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You’ve been putting on deodorant since you were a teenager. At this point in your life, it’s become second nature as part of your daily hygiene routine. While the products you use have changed over the years, the way you apply them is likely still the same. If you still struggle with body odor and/or sweat, you may need to reassess how you apply your deodorant. In this article, we discuss how to apply deodorant so you can feel fresh all day long.
Deodorants and antiperspirants may seem the same at first glance. But they actually have totally different functions. Deodorants work to combat body odor, which is produced when sweat mixes with bacteria found on the skin.
Antiperspirants target sweat glands to block sweat directly and recommended for people who encounter issues with sweating. Most antiperspirants also offer odor protection. As they have distinctive jobs, you’ll see that the ingredients lists also differ. Deodorants tend to contain antibacterial agents and fragrances whereas the active ingredient found in most antiperspirants is aluminum.
So, let’s take a look at how to apply deodorant properly. We’ve collected a few tips to follow to make sure you’re getting maximum protection.
Regardless of the type of product you use, it’s always best to put on your deodorant after showering. Make sure you apply the formula to clean and completely dry armpits. (There is no need to go overboard as you can reapply throughout the day as needed.)
There is now an extensive range of deodorant options so you can experiment with different scents (or scentless options), as well as deodorants for sensitive skin and all-natural formulas.
The trick to applying most deodorants follows the advice of Goldilocks – not too much, not too little, but just the right amount. Read below to learn how to apply deodorant stick, roll-on and spray for the best results. Since these are general instructions, be sure to read the application instructions on the deodorant container. (In the case of some clinical strength products, application may only be required several times a week.)
Stick deodorants typically have a dial that you turn to dispense the formula. For those wondering, “How much deodorant should I put on?” We recommend 2-3 swipes under each arm for the best results. If you find that residue is transferring to your clothes, it’s likely that you’re applying too much. In this case, try reducing the amount to avoid build-up and potential deodorant stains on your clothes.
Roll-on deodorants, as the name suggests, contain a roller ball that releases a small amount of formula when moved over the skin. When considering how much deodorant to apply with a roll-on, 2-3 swipes is a good place to start. Be sure to cover the entire underarm area for even coverage and allow the formula time to dry before putting on clothes.
Advice for how to apply deodorant in spray form is a little different. First, give it a good shake to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. Then hold the can around 6 inches (or 15cm) from your underarms and give a short, sharp spray – around 2 seconds on each armpit. Remember, if you find yourself in a cloud of aerosol, then you’ve gone too far!
Contrary to popular belief, the best time of the day to apply deodorants is actually before you go to bed. (This is especially true for antiperspirants.) Our sweat ducts are less active in the evening and while we’re sleeping. As such, applying deodorant at night allows the formula to work most effectively. Deodorant works best with minimal moisture, so it’s important to make sure your armpits are totally dry after showering and before application.
Now you know how to use deodorant properly, you may be interested to learn that shaving and exfoliating your armpits can improve the performance of your chosen product.
Shaving your armpits gets rid of hair that can trap moisture and lead to body odor. Shaving also allows the deodorant to make direct contact with your skin to work its magic. Exfoliating helps to scrub away dead skin cells, bacteria, and deodorant remnants, giving your deodorant a clean and fresh canvas on which to work.
If you suffer from body odor, using deodorants correctly will certainly help. To help reduce body odor, you can also wear undershirts with odor-fighting silver. Check out the Ejis sweat proof undershirt (buy in our shop or on Amazon) and get maximum protection from body odor.
