10 Habits that could be killing the effects of our deodorant

We rely on deodorants to prevent sweat and the odor that perspiration can produce. However, not knowing the difference between this product and an antiperspirant, as well as not knowing its correct use, can have unpleasant consequences. Has it ever happened to you to shower and use deodorant and still smell bad?

O awesome.club wants to help you avoid embarrassing situations like this. So we’ve put together some of the most common mistakes made when using deodorant, and some tips on how to fix them.

The first thing to consider is that deodorants and antiperspirants offer different protections. The first is considered cosmetic and is formulated to contain the bad smell and hide already formed unpleasant odors. It is usually produced with an alcohol base and, when applied, makes the skin acidic, which means less attractive to bacteria, which are the cause of odors.

Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are regulated as drugs in some countries, such as the United States, since they affect bodily functions. Its active ingredients include aluminum salts that temporarily block sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration.

Choosing the right product depends on your daily needs. If your day is not so busy, choose to use a deodorant that usually lasts about eight hours. But if your day is heavier, use an antiperspirant. Its effect can last from 24 to 72 hours, and it is formulated for people with a tendency to sweat a lot, who are exposed to strong emotions or high temperatures, and for those who practice sports activities.

If you have sensitive skin and occasionally suffer from underarm irritation, it is best not to apply it daily.

There are also antiperspirant deodorants. They perform two functions in one: prevent sweating and help mask odor.

The recommended amount of product varies depending on the format. If using an aerosol, spray the jet 15 centimeters from your armpit. You can determine how much deodorant to apply based on how long your favorite spray lasts; however, experts advise not to overdo it: two seconds on each armpit is enough.

Do you use roll-on? Then swipe it over the armpit a few times to get even coverage. Do you prefer stick products? Apply two or three times and voila!

If you have a persistent underarm rash, it’s possible that you have an allergic reaction to your deodorant. Look for one that is specially formulated for sensitive skin and does not contain aluminum salts, fragrances, perfume or dyes. According to the Food and Drug Administration Agency — Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, these four categories of ingredients can trigger allergy and irritation.

Preservatives in deodorant can also cause allergic skin rashes or irritation. Parabens are a type of preservative that were once included in many personal care products. Most deodorant companies have removed this element from their formulas, but there are still some that include it.

After shaving, wait a bit before applying deodorant. Applying it to freshly shaved skin may cause some discomfort. Let the underarm skin rest to reduce the chances of irritation from using this product.

During intense physical activity, your body produces a lot of sweat; then the deodorant you usually use may not be enough to keep you fresh and free of strong odors. It is better to use a special one for exercising. There are specific formulas for this, even among natural products.

Wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially under the arms, can make the underarm area in clothes stained, in addition to making you sweat more. Instead, try wearing slightly looser clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking blends, especially if you sweat a lot. This will allow your body to stay cooler, also avoiding the bad smell caused by sweat.

Much of our body’s hydration is related to the food we eat. Fruits and vegetables are the ones that hydrate us the most, some of which are almost entirely water. This is the case of watermelon, strawberry, melon, orange, cucumber and lettuce.

Drinking enough water and eating these types of foods can keep your body cool and prevent excessive underarm sweating.

Are you planning to wear the T-shirt more than once to exercise? Think twice. It’s not necessary to wash all your clothes after each use, but if you tend to sweat a lot, you may need to wash them more often. Or, try wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt under your clothes to cover your armpits and prevent the odor from spreading to the outer layers.

According to your genetic variation, your sweat will be more or less noticeable for the bacteria that are generated in the armpit and that cause the bad smell. According to a study published in 2013 in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, those with the ABCC11 gene are lucky not to produce any kind of underarm odor. However, most continue to use deodorant unnecessarily.

It is possible to have a genetic test to find out if you are one of those people who do not produce odor and thus avoid unnecessary purchases and exposure to chemicals.

Have you ever been in an embarrassing situation because of your deodorant? Have you tried using natural remedies for underarm sweat and odor? Which?