It’s a hygiene product that most people use every single day without thinking twice about it.
But it turns out you’ve probably been applying your deodorant wrong this entire time.
Experts from the International Hyperhidrosis Society have revealed the best time to apply your antiperspirant.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not first thing in the morning.
Instead, the experts say that antiperspirants are best applied at night, just before you go to bed.
‘For best results, use your antiperspirant in the evening,’ the team advised.
‘Sweat production is at its lowest at night.
‘Evening application gives the active ingredients in antiperspirants time overnight to get into your pores in order to block perspiration when the sun comes up and you really get moving.’
While many of us use the terms interchangeably, deodorants and antiperspirants are actually two separate things.
‘Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin,’ the International Hyperhidrosis Society explained.
‘Deodorants, on the other hand, can help eliminate odor but not perspiration.
‘They’re usually alcohol-based and turn your skin acidic, making it less attractive to bacteria. Deodorants often also contain perfume fragrances to mask odor.’
Thankfully, most products on sale today are combination antiperspirants and deodorants, which fight both sweat and odour.
Most people apply theirs first thing in the morning, but this can not only make your antiperspirant less effect, but can also ruin your clothes.
‘Apply your antiperspirant at night before bed. It works better when applied at night anyway (see above) and your morning outfit won’t suffer,’ the team explained.
If you’re quite a sweaty person, you might be tempted to put on several layers.
However, the experts say that a thin layer is all you need.
‘Apply only a thin layer of antiperspirant,’ they advised.
‘One swipe up and one swipe down is enough and there won’t be extra to rub off onto your clothes.’
If the amount of sweat you produce is causing you embarassment, thankfully there are several things you can do.
Beyond applying your antiperspirant in the evening, try to trim or groom your underarm hair to allow the product ro reach your skin.
‘Trimming hair also prevents sweat and oil from hanging around and cuts down on the surface areas on which bacteria and sweat can react,’ the International Hyperhidrosis Society explained.
There are also several medical treatments to stop sweating, which your doctor can advise you on.
However, it’s best to try to understand the root cause behind your sweating.
‘Manage your stress and learn how to control it to prevent or limit stress sweating in the first place,’ the experts added.
