what is antiperspirant

Antiperspirant is a skincare product designed to reduce sweat or perspiration on the skin. It is different from deodorant, which only masks odor. Antiperspirants are available in many formulations, including creams, powders, sprays, towels, and roll-ons. Most commercially available, non-prescription antiperspirants contain low concentrations of aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium. Aluminum zirconium is thought to be better tolerated by the skin and less likely to cause irritation or aggravation to razor burn. For individuals who suffer from excessive perspiration, a prescription antiperspirant may be a more effective option. These agents contain higher concentrations of aluminum chloride or the more potent variant, aluminum hexahydrate. Antiperspirants are considered the first line of treatment for excessive sweating of the underarms, hands, feet, and sometimes face. They are applied to the top of the skin, and once applied, perspiration in the underarm dissolves the antiperspirant particles, pulling them into the pores and forming superficial plugs that are just below the surface of the skin. When the body senses that the sweat duct is plugged, a feedback mechanism stops the flow, and the plugs can stay in place for at least 24 hours and then are washed away over time.