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Are There Alternatives to Deodorant and Antiperspirant?

The first line of defense against underarm sweat and odor are antiperspirants and deodorants. Non-invasive, topical and available in a number of different strengths including regular and clinical strength over-the-counter options, as well as prescription options. However, many are deciding to ditch traditional deodorants and antiperspirants in favor of something either more natural or less intrusive to their health and lifestyle for various reasons.

Why Choose an Alternative to Deodorant and Antiperspirant?

First, a growing number of people have increasing concerns over the health risks involved with the regular use of deodorant/antiperspirant, as aluminum-based compounds are the main active ingredient in virtually all high strength antiperspirants. The US FDA allows over-the-counter antiperspirants to consist of between 15 and 25 percent aluminum, which temporarily plugs sweat ducts, stopping the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. In recent years, fears have been raised that frequent application of aluminum-based antiperspirants on the skin near the breast may lead to significant absorption by the body and result in estrogen-like hormonal changes, potentially leading to the development of breast cancer. It’s important to point out that the American Cancer Society has noted that the research is inconclusive; nevertheless, many women, especially those at high-risk for breast cancer, would prefer to not chance it. Second, certain ingredients, such as alcohol, aluminum, and baking soda can irritate sensitive skin. Some deodorant substitutes that are derived from gentle ingredients can help keep sweat and irritation at bay, but only very temporarily, with frequent re-application required. Third, many find that the daily application of deodorant (or even re-application!) is just not enough to control their excessive underarm sweating, also known as auxiliary hyperhidrosis, which affects just under 3% of the population. Finally, many are just tired of fighting deodorant residue stains, as well as yellow underarm stains on their clothing.

Natural Deodorants and Deodorant Alternatives

If you are looking for a more natural deodorant, there are a variety of options available, such as Burt’s Bees, Trader Joe’s, Kiss My Face, and several other companies offering aluminum-free deodorant sticks. Additionally, some will rely on the use of drug-store products such as cornstarch, lemon juice, and witch hazel, or essential oils. Of course, the natural ingredients sometimes used to ward off sweat are not as effective as chemical antiperspirants. Although these alternatives may provide a healthier option to reduce underarm odor, most still allow for underarm sweat, which is just not socially acceptable, not to mention uncomfortable.

Botox Injections

Although primarily used by individuals suffering from excessive underarm sweating (auxiliary hyperhidrosis), Botox injections can provide additional relief if antiperspirants aren’t doing the trick. A highly trained medical professional can inject Botox into the underarms to dramatically reduce sweating. In one clinical study involving 322 patients with severe underarm sweating, nearly 81% of the patients receiving Botox injections achieved more than a 50% reduction in sweating for nearly 7 months. Related pain from the injections can be proactively managed through applying topical numbing cream to the area prior to treatment.

miraDry Underarm Treatment

FDA-cleared since 2001, miraDr y offers a completely different approach to treating underarm sweat. Originally marketed to patients suffering with hyperhidrosis of the underarm, miraDry is also a very popular non-invasive treatment for anyone who is bothered by their underarm sweat, embarrassed to lift their arms because of their underarm shirt stains, worried about toxins, tired of feeling sticky, or self-conscious about the related odor. It is the only long-lasting, non-surgical treatment to reduce underarm sweat and its related odor, with virtually no downtime! The miraDry system uses safe microwave energy that targets and destroys the sweat and odor glands in the underarm area. Once those glands are destroyed they do not grow back. An added bonus is that the same treatment also destroys some of the underarm hair follicles, resulting in approximately a 67% reduction in underarm hair – of all colors – in the treated area! Clinical data showed that just one miraDry treatment was successful in reducing underarm sweat in over 90% of patients at the time of the final study date one year after treatment, with an 82% average reduction in underarm sweat. Most patients need just one treatment, with some excessive sweaters needing two treatments. This procedure is performed in the comfort and convenience of a physician’s office and is, typically, not covered by insurance. The best news is that relief from underarm sweat is IMMEDIATE! Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz is one of only three medical practices to offer the miraDry treatment in the Kansas City metro area, and it has become one of our most popular in-office treatments!

Consultations Available Now

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

miraDry Results after 1-2 Treatments
• Significant reduction of underarm sweat (82%)
• Associated reduction of underarm odor
• Associated reduction of underarm hair
• Toxin-free underarms
• Reduction of underarm stains in clothing

There is a strong safety record with the miraDry procedure. After treatment, patients may experience temporary swelling, mild soreness, tingling or numbness, which are easily treated by applying ice packs off and on throughout the course of the next 12 hours. There is a strong safety record with the FDA-cleared miraDry procedure. After treatment, patients may experience temporary swelling, mild soreness, tingling or numbness, which are easily treated by applying ice packs off and on throughout the course of the next 12 hours.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

Read from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Schwartz and his team at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz.

It was a good experience. Taylor walked me through exactly what would happen and how things would feel along the process. That help put me at ease about the whole process.

The staff is very attentive, friendly and caring. Dr. Schwartz is the best doctor in the Kansas State area. He is professional and knows what he is doing. I am very pleased with the results and will continue to see him for all my vein and body needs.

Very pleased with services and procedures I will definitely recommend your office to my friends who need and want their vein problems solved.

Very professional service, explained treatments very thoroughly and felt like I mattered as a patient. I will definitely go back and I will recommend to my friends and family. I was treated with courtesy and respect.

Schedule a complimentary miraDry consultation by calling (913) 451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz proudly serves the entire Kansas City area.

* This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician.