When considering skincare, the most thought often goes into products being applied directly to your face. And while it’s valuable to ensure the quality of those products, the rest of your skin should also be considered when caring for your body, from your lotion of choice to the deodorant you use. Although it may not be the first thing on your mind, certain deodorants can contain irritants which may dry out your skin and cause rashes and itching underneath your armpits. Regardless of whether or not you have sensitive skin, this is the one ingredient found in deodorants that dermatologists recommend avoiding for healthier skin.
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Natural deodorant has grown in popularity over the past several years for its use of clean ingredients and elimination of aluminum, which in theory will be better for your skin in the long run. But alpha hydroxy acids and alcohol are often found in natural deodorants, which may dry out the skin and cause irritation. NYC Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King explains, “Alcohol has antibacterial properties but can also dry and irritate the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are also used in some natural deodorants. They can lower the armpits’ pH levels, making the environment less hospitable to bacteria responsible for odor. But they are also chemical exfoliators and can cause irritation.”
Although your choice of deodorant may seem trivial, if you’re struggling with itching or a rash in your armpits, it may be worth taking a look at the ingredients in your body products. King suggests checking the label and opting for a deodorant with low percentages of alcohol or alpha hydroxy acids to avoid further irritation. If you’re on the hunt for a new deodorant, Dr. King recommends the Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant, or the Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Sensitive. Aluminum in deodorant may block your pores in the process of fighting against sweat, so it's wise to avoid this ingredient as well.
To counteract negative reactions from your deodorant, King suggests discontinuing use immediately and applying a gentle moisturizer to the skin under your arms. Additionally, “Look for a formula that also contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients to counteract the potential for irritation--like shea butter, aloe vera and rose water, for example,” she suggests.
Deodorant is a product which should (hopefully) be in everyone’s daily routine. And while it may not be at the forefront of your mind, the quality of each product that you put on your skin does matter, which is why you should be checking the ingredients before purchasing anything new. Knowing which ingredients to avoid, such as alcohol or alpha hydroxy acids, is vital for preventing irritation, so it’s important to remember that skincare doesn’t just end with your face. Your entire body will benefit from high quality ingredients that work with your skin instead of against it.
