It might feel like your underarm product is making you sweat more, but pure deodorant doesn't stop sweat. Instead, it primarily targets odor. The feeling of increased sweating, especially when using products that contain antiperspirant, can often be linked to how the product is applied.
Understanding Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant
It's important to distinguish between deodorant and antiperspirant, as they work differently:
- Deodorant: Masks or neutralizes body odor, usually through fragrance or antimicrobial agents. It does not prevent sweating.
- Antiperspirant: Reduces sweating by temporarily blocking sweat ducts with aluminum-based compounds. Many products are a combination of both.
If you're using a product labeled simply "deodorant," it won't affect how much you sweat. If you're using a product that is also an "antiperspirant," its effectiveness in reducing sweat depends heavily on correct application.
The Role of Incorrect Application
If you feel your antiperspirant is making you sweat more, it is likely that you are applying it incorrectly so that it cannot work to its full potential, Dr. Chen says.
Antiperspirants work by forming temporary plugs within your sweat ducts. This process requires time and a specific environment to be effective.
- Applying to Wet Skin: If applied to wet or damp skin, the aluminum salts may react with the water on the surface instead of being absorbed into the sweat ducts.
- Applying at the Wrong Time: Sweat production decreases at night. Applying antiperspirant in the evening allows the active ingredients to penetrate the sweat ducts more effectively before significant sweating begins. Applying in the morning after you've already started sweating makes it harder for the product to create the necessary blockages.
When antiperspirant isn't applied correctly, it can't adequately reduce sweat flow. This might give the perception that you are sweating more than usual, simply because the product isn't performing its sweat-blocking function effectively.
How to Maximize Antiperspirant Effectiveness
To get the best results from an antiperspirant product and potentially reduce the feeling of excessive sweating:
- Apply at Night: The most effective time to apply antiperspirant is before bed on clean, dry skin.
- Ensure Skin is Dry: Towel dry your underarms thoroughly before application.
- Use the Right Amount: Apply a thin, even layer. Using too much can sometimes be counterproductive or cause irritation.
- Allow to Dry: Let the product dry completely before putting on clothing.
By ensuring the antiperspirant component of your underarm product is applied correctly, you allow it to work as intended, which can help manage sweat more effectively and reduce the feeling that the product isn't working or is making you sweat more.
