We all depend on deodorant to prevent perspiration and the odor it can produce. However, not knowing the difference between this product and an antiperspirant, as well as not knowing how to use it correctly, can have unpleasant consequences. Has it ever happened to you that, despite taking a daily shower and applying deodorant, you ended up smelling bad?
We wants to save you from embarrassing situations, which is why we’ve collected some of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to using deodorant. We will also show you how to use deodorant correctly.
You Wear It Thinking It’s An Antiperspirant
The first thing to always keep in mind is that deodorant and antiperspirant are 2 completely different products. The former is considered cosmetic and aims to suppress or at least control unpleasant odors.
Most deodorants will actually just mask it. They are usually alcohol-based and when applied they make the skin acidic. Basically, this makes the skin a less attractive environment for bacteria, responsible for bad odor.
Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are not meant to mask odors, but rather to prevent you from sweating. In fact, they are regulated like drugs in some countries, including the United States, because they are designed to affect a specific bodily function.
Some of the active ingredients with which they are made are aluminum salts, which temporarily block sweat pores, thus reducing the amount of perspiration.
You Wear A Product That Doesn’t Meet Your Needs
The product you choose will depend on your daily needs. If you are not very physically active during the day, you can opt for a deodorant, which usually lasts about 8 hours.
But if your day is more demanding, it may be better to use an antiperspirant. Its effect can last from 24 to 72 hours and is made specifically for people with a tendency to sweat a lot, those who are exposed to strong emotions or high temperatures, and those who perform sports activities.
If, for whatever reason, you have sensitive underarm skin and are suffering from underarm irritation, occasional application is best.
Remember that there are many different products, including antiperspirants that are also deodorants. They will basically perform 2 tasks at once: they will prevent sweating and help mask the odor.
You Wear Way Too Much Deodorant
Depending on the type of product you use, the recommendations in terms of how much to use may vary. If you use deodorant spray, spray it 6 inches from your armpit. You can determine the amount of deodorant to apply based on the manufacturer of your favorite spray.
However, experts advise against spraying too much deodorant to the point of being stunned. This is simply because it is not necessary – as a general rule of thumb, spraying each armpit for about 2 seconds should be sufficient.
If your deodorant is roll-on, wipe it under your armpit a few times to get even coverage. If you prefer a stick, apply it 2 to 3 times and voila!
You Don’t Take Into Account The Sensitivity Of Your Skin
If you have a persistent rash in your armpits, you may have developed an allergy to your deodorant. In that case, you’d better find an alternative. Try to choose one that is specifically designed for sensitive skin and does not contain aluminum salts, fragrances, perfumes, or dyes.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these 4 categories of ingredients can trigger allergies and irritation.
On the other hand, remember that deodorant preservatives can also cause allergic skin rashes or irritation. For example, parabens are a type of preservative that was previously easily found in many personal care products, such as shampoos.
Although most deodorant companies have stopped using this specific element in their formulas, there are still some deodorants that contain traces of it.
You Apply It Immediately After Shaving Or Epilating
After you shave your armpits or epilate them, it’s best to wait a bit before applying any other product, including deodorant. Applying them to freshly shaved skin can cause some discomfort. Always make sure to let your skin rest for a while to reduce the chances of irritation from using this product.
You Wear The Same Product When You Exercise And When You’re Just Going To Work
During intense physical activity, your body’s natural reaction is to generate a lot of sweat. This is one of the reasons why the deodorant you normally use may not be enough to keep you fresh and free of strong odors.
The best thing to do in these cases is to use a special deodorant designed to be used in sports activities. There are specific formulas for this. You can even find natural products designed with that purpose in mind.
Have you ever had fun because your deodorant didn’t work well or because it irritated you? Have you tried natural remedies for underarm sweat and odor? Which are?
