When is the best time to put on deodorant
In this article, we’re going to explore the best time to apply antiperspirant and deodorant.
Applying deodorant or antiperspirant is a little like brushing your hair, washing your face, brushing your teeth, and any of the myriad other beauty and hygiene tasks we perform every day.
We do most of these things automatically without ever really putting thought into them. So, most of us end up applying deo in the morning. It’s pretty much a no-brainer, right?
Well, not really.
Remember, our bodies are complicated petri dishes of chemical actions and reactions. Various physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors and conditions play a role to keep this complicated chemistry that is us, in balance!
Night and day can make a HUGE difference to the way chemicals in our bodies are secreted and regulated. And, because of this, our bodies respond differently to the external chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants in the morning and evening.
So, which is best? Should you apply deodorant or antiperspirant in the morning or in the evening. Read on. We’re going to give you the lowdown.
Does applying antiperspirant at night make a difference?
The British Journal of Dermatology conducted a study that found if you apply antiperspirant at night (when your body secretes less moisture through your sweat glands) it improves the ability of active ingredients in antiperspirants to enter the little sweat ducts where they do their work.
But that’s just a fancy way of saying, yes, it does make a difference. And yes, it is probably better to apply antiperspirant at night.
There is something more practical to this too, and again it has good science behind it. If you struggle with excessive sweating, this can be a game-changer for you.
If you’ve been trying to find the strongest possible sweat protection, why not try applying an antiperspirant deodorant before bed.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society confirms that this will profoundly change the way your body perspires.
But make sure you use a clinical-strength antiperspirant or deodorant. (More about that a little later in this article.)
And, what about hormonal sweats?
Sweating is natural. We all do it with very little control or choice. But excessive sweating is something different.
This is when you feel wet, or even drenched for no apparent reason; when you start gushing like Niagara Falls without an obvious trigger.
Night sweats are usually an indicator of hormonal shifts. It could also be caused by illness, low blood sugar, or infections. These probably warrant a visit to your GP to remain on the safe side.
But applying your antiperspirant deodorant before you go to bed could help to curb the problem – certainly during the night, but also the next day.
Give it a try! You may be pleasantly surprised by the results!
How about deodorant?
Applying deodorant before you go to bed will probably do nothing more than make you smell nice. Antiperspirants contain active ingredients that reduce the flow of sweat. Deodorants, on the other hand, simply mask the odor of perspiration – it does precisely little to stop the sweating.
So, when should you apply deodorant? Any time. Whenever you need a dab of fragrance or feel the urge to freshen up. Because that’s all a deodorant does for you.
There is a right way and a wrong way to use deodorant and antiperspirant
Although this is unlikely to cause any major health concerns, using deodorant, and especially an antiperspirant in the correct way, will make you more comfortable. It will make it easier for the deodorant or antiperspirant to do the job you acquired it for, and your body will react more positively to the chemicals you’re applying to your skin.
Here follows a few tips to set you on the right path
Always apply antiperspirant when your skin is completely dry
The primary task of antiperspirant is to absorb moisture. That’s what the chemical fingerprint was designed to do. If you’re still damp under your arms when you apply the antiperspirant, the moisture will prevent the chemicals in the product from being properly absorbed by your skin.
So, make sure your pits are properly dry. Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to help the process along, if you need to.
Careful about applying antiperspirant or deodorant to waxed or shaved armpits
The active ingredients in antiperspirants include alcohol and aluminum chloride. Both will irritate cuts or nicks, or little abrasions under your arms.
If you’ve waxed or shaved, allow around 48 hours for the skin to heal properly before applying antiperspirant deodorants – especially if you’re using clinical strength products.
The fragrance is always great!
Use a body spray or a pure deodorant to up your scent during the day. This always refreshes the body and mind.
Most of the really strong antiperspirants – in other words, the clinical strength products – don’t have a deodorizing compound. They’re scent-neutral.
This is great. Your antiperspirant will prevent sweat while it leaves you free to pick whatever unique scent you want to use.
Should you be applying deodorant or antiperspirant every day?
This one is less clear-cut. To get a substantive answer, we had a chat with Alicia Barba, MD. She’s a dermatologist for Dove in Miami.
“Depending on your body and what type of deodorant/antiperspirant you’re using, you may not need to apply every single day,” she explains. “Some antiperspirants are made to last 48 hours, which means a daily application isn’t essential. When in doubt, read the label, or just cleanse and reapply.”
Should you moisturize before applying an antiperspirant/deodorant?
It’s a good idea to use a moisturizer on your armpits in the morning. This will minimize irritation.
Dr. Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist says, “Coconut oil is great. It soothes dry skin and can reduce water loss in very dry skin. It also has natural antibacterial properties and is incredibly soothing to the skin in those delicate places.”
Is it possible to use the wrong product?
This is really important. It pays to be aware of your skin type, and obviously any skin sensitivities you have. And you must bear those in mind when you pick your deodorant/antiperspirant.
Deodorants or antiperspirants with a high concentration of alcohol in the formula – this is something like a gel or a spray – will probably irritate and burn if you have a sensitive skin type. Also, watch out for deeply fragranced products if you have sensitive skin.
What is the difference between regular strength and clinical strength?
This is really easy to work out. To be a regular antiperspirant, a product has to show a 20% reduction in perspiration, while a clinical formula has to show a 30% reduction. That’s the broad brushstroke.
“Clinical strength antiperspirants contain a higher concentration of aluminum zirconium salts, and although they may be more effective, they may also be more irritating,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “I advise my patients with sensitive skin to avoid antiperspirants with fragrance as well as extra strength formulas, and to look instead for products that contain dimethicone, which may also prevent irritation in susceptible individuals.”
Always consider a natural formula first
Lots of people automatically assume natural formula deodorants and antiperspirants don’t work. This is entirely wrong!
If you sweat lightly, these may be ideal for you. Same if you’re trying to prevent or camouflage a mild odor.
The products are infinitely healthier for your skin than something that contains high levels of aluminum and other heavy chemicals. It will feel easier on you during the day, and the available fragrances are simply sublime.
Besides, the results of a few studies into the effects of aluminum on the human body are trickling in. And they are showing alarming potential connections between aluminum and breast cancer, as well as Alzheimer’s disease. So, it’s not a bad idea to start thinking about something completely natural.
They’re good for you, and they’re good for the world you live in.
Finally, protecting your clothes
This is another reason why an antiperspirant or deodorant at night is a better idea than in the morning. If you only apply lightly before you head off to work, you’ll keep the white smudges off your clothes.
If you’ve already got those, several products on the market can effectively deal with them. The Gal Pal is one. And a little research will set you up with a whole string of choices.
Another option is to opt for a clearer formula deodorant or antiperspirant. Something with less aluminum is already a good start.
