How to choose between antiperspirant and deodorant. If you want to control sweating and avoid underarm wetness, you should use an antiperspirant. But if you don't sweat excessively, and just want to limit body odor and smell fresh, deodorant is all you'll need.

Are antiperspirants necessary?

Without antiperspirant, perhaps your skin may better clear dirt, oil, and debris that accumulate on the skin and within the sweat glands." By stopping use of an antiperspirant, Dr. Zeichner notes that your skin's natural microbiome can potentially reset.

What happens when you stop using antiperspirant?

When you stop using antiperspirant you will experience a substantial increase in growth of odor-causing bacteria in the underarm area. You may also feel additional moisture because your body is sweating, which is the body's natural way to flush out toxins.