I’m a dermatologist and you’re using deodorant wrong – there’s a super basic reason why
WHAT if we told you that you have been using deodorant all wrong?
Well, that might just be the case according to one dermatologist.
Dr. Shari Lipner, an expert in all things armpits, shared that most people only apply antiperspirant in the morning .
But the medical truth is that you need to be putting it on at night time.
Sweating isn’t just an inconvenience we must suffer due to being anxious about a job interview or running for the bus.
It can occur for various reasons, including exercise, suffering from a fever, hot weather and nervousness.
Most people reach for their spray cans and rollers as part of their first thing getting ready ritual.
But it might be worth flipping the script.
“We sweat less at night, so the antiperspirant can come into closer contact with sweat glands and decrease sweating,” Dr Lipner said.
However, it’s essential to use an antiperspirant rather than traditional deodorant because the former prevents sweating and odour, while the latter just blocks odour.
Antiperspirants work by creating a plug near the top of the sweat glands, duly limiting the amount of the sweat that breaks the surface of our skin.
At night time, and particularly after a shower, antiperspirant has more time to solidify the plugs and prevent sweat.
Dr Lipner added that you won’t even have to apply antiperspirant in the morning if you follow this method.
One study found that antiperspirant can depress sweat for up to a day.
Speaking to Today, Dr Lipner also addressed concerns that applying antiperspirant deodorant at night could be harmful.
“There are no known health risks associated with wearing deodorant at night or wearing deodorant too often,” she said.
“There is no need to take a break from deodorant.
“But if you are sweating so much that you need to use it multiple times a day, you should see a board-certified dermatologist who can recommend other options.”
Another way to reduce sweating at night is to wear light and “sweat-wicking clothing”, the expert said.
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