Stop using deodorant the wrong way: Three everyday habits that reduce deodorant effectiveness

The feeling of being clean is very pleasant , so we try to prolong it as long as possible, although it's not always easy, as is the case on hot summer days in Spain or after exercising and before taking another shower.

Using deodorant has become the best tool for preventing unpleasant or excessive odors , even when we can't stop sweating. However, we're unaware of the certain mistakes we tend to make that reduce its effectiveness.

Habits that reduce the effectiveness of deodorant

Everyone wants to feel good, and a small part of that depends on making sure your deodorant is working properly , preventing nervous situations, rushing to catch the bus, or the flow of the day from playing tricks on you and causing unwanted odors to appear. What we don't know is that there are certain habits that can make deodorant not as effective as we hope, such as those pointed out on social media by Eduardo Palomera, pharmacist at Farmacia Palomera in Zaragoza.

"Many people apply it after exercising, on sweaty skin, or right out of the shower , and this prevents it from working as it should," explains Palomera, referring to those habits we do without stopping to consider whether they're the best use of deodorant. Sometimes we feel like we're starting to sweat, and that's when we realize we need deodorant, which is a mistake.

Applying it at these three times indicates that the product loses its effectiveness , meaning we wouldn't be using it correctly and would produce subpar results. For deodorant to work effectively, it's best to "apply it to clean, dry skin , for example, in the morning, so the active ingredients can work as intended." It's also often recommended to apply it at night, so the product is better absorbed. If you feel you need to reapply it, it's best to do so after cleaning the skin and once it's dry.

"It's important to remember that the vast majority of deodorants are also antiperspirants, so applying them to sweaty or wet skin doesn't make any sense."

How to apply deodorant properly

We understand that deodorant won't work if we don't apply it or apply it too little, but it won't be completely effective if we apply too much . That's why it's important to know that, for roll-on deodorants, it's best to apply them in a circular motion a couple of times. For stick deodorants, you should apply them two or three times from top to bottom.

For aerosol deodorants, it's best to shake well to mix the ingredients and spray about 15 centimeters away from your skin (not on clothing). One or two sprays should be sufficient. Do this carefully, avoiding breathing it and, especially, avoiding contact with your eyes.

References

Teerasumran, P., Velliou, E., Bai, S., & Cai, Q. (2023). Deodorants and antiperspirants: New trends in their active agents and testing methods. International Journal Of Cosmetic Science , 45 (4), 426-443. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12852