10 deodorant mistakes you need to stop making

It’s a common daily hygiene routine – people apply deodorant to their underarms to keep body odour at bay. But even when you do something every day, there’s still room for error, and there are some common mistakes people make. We asked skin health experts to reveal the most popular deodorant faux pas, and the tips you can use to correct them.

Here’s a quick lesson: Antiperspirants reduce sweat, while deodorants reduce smell. According to dermatologist Fayne Frey, most antiperspirants contain aluminium salts, sometimes mixed with a zirconium salt, which bind to a protein in the sweat gland ducts. This creates a sweat duct plug that temporarily tamps down sweat production. Deodorants, on the other hand, are topical products that either neutralise odour – using ingredients that kill some of the bacteria that contributes to the development of body odour – or simply mask it. “They do not reduce the amount of sweat expelled and will not keep your armpits dry,” explains dermatologist Dr Tsippora Shainhouse.

Be careful when swiping on deodorant or antiperspirant immediately after shaving, especially when using products with a higher alcohol content. These can cause irritation, according to dermatologist Dr Alisha Plotner.

A fresh layer of deodorant won’t keep you fresh if it’s sitting on top of yesterday’s stench. You need to apply product to clean, dry skin so it can adhere directly to the surface. If layered on top of an older product (especially a thick cream or solid) it’s likely to be less effective, explains Dr Plotner.

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Contrary to popular belief, you should actually be applying deodorant in the evening, before bed. Deodorants and antiperspirants are most effective on skin when sweat ducts are less active and there is minimal moisture, such as while you’re sleeping. “Because deodorant should always be applied to clean, dry skin, it’s best to shower in the evening, pat your skin dry with a towel, and then apply deodorant,” explains dermatologist Dr Joel Schlessinger. “If you miss the fresh scent of deodorant, it’s okay to apply again in the morning. However, this is more for your own comfort level than anything else.”

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This one can go either way. “Depending on your body and what type of deodorant / antiperspirant you’re using, you may not need to apply every single day,” explains Dove dermatologist Dr Alicia Barba. Some antiperspirants are made to last 48 hours, which means daily application isn’t essential. When in doubt, read the label, or just cleanse and reapply.

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Dr Frey advises applying a dimethicone-based moisturiser to the armpit in the morning to minimise irritation. For a more natural alternative, New Orleans spa director Sharla Martin, recommends moisturising with coconut oil. “Coconut oil soothes dry skin and can reduce water loss in very dry skin. It has natural antibacterial properties and is incredibly soothing to the skin in those delicate places.”

It’s important to take into consideration your skin type and any skin issues or sensitivities you may have when choosing a deodorant. Higher alcohol content formulas, like sprays and gels, can be irritating to sensitive skin types – as can heavily fragranced formulas, according to Dr Plotner. “You have to take care of the skin under your arms just like you do the skin on your face,” says Dr Barba.

Regular antiperspirants must show a 20% reduction in sweat duct plug formation, while clinical strength must show a 30% reduction. “Clinical strength antiperspirants contain a higher concentration of aluminium zirconium salts, and although they may be more effective, they may also be more irritating,” says Dr Frey. “I advise my patients with sensitive skin to avoid antiperspirants with fragrance as well as extra strength formulas, and to look instead for products that contain dimethicone, which may also prevent irritation in susceptible individuals.”

Have you ever thought about using natural deodorant? Before you assume it doesn’t work, you should know this – they can be good alternatives for a few reasons. Natural deodorants may be viable options for people with light sweating, or those who are hoping to camouflage and/or prevent mild odour, according to Dr Plotner.

Now you know about under arm odours, discover how to say goodbye to bad breath.