Home | Beauty | Fashion | Cosmetics, Beauty Products

Extra Strength Anti-Perspirants & Excessive Sweating

By: Matthew Johnson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

If you have an excessive sweating problem you probably use an anti-perspirant. The over-the-counter products can be effective at reducing the problem.

Often, though, for some sufferers of hyperhydrosis, regular anti-perspirants are inadequate. So, naturally, they seek stronger and stronger versions in a bid to find a product that will reduce their excessive sweating. Whilst better results can be obtained from using the extra strength products that are available on prescription - are there any downsides to their effrectiveness? Are these powerful anti-perspirants in any way harmful?

To ensure you aren't trading one health issue for another one, it pays to be cautious about what you are putting on your body. After all, the skin is the largest organ in your body and whatever you apply to it gets into your system. This is even more important when you are applying a certain product daily, even more than once per day. For the sake of your overall health, it is essential that you ensure that your anti-perspirant is first doing no harm.

Anti-perspirants are effective in plugging the glands that produce sweat. They do this with an active ingredient that reacts with your sweat ducts to form a superficial plug just under the surface of your skin, which temporarily stops sweat from escaping. These active ingredients are usually metallic salts, the most commonly used ones are aluminium-based. The active ingredients are at a higher percentage in extra-strength anti-perspirants i.e. a higher dose of aluminium.

It's worth noting though that aluminium is something we are commonly exposed by using things like kitchen utensils., the applications of aluminium to the skin, via anti-perspirants, is a relatively recent development. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) considers aluminium-based anti-perspirants to be safe and effective, otherwise they would not allow them to be marketed. However they do advise caution for consumers with kidney disease.

So, the official line is that extra strength anti-perspirants are safe, as long as the recommended levels are not exceeded. However, there have been recent concerns about a link between aluminium and brain disorders, more specifically Alzheimer's disease. It appears that autopsies on those with Alzheimer's showed higher levels of aluminium than those without the disease. Equally though, there have been scientific proposals that counter this idea.

So, it would appear the jury is still out on if there are any harmful effects of aluminium in anti-perspirants. This might be something to think about when considering anti-perspirants, particularly the extra-stregth products. It is impossible to rule out any possible side-effects and the fact that it is recommended that you cut back on use once the anti-perspirant has taken effect, suggests that there is reason to be cautious.

However, it's a fact of life that any medication comes with a small risk of side-effects, but this should be weighed up against the distress you encounter from your symptoms. So, whilst it pays to do your research, ultimately you have to make a decision based on what you are comfortable applying to your skin, alongside your need for relief from excessive sweating.

Also, it is worth bearing in mind that many people do find success with over-the-counter products, which seem to be a smaller risk. So, it's a good idea to explore the numerous different brands, as they all react slightly differently with each person's body chemistry.

And remember that varying applications can improve your results. For example, anti-perspirants tend to be more effective when applied at night, as opposed to in the morning (although applying on both occasions seems to be the ideal). Also, make sure your skin is completely dry (and not irritated) before you apply the anti-perspirant. A cool blow drier can be used if necessary. (Obviously these guidelines are general and you should always follow the product's specific instructions.) If you are nervous about the extra-strength anti-perspirants, persevering with the lower dose products may eventually deliver the results you want, without the worry of harmful side-effects.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Matthew Johnson provides information and advice on safe, natural and permanent cures for excessive sweating. To find out more, go to our website and cure hyperhidrosis for good. www.StopSweatingStartLiving.co.uk