The hot and humid summer months in India are no fun. The rise in temperature, high levels of humidity and constant sweating leave us hot and flustered. While sweating is a way for the body to cool itself, but not regulating the excessive sweating can give rise to stinky situations. You’ll find it interesting to know that sweat itself does not smell bad. The bacteria present in sweat break it down into acids that eventually release an unpleasant odour.
One of the best ways to keep yourself odour-free in the summer is to use an effective antiperspirant. This is easier said than done as it can be tricky to find the right one and use it the correct way for it to work. But fret not; we’re going to give you the complete lowdown on antiperspirant and answering some common questions regarding their usage.
- What exactly is an antiperspirant?
- Do antiperspirants suit all skin types?
- What is the best time to apply antiperspirants?
- Can you use antiperspirant after shaving?
- Can antiperspirants darken underarms?
What exactly is an antiperspirant?
An antiperspirant is a product that helps control sweat and odour caused by bacteria or fungi in your underarms. It does so by shrinking the size of your sweat glands and inhibiting the growth of bacteria by depriving them of the humid environment to thrive in.
Do antiperspirants suit all skin types?
Much like skincare, antiperspirants should also be picked depending on your skin type and concern. There are certain deos that are specifically formulated without baddies like alcohol to avoid irritation in sensitive skin. If you have rough underarms, a moisturising antiperspirant should be your go-to. So do a thorough label check of the ingredients before choosing one for yourself.
What is the best time to apply antiperspirants?
It is essential to give your sweat glands enough time to absorb the antiperspirant formula. That’s why it is recommended to apply them at least a couple of hours before stepping out of the house. Make sure that your skin is clean and fresh, without water or sweat already present on it. Some women even prefer to use antiperspirant at night so that it can work its magic while you sleep; just apply it again post-shower to remain sweat and odour-free throughout the day.
Can you use antiperspirant after shaving?
When it comes to using antiperspirants after shaving, you have to take a call depending on the formula that you use. Some roll-on antiperspirants are formulated without irritating ingredients like alcohols and can be used post-shaving. At the same time, some aerosols can be too harsh on freshly shaved armpits and should not be applied immediately after shaving.
Can antiperspirants darken underarms?
There are several factors that can contribute to the darkening of underarms. Lack of exfoliation, improper shaving techniques, poor hygiene and chemical irritants in body care products can lead to underarm dark marks. And while antiperspirants don’t directly result in skin darkening, some harsh formulas containing alcohol cause pigmentation. Make sure to only opt for gentle products that are alcohol and paraben-free and overall gentle in nature.
Written by Sumona Bose on Apr 10, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!