OWNdeodorant#ownshowantiperspirant

The Common Mistake People Make When Applying Antiperspirant (VIDEO)

Don't Make This Common Antiperspirant Mistake
By 

HuffPost

|

We all know that antiperspirants work differently than deodorants, but there's another big distinction between the two that you may not be aware of -- and it could make all the difference.

Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, president and founding member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, says timing is everything when it comes to controlling sweat. Unlike deodorant, the best time to apply your antiperspirant is before bed.

While we sleep, we have "just the right amount of baseline sweating coming to the skin," Glaser explains in the above video from #OWNSHOW. "That helps to grab onto the active ingredient, bring it down into the sweat duct, and make a little plug."

If we apply antiperspirant in the morning, our basal level of sweat production is a bit too high, she says. "So no matter if you're using a regular antiperspirant or you're actually using a prescription, or you're using a clinical strength, you're going to get the best results if you put it on at night."

Don't bother to re-apply the next morning: "Even if you shower or shave in the morning, you're not going to wear out the efficacy," she says.

More from #OWNSHOW: A new way to deal with sweaty feet.

Like Us On Facebook |
Follow Us On Twitter

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Normal Vs. Abnormal Sweating
Amount Of Sweat(01 of16)
Open Image Modal
The volume or amount you sweat can be a giveaway when it comes to normal vs. abnormal sweating. Everyone sweats a certain amount a day, but if you are excessively sweating you might be suffering from hyperhidrosis, in which the body's cooling mechanism is so overactive that it produces five times the amount of sweat that you need in order to maintain consistent body temperature. (credit:Getty Images)
How Annoying Is it?(02 of16)
Open Image Modal
Normal: Sweating being an occasional inconvenience.Abnormal: Sweating negatively impacting the overall quality of your life.
When Are You Sweating?(03 of16)
Open Image Modal
Normal: Sweating while exercising.Abnormal: Sweating profusely when sitting in a cold room, watching TV.
How Are Your Clothes Doing?(04 of16)
Open Image Modal
Normal: Staining clothes because of sweat while exercising.Abnormal: Staining clothes with sweat while sitting in a temperature-controlled room.
Do You Keep Your Cool At Work?(05 of16)
Open Image Modal
Abnormal: If sweating is interfering with work and your overall professionalism.
Do Your Friends Notice?(06 of16)
Open Image Modal
Abnormal: If sweating is impacting your social life. If on a daily basis, you are not hugging someone or refuse to shake hands due to sweat.
Seasonal Changes(07 of16)
Open Image Modal
Normal: When temperatures rise -- for any reason -- the sweat glands kick in to produce more sweat. This is why we sweat more in the summer.Abnormal: Sweating regardless of the heat (year round).
Bedtime(08 of16)
Open Image Modal
Abnormal: Sweating while sleeping is abnormal.
Mental Health State(09 of16)
Open Image Modal
Normal: Sweating with anxiety.Abnormal: Sweating when calm.
Something You Ate?(10 of16)
Open Image Modal
Normal: Sweating while consuming spicy food.Abnormal: Sweating while eating ice cream.
It's Impossible to Keep Clothes Dry(11 of16)
Open Image Modal
Excessive underarm sweating is called axillary hyperhidrosis. One clue as to whether you have the condition is the way you dress. If you don't want to wear light- or bright-colored tops because you're afraid that the stains from your underarm sweating will be too obvious, or you avoid delicate fabrics such as silk because you're afraid they'll get ruined, you're likely dealing with excessive underarm sweat. Men with underarm hyperhidrosis are also likely to keep their suit jackets on, even when it's warm, because they're afraid that people will see sweat rings around their armpits on their shirts. (credit:Alamy)
You Can't Stop Thinking About It(12 of16)
Open Image Modal
When you have underarm hyperhidrosis, many times it's difficult to think about anything else. You worry that others will notice that your shirt is always soaked, thanks to excessive underarm sweat. You may become self-conscious and begin to withdraw, avoiding physical contact with other people. You may even be reluctant to dance at parties or work out at the gym for fear it will make your excessive sweating worse. (credit:Getty Images)
Deodorants Don't Do Enough(13 of16)
Open Image Modal
If you're experiencing excessive underarm sweating, ordinary over-the-counter deodorants won't work, no matter how often you apply them. You might have some success with antiperspirants that have a high concentration of aluminum chloride, which binds to, and therefore blocks, sweat glands, but at times even that isn't enough. Asking your doctor for a prescription-strength antiperspirant is the next step. Some people who sweat too much have success with prescription antiperspirant, but occasionally further treatment is necessary, notes Jacob DeLaRosa, MD, chief of cardiac and endovascular surgery at Idaho State University's Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.. (credit:Getty Images)
You're Sweating For No Reason(14 of16)
Open Image Modal
You expect to sweat when you work out or when you're about to give a big speech in front of a large audience, but if your armpits drip for no clear reason — breaking out in a heavy sweat any time of the day or night — you're likely experiencing symptoms of excessive sweating, or underarm hyperhidrosis.People with underarm hyperhidrosis are also likely to sweat profusely from other parts of the body, such as their hands, feet, and groin — areas where sweat glands are highly concentrated, says Charles Griff, MD, a dermatologist and medical director of the Dermatology Depot Med Spa in West Palm Beach, Fla. Hyperhidrosis of the palms is known as palmar hyperhidrosis. When you have this condition, you may have difficulty holding a pen or pencil and writing, driving a car, and using a computer keyboard, all because your hands are slippery. (credit:Getty Images)
You Shower All the Time(15 of16)
Open Image Modal
Underarm hyperhidrosis has nothing to do with hygiene, says Dr. DeLaRosa. Nonetheless, people with hyperhidrosis find they soak through their shirts soon after putting them on, so they shower constantly and change their clothes several times a day. This may keep you dry temporarily, but when you have hyperhidrosis, showering frequently, even with strong soaps and shower gels, won't stop the problem. But talking to your doctor or dermatologist about treatment will, says DeLaRosa. (credit:Getty Images)
You're Sloshing In Your Shoes(16 of16)
Open Image Modal
Some people with excessive underarm sweat also have plantar hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating of the soles of the feet. When your feet sweat too much, your socks and shoes get wet, leaving you feeling as if you've stepped in a puddle. You can become embarrassed about taking off your shoes and socks in public places, like the locker room at the gym or the shoe store, in part because of the ensuing odor. You may have crossed sandals off your wardrobe list because your feet are too slippery, and walking barefoot can be a problem when wet footprints get left behind. (credit:Alamy)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip