10 Common Habits That Can Make Your Deodorant Less Effective
indrani karmakarBA Hons Experience: 2.5 yearsIndrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... more
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Deodorant is an essential hygiene care product, as it helps us suppress the unpleasant odor sweating may generate. However, many are not very pleased with the lasting effects of their deodorants. Of course, investing in a good deodorant should help you feel fresh and keep the stench of sweat at bay, but if that is not happening, there is a possibility you are applying it wrong. Here in this article, we have made a list of all the common mistakes people make with deodorants and how to make sure your deodorant freshness lasts longer. Read on to know them all.
In This Article
1. You Use It Like An Antiperspirant
It’s important to remember that deodorant & antiperspirant are two separate products. The former is used for its aesthetic value, aiming to eliminate or at least mask the foul scent. The majority of antiperspirants just serve as a mask. Alcohol is a common ingredient that makes the skin acidic after application (1). As a result, the skin becomes less welcoming to the microorganisms that produce the unpleasant odor. In contrast, antiperspirants are not designed to cover up odors but rather to prevent perspiration. Aluminum salts are one of the active chemicals in these products, and they temporarily block sweat pores (2).
2. You Are Using The Product That Doesn’t Fit Your Needs
Your personal requirements should guide your product selection. For example, deodorant is a good option if you are not very active during the day. It should last for roughly 8 hours. On the other hand, use an antiperspirant if you have a hectic day ahead of you. It’s designed for those who sweat excessively and exercise strenuous physical activities.
3. You Overdo On The Amount You Spray On Yourself
Suggestions for how much product you should use may differ based on the product type. For example, deodorant sprays should be applied 15 cm away from the underarm (3). The recommended amount of your preferred deodorant spray may be found on the product’s packaging. However, you shouldn’t slather on so much cologne that you or the people around you pass out!
4. You Are Not Conscious About Your Skin Sensitivity
You may have acquired an allergy to the deodorant if you see a recurrent redness beneath your arms. If so, it would be best to find another option. If you have sensitive skin, you should look for one that is hypoallergenic and free of aluminum salts, perfumes, and colors. The FDA has identified four chemicals that may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (4). However, you should know that your deodorant’s preservatives may trigger an allergic reaction. Parabens, for instance, are a preservative shared in various cosmetics and toiletries (5). Most deodorant manufacturers have phased out this ingredient from their products, although some may still retain trace amounts.
5. You Apply Deodorant Just After Epilating Your Underarm Hair
Waiting a few minutes after shaving or epilating the underarms is recommended before applying any additional items, including deodorant. They may trigger the sensitive skin after shaving. Ensure you give your skin a break before using this product to prevent irritation.
6. You Use The Same Product For All Activities
Physical exertion causes the body to sweat profusely. That’s one of the causes why regular use of deodorant may not be sufficient to prevent the development of unpleasant body odor. One solution is to use deodorant designed for use while exercising.
7. You Wear Synthetic Clothes Even On Hot Days
Tight clothing, especially beneath the arms, can trap perspiration and leave unsightly marks on your garments. These may also cause you to perspire more heavily. On hot summer days, it’s best to wear lightweight, breathable materials like cotton, linen, & moisture-wicking mixes, rather than tight, heavy textiles.
8. You Don’t Drink Enough Water
Drinking enough water is a critical way to replenish the water stores in our bodies. In addition, by drinking enough fluids, you will help the body to remove toxins without causing any pungent odor.
9. You Repeat Clothes Without Washing Them
You could need to do laundry more frequently if you perspire much during the day. You may also keep underarm odor at bay by wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt below your regular clothing.
10. You Use Deodorant Even When It’s Not Necessary
Your perspiration will be more or less noticeable due to the odor-causing bacteria in your armpits based on your genetic buildup. Those fortunate enough to possess the ABCC11 gene don’t stink from the armpits, per research (6). But even if they don’t need it, most would nonetheless put on deodorant.
Spraying deodorant on yourself after you shower or get ready to go outdoors is a common practice; however, overdoing it can make you smell pungent, destroying the whole point of covering up with deodorant. We hope these tricks will help you eliminate the common deodorant application mistakes, and you will be able to smell fresh and sweet all day. So what is your secret to smelling good all day? Let us know in the comments section!
