Introduction
Deodorant is a necessary part of most people’s lives, but it’s also one of the most abused products. A recent study found that 56 percent of Americans apply deodorant in the morning without showering first—oops! Thankfully, there are some simple ways to make sure you’re applying your antiperspirant properly and getting the best results out of it. Here are four tips for using deodorant correctly:
Confirm that you’re using the right product.
Confirm that you’re using the right product. Antiperspirants and deodorants are not the same thing. If you have been using an antiperspirant, it can cause irritation and may not be suitable for your skin type.
If you see “Aluminum Chloride” or “Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine” on the label, this indicates an antiperspirant ingredient. Many people experience irritation when using products that contain this ingredient because they block pores with aluminum salts to prevent sweating by blocking sweat glands from producing moisture in our bodies (this is why we might get those little bumps under our arms). However, if you switch to a deodorant instead of an antiperspirant, these symptoms should disappear after about two weeks!
You may also want to check for other ingredients like alcohol, parabens (eek!), fragrance oils or dyes which may lead to irritation as well
Apply when you’re dry.
Dab on your deodorant when you’re dry.
This is the most important rule! To ensure that you don’t transfer dirt and bacteria to your clothing, apply deodorant after showering or bathing and drying off. It works best if you apply it before putting on clothes (so they don’t absorb moisture), leaving the house in general, or going to bed at night—these are all times when people tend to get sweaty and therefore smelly!
Wait until your antiperspirant is completely dry before dressing.
One of the most common mistakes people make with antiperspirants is applying them when they are wet. This is a mistake because your skin absorbs deodorant more easily when it’s dry, and since some antiperspirants can be harsh on your skin if you apply them too often or when you’re already sweaty, it’s important not to rush the process. If you put on antiperspirant in a rush and don’t wait for it to dry completely before dressing, then you could end up with redness and irritation where you applied it—which isn’t exactly ideal for anyone hoping to avoid sweating all day long!
So how long should I wait before getting dressed? We recommend at least 30 minutes after applying deodorant so that it has plenty of time for absorption into the skin (this will vary depending on your body type). Remember that there are many factors involved here: if it’s wintertime outside then sweat won’t be as much of an issue; but if summertime weather is out in full force then sweat will start forming almost immediately upon application.
Don’t try to make up for missed applications by using more product.
If you’ve been using deodorant only once a day, don’t try to make up for missed applications by using more product. You are not going to be able to cover up bad odor with sheer quantity of deodorant. You might think that’s the case and that’s why you’re tempted to apply more than what’s recommended on the label or what you have been doing in the past. But this is likely a waste of money, as well as time and effort spent slathering on extra applications.
These tips will help you meet your deodorant goals, whatever they are.
All you need to know about deodorant:
- It’s not an antiperspirant. Deodorants don’t prevent sweating, but they do neutralize odor with scents and other ingredients that help kill bacteria responsible for producing body odor.
- If you miss a day of application, don’t panic. Your sweat glands will only start producing excessive amounts of sweat once you begin the process of acclimating your body to daily use of deodorant again—so if you’re having trouble adjusting, try taking it slow and remember that everyone is different!
- Choose a product that works for you. Some people prefer unscented varieties since they don’t want any extra scent on their skin; others like products with added fragrance because they enjoy smelling fresh all day long (or just prefer something more complex). The best way to find out which type works best for your needs is by trying out various brands until one sticks!
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to use deodorant and antiperspirant effectively. Whether it’s for personal comfort or professional success, these tips can help you reach your goals. So go ahead—keep them in mind next time you reach for the stick!
