Every morning, just after showering, the action goes away almost by itself: a swipe of antiperspirant under the arms and the day can begin. This reflex seems so logical that we no longer question it. However, several doctors today explain that a simple change of schedule could change everything for our armpits.
Before talking about the best time to apply your antiperspirant, you still need to be sure of the product you are using. Many people confuse deodorant and antiperspirant, and apply one or the other at the wrong time. Specialists point out that the right action… at the right time can make the difference between halos, odors and a dry day.
Deodorant, antiperspirant: two roles and two different times
To understand, we must start from perspiration itself. Dr. Gérald Kierzek recalls that “Sweating is an essential mechanism for cooling the body and eliminating certain toxins“, as an emergency physician and medical director of True Medical. The eccrine glands produce sweat mainly composed of water and mineral salts, while the apocrine glands, under the arms, give off odors when they decompose on contact with bacteria.
Concretely, a deodorant does not block sweat. It mainly acts on odors. “It works by masking odors (thanks to perfumes) and killing bacteria, thanks to antibacterial agents such as triclosan or certain essential oils.“, explains Dr Gérald Kierzek. The antiperspirant is described as more radical: “It reduces sweating by temporarily tightening the pores of the skin thanks to aluminum salts“, which limits humidity and halos.
Why antiperspirant is more effective in the evening
Several experts now agree: for an effective antiperspirant, the right timing is in the evening. Dr. Sacchetti recalls that an antiperspirant, or antiperspirant, seeks to reduce sweating by acting directly on the sweat ducts. According to her, “at night, the skin is dry and clean. This is the time when active ingredients best regulate perspiration. In the evening, this treatment works longer and is gentler on the skin.“, she explains in an Instagram post.
Dermatologist Dr. Charles Velter also locates the ideal time before bedtime, when the sweat glands are at rest and the skin is drier, which helps the active ingredients to penetrate and temporarily block pores for 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Shari Lipner summarizes: “We sweat less at night, which allows the antiperspirant to come into closer contact with the sweat glands and reduce sweating“Once these “plugs” have formed, the morning shower does not remove them.
Antiperspirant in the evening, deodorant in the morning: the right actions
For the antiperspirant applied in the evening to keep its promises, one point remains non-negotiable. “Always apply your deodorant or antiperspirant to clean, dry skin after showering“, insists Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
- Perfectly dry armpits;
- Thin layer of antiperspirant;
- Let dry before getting dressed.