Understanding the basics of whole body deodorant & antiperspirant for sensitive skin

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

When you have sensitive skin, choosing even the most basic skincare and body products, like deodorant and antiperspirant, can be difficult. With so many options available, it’s important to find a solution that will keep you smelling fresh, without irritating your skin. Read on to find out more about sensitive skin,  the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants, and why whole-body deodorant could be a good choice for you. 

Understanding sensitive skin

Having sensitive skin means your skin is reactive to things that don’t typically cause irritation. This can include triggers like skincare and makeup products, soap and shower products, and laundry products. Sensitivity can also be triggered in other ways, for example, hormone changes, health conditions, stress and even weather conditions can all affect your skin. You might notice your skin feels itchy, irritated or develops a rash during or after using certain skincare products. These symptoms usually disappear when the irritant is removed, and your skin has had a chance to return to normal.  

Symptoms of sensitive skin

Some common symptoms of sensitive skin can include:

• Burning or itching
• Stinging or tingling
• A rash or raised skin
• Hives or blisters
• Dry or peeling skin
• Redness

Finding the best deodorant and antiperspirant for sensitive skin

One area of your body that can be particularly sensitive is your underarms. Tight clothes, sweating and shaving can all irritate the delicate skin under your arms. Deodorant and antiperspirant are two body care products that can be linked to sensitive skin irritation in this area. So, what should you look for in deodorant and antiperspirant made for sensitive skin? 

• Look for formulas that are hypoallergenic, gentle to skin and not known to cause irritation. Sanex Sensitive Whole Body Deodorant comes in cream and spray varieties and is clinically-proven to deliver 72-hour odour protection. It contains 0% alcohol and 0% aluminium salts for gentle protection.
• Avoid fragrance or choose low-fragrance products that may be less irritating for your skin.
• If you’re experiencing dry, itchy or broken skin on your underarms, avoid using antiperspirants that contain aluminium. Opt for a gentle deodorant that lets your skin breathe, instead of an antiperspirant formula that blocks sweat.

Deodorant and antiperspirant: what’s the difference?

You may think the two are interchangeable, but deodorants and antiperspirants have different functions:

Deodorant 

Deodorant helps to neutralise body odour without blocking sweat. Sweat is actually odourless; however, when it dries and mixes with the bacteria on your skin, it breaks down into acid and produces an odour. Deodorant helps to make your underarms more acidic and less attractive to bacteria, keeping you feeling fresh and protected against unwanted body odours.

Antiperspirant

Antiperspirants control how much you sweat by temporarily blocking your sweat glands. They’re great if you sweat excessively or are prone to wet underarm patches. Antiperspirants contain aluminium salts, which dissolve and are then absorbed into your skin, blocking sweat from getting out. The effect of antiperspirant only lasts a short while, and eventually sweat will break through your skin again, meaning you have to reapply your antiperspirant of choice. Aluminium salts can be drying and sometimes cause adverse reactions in sensitive skin. If this is the case for you, look for an antiperspirant deodorant for sensitive skin.

The rise of whole-body deodorant

When it comes to sweat, your armpits get a lot of attention, when, in fact, only 2% of your body’s sweat comes from that area. Your hands, feet, chest, back, thighs and intimate areas all produce body odour that can be less than pleasant. The answer? Whole-body deodorant. Whole-body deodorant is designed to be used on much larger and more sensitive areas of skin, and usually comes in the form of either a cream or a spray. You can use whole-body deodorant after showering on areas that are prone to body odour or to freshen up throughout the day. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose a formula that is hypoallergenic and designed to be gentle. Sanex Sensitive Whole Body Deodorant uses a gentle formula and is clinically proven to deliver up to 72 hours of odour protection. Use it on your underarms, hands, feet, body, and to freshen intimate areas.

Tips for controlling body odour

If you’ve tried using whole-body deodorants and antiperspirants and enjoy the results, here are some other lifestyle tips that can help to control body odour and sweating.

• Avoid wearing tight clothes in synthetic fabrics like polyester. Natural fibres like cotton, linen and silk allow air to circulate and your skin to breathe more.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Spicy or smelly foods like curry or garlic can actually sweat out through your pores, causing problems with body odour.
• Keep areas that are known to chafe as dry as possible, i.e., underarms and thighs. Using an anti-chafe balm or powder can help.
• If you have an ongoing problem with body odour, using an antibacterial shower gel or body wash can help to eliminate bacteria on your skin.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about deodorant and antiperspirant:

Is whole-body deodorant necessary?

Whole body deodorant is designed to be used in all areas that may sweat, not just your underarms, for example, your hands, feet, torso and groin. If you sweat a lot or have a problem with body odour, it can be a great addition to your personal hygiene routine that keeps you feeling and smelling fresh. 

Who should avoid whole-body deodorant and antiperspirant?

If you have sensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, always check the ingredients on your whole-body deodorant and antiperspirant. Some whole-body antiperspirants and deodorants can contain irritants like alcohol and aluminium salts; however, Sanex Sensitive Whole Body Deodorant is hypoallergenic and gentle to skin. 

Is deodorant and antiperspirant the same?

Deodorant and antiperspirant both help to control body odour and keep you smelling fresh; however, antiperspirant often contains aluminium salts. This active ingredient works to temporarily block sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat that can reach the surface of your skin.