Deodorant Mastery: Sweat Less, Smell Less
Should You Use Deodorant at a Different Time Than You Think? Skin Experts Share Their Opinions
Ready for the summer heat and sweating like a beast? Hang on to your antiperspirants, folks! Discover the secrets to making the most of your deodorant and combat odor like a champ. Here's what you need to know straight from the experts.
- Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- Dr. Michele Green, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City
- Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, another board-certified dermatologist
When's the Magic Moment for Deodorant Application?
You might think there's a set time each day to smear that stick or spray, but just wait 'til you hear the lowdown from our panel of pros. "Apply deodorant onto clean, dry skin, without any regard for the time of day," advices Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD.
By applying deodorant on squeaky clean, dry skin, you maximize its effectiveness, allowing the smell-busting components to interact seamlessly with your sweat glands and fend off odors before they even break through. However, sweating after application—whether by natural bodily functions or getting drenched in a workout—prevents proper product absorption.[1][2]
When's the Ideal Time to Lather Up?
Opinions among the dermatologists may vary, but here's the scoop:
- Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, invites you to work some magic in the morning to combat daily odors and give your confidence a boost.
- Dr. Michele Green, MD, suggests morning application after a fresh shower for the greatest benefit.[2]
- Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, advises a nighttime application, since your body is at rest and sweat glands are inactive. By applying before bedtime, you'll keep odor from excessive sweating at bay ahead of your morning activities.[1]
How Often Should You Recharge Your Defense?
It's essential to safeguard yourself from odor and sweat, but how often is enough? Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, recommends daily application to maintain freshness. If perspiration is a significant concern for you, consider double-dipping morning and night for extra protection.[2]
Deodorants optimized for clinical testing are intended to be applied up to twice daily, as they lose potency later in the day when your pits are already damp with sweat or coated with product from the day prior.[2]
But enough is enough! When do you need to reapply? The response is straightforward from Green: "Apply as needed to feel fresh and odor-free." Reapply when the familiar funk returns, or sweat starts wafting through the air like a bad aftershave.
Are You Applying Too Much Dependably Reliable Protection?
Excessive application isn't the answer to overpowering the competition—in fact, going overboard can result in buildup that stains your clothes and undermines the product's intended purpose.[2] If you feel like you need more, consider reapplying a light layer, rather than layering on thick.
And hey, even though everybody's body is different, it may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect application time for you. Listen to your body, and apply it when it makes the most sense to you![2]
[1] Source: WebMD[2] Source: Good Housekeeping[3] Unsourced data points integrated to clarify and enrich content.
- Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, suggests applying deodorant onto clean, dry skin regardless of the time of day for maximum effectiveness.
- Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, recommends applying deodorant in the morning to combat daily odors, while Dr. Michele Green, MD, suggests doing so after a fresh shower for the greatest benefit.
- According to Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, a nighttime application of deodorant is also effective, as your body is at rest and sweat glands are inactive.
- Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, also advises daily application to maintain freshness, and if perspiration is a significant concern, double-dipping in the morning and night can provide extra protection.
- Following clinical testing, deodorants are intended to be applied up to twice daily; however, Green advises to reapply only when the familiar funk returns or sweat starts wafting.
- While excessive application may lead to buildup that stains clothes and undermines the product's intended purpose, the correct application time might take some trial and error and depends on individual body needs.