It’s impossible to search for the best deodorant for men if you don’t take the time to learn the ins and outs of the deodorant versus antiperspirant debate. In fact, many users today don’t even know the difference between the two. For them, it doesn’t matter whether you pull a deodorant or an antiperspirant off the supermarket shelf if they both ultimately solve their body odor problems.

But the truth of the matter is that whether you use a deodorant or an antiperspirant there is a difference. These two types work in very different ways, and while the results may seem the same, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your body is doing the same thing when you use one or the other.

To put this in perspective, let’s look at the specific definitions of deodorant and antiperspirant, and from there we draw our conclusions as to whether we should be looking for the best antiperspirant or the best deodorant for men.

ANTIPERSPIRANT. Antiperspirant is a product specifically designed to prevent the user from sweating. This goes to the heart of body odor prevention; sweating feeds the bacteria on our skin which in turn produces body odor as it revels in the substances in sweat. To stop body odor, antiperspirant products stop sweat completely by blocking the sweat pores. It does this by using a variety of chemicals such as aluminum. Most of the products on supermarket shelves today are of the antiperspirant variety.

DEODORANT. The term deodorant is a derivation of the root word deodor that implies the action of eliminating the odor or preventing it altogether. The best deodorant for men doesn’t necessarily prevent the sweating process; Rather, the substances in the deodorant prevent the production of body odor by killing bacteria. A person who uses deodorant will continue to sweat but will not have the odor that usually accompanies sweating.

From here on, the downsides to both types of products are pretty obvious. The antiperspirant inhibits a natural body process that serves to regulate body temperature during intense training, as well as to eliminate toxins and waste products produced by metabolic processes. Preventing the sweating process also inhibits internal temperature regulation and eliminates one of the body’s ways of eliminating waste.

In the case of deodorants, the main disadvantage is that you will continue to sweat throughout the day. Even without body odor, sweating alone produces a feeling of discomfort. Those who sweat a lot will actually stain their shirts with sweat and if this happens at inopportune times it can affect performance, confidence and spoil the appearance.

Experts recommend getting a combination of antiperspirants and deodorants with both effects finely balanced to achieve the desired effect. Inhibiting sweat is good if done to a certain extent and no more; Balancing that with the use of deodorant helps keep body odor at bay. Therefore, it is important to choose the best antiperspirant and the best deodorant for men in combination and not just one over the other.

Consider these things the next time you go to the grocery store to buy your favorite brand of antiperspirant or deodorant. Mix things up by putting the best antiperspirant and deodorant in one basket so you get the best of both worlds in one product that meets your needs throughout the day.