Perhaps one of the main goals of any personal hygiene routine is to eliminate or prevent body odor. Department stores offer a buffet of options to make you smell good, but each type of product works in a different way. Before you choose one over the under, it's important to understand the service each provides your body to make sure you're getting your odor needs met.
Sweat Management
Odor isn't caused by sweat, believe it or not. Sweat has no odor of its own according to KidsHealth, a service of the Nemours foundation. It is the bacteria that mixes with sweat that causes unpleasant body odor. Antiperspirants work by preventing sweat. They clog pores with ingredients like aluminum. When there's no sweat, there's nothing for the bacteria to mingle with, and therefore no odor. Body sprays don't offer sweat protection. They coat the skin's surface with fragrances which may hide body odor, but they don't help prevent it.
Application Method
Antiperspirants come in sticks, sprays, roll-ons and gels. Body sprays come in mister and spritz bottles and can be applied to any area of the body. While antiperspirants are designed to be applied to your underarms, you can use body spray all over your body. It works well on your clothing, shoes, hair or a gym bag.
Fragrance
Body sprays are designed to provide a light fragrance. Some body sprays mimic designer perfumes or carry specific floral or fruit scents. Antiperspirants come in both scented and unscented varieties, but their main job isn't to smell good. It's to stop you from sweating. Fragrances may also play an a part in your overall mood and sense of well-being. The American pregnancy Association points out that pregnant women can use certain scents to elevate moods, calm headaches and ease nausea. Some antiperspirant manufacturers sell matching body sprays that complement their fragrance.
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