluminum is the main active ingredient found in antiperspirants. It can temporarily block the sweat under the arms. And while some say it’s nothing to be concerned about, others warn against the impact aluminum can have on the body. Some claims link aluminum to breast cancer in women. The aluminum in deodorants has also been linked to Alzheimer's.
5. Endocrine Disruption
An antibacterial agent and pesticide known as triclosan is another common ingredient found in some deodorants and antiperspirants. Several studies have shown triclosan may increase the risk of skin irritation and endocrine disruption. These 8 body care products can also harm you.
You may aslo want to avoid deodorants when you are pregnant. Antiperspirants are considered category C in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since a small amount of aluminum can enter the skin, there is a theoretical (but unproven) risk to the child.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2019 01:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).