Antiperspirant:
Arm Yourself with the Facts
Why Aluminum Is Nothing to Sweat About Common Questions and Clinical Answers
I’ve heard that aluminum causes breast cancer. Is that true? Studies from leading cancer researchers including the National Cancer Institute, indicate that there is no evidence linking the aluminum salts in antiperspirants and the development of breast cancer.
seem, there’s a lot of money and publicity in fearmongering, and with the ease of spreading information online, the trend is not likely to end anytime soon. More from the experts For additional reading about aluminum, visit the following websites: The National Cancer Association www.cancer.org The National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov Alzheimers’s Association www.alz.org
With all the information circulating online about potential health concerns from using antiperspirants, we sort through the hype to give you the truth about aluminum.
Have scientists really found a link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease?
Did You Know? Aluminum is the third most naturally abundant element in the environment, found in food and water, as well as pharmaceuticals and a wide range of consumer products. The amount of aluminum absorbed through the skin from antiperspirants is significantly less than average daily exposure from food and water.
The short answer is no. A recent study following more than 4,000 people over several years found that there was no increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease among people using antiperspirants that contain aluminum salt. If aluminum is not dangerous, how did these myths get started? At least some of these myths about aluminum and cancer can be traced back to an email rumor from 1999 that gets rewritten and reissued just about every year. With all information from the Internet, it’s critically important to analyze the source, see where the “research” came from and ask, “Who benefits from this?” As sad as it may
DEODORANTS VS ANTIPERSPIRANTS As the name suggests, a deodorant’s main function is to mask odor, while antiperspirants contain ingredients that inhibit perspiration. Most antiperspirants also contain deodorizing ingredients.
—CosmeticsInfo.org
How an antiperspirant works:
P H A S E 1
P H A S E 2
P H A S E 3
P H A S E 4
Bathing removes the antiperspirant’s gel. Gel Released from Skin Surface
Aluminum salt is the active ingredient in antiperspirants. Antiperspirant Applied
Dissolves in Sweat
Forms a Gel on Top of Pore
Underarm moisture dissolves aluminum salt, forming a gel.
The gel creates a temporary “plug” at the top of the sweat gland, reducing how much sweat is secreted onto the skin’s surface.
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