Antiperspirant and Deodorant: Are they the same thing?

    Although used interchangeably, antiperspirant and deodorant do actually have differences. The main difference is that antiperspirants help to control sweating and body odor, while deodorant only helps to control body odor.

    Both antiperspirants and deodorant control body odor by using fragrances to mask odor, and antimicrobial agents that help to kill odor causing bacteria. Antiperspirants also contain aluminum salts that help to control the amount a sweating. This is accomplished by the aluminum salt being dissolved in the moisture of the armpit and forming a gel like substance. This gel will for a small plug in the sweat gland that will help to block the amount of sweat that reaches the surface of the skin. This plug will normally last up to 24 hours and washing will remove the temporary plug.

    The efficacy of antiperspirants can be improved by applying at night. The sweat gland is least active at night, and allows time for the plug to form in the sweat gland. This in turn leads to less sweating.