Applying a deodorant? Avoid these mistakes
From wearing it before leaving the house to spraying it all over after a sweaty gym session, deodorants have become a necessary part of our grooming and hygiene practices. However, in the process of doing so, most people commit mistakes that can do more harm than good. Here are the most common deodorant mistakes that you should always steer clear of.
Mistake 1: Not knowing the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants
Antiperspirants and deodorants are not the same and this is something you should be aware of. While antiperspirants reduce sweat by creating a sweat duct plug, deodorants reduce stink by killing some of the bacteria that cause body odor. Note that deodorants do not reduce sweat. Hence, it is important to understand what you need and buy a formula accordingly.
Mistake 2: Applying deodorant just before heading out
Do you apply deodorant just before heading out for the day? Well, this is a common mistake that should be avoided. They are the most effective when there is minimal moisture/sweat and therefore, it is best to apply them just before you sleep. Yes! Take a shower before bed, dry the skin, and put on the deodorant to make the most of it.
Mistake 3: Not moisturizing armpits regularly with lotion or oil
Like every part of the body, it is important to moisturize your armpits. By doing so, you can make the scent of your deodorant last for long. For best results, apply a moisturizer to the armpit before spraying the deodorant. You can either use a moisturizing lotion or a natural moisturizer like coconut oil. Leave it for five minutes and then use the deodorant.
Mistake 4: Using deodorant that doesn't suit your skin type
Most of the time, we select deodorants solely based on their scent. While fragrances play a key role, it is of the utmost importance to choose one based on your skin type. Avoid formulae that have alcohol, baking soda, aluminum-based salts, propylene glycol, and Quaternium-15 on the label. Instead, choose ones with soothing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera etc.