How To Apply Antiperspirant To Make It More Effective

If you’re failing your midday sniff test, making the switch to nighttime showering and deodorizing might be the key to keeping your funky flora from blossoming.

Antiperspirant is designed to work before you start sweating. Though most people sweat less at night, your antiperspirant won’t effectively stop the stink if it’s applied over a layer of dried sweat in the morning. When your body produces sweat, it starts a smelly chain reaction that leads to body odor. Antiperspirant stops this chain reaction at the start.

Antiperspirant is most effective when applied to clean, dry skin. If you use it in the morning right after your shower, your skin might be too wet to absorb the formula properly. If you apply it when you're rushing out the door, your antiperspirant may not have enough time to block your sweat glands.

Antiperspirant formulas need time to soak into your pores to prevent sweat. Otherwise, it will not be as effective throughout the day. The nighttime application gives the formula enough time to properly soak into your skin and stop sweat in its tracks for the next 24 hours. Antiperspirant temporarily blocks your sweat glands to prevent sweat and is safe to use as a daily solution to sweat and stink.

Here’s how to apply antiperspirant to ensure you’re getting the best, most effective results:

1. Take a shower at night. Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any sweat, dirt, or grime from your skin. If you have sensitive skin or have recently shaved, use an antiperspirant that is designed to be gentle on skin.
2. Dry your skin completely. After showering, towel off and allow your skin to dry. For better drying and to prevent extra moisture on your skin, leave your steamy bathroom and apply antiperspirant in a less humid room.

1. Apply a thin layer of antiperspirant to your skin. Overdoing it won’t make your antiperspirant more effective, a thin layer is all you need. Apply antiperspirant to armpits and anywhere else you’re worried about sweat. But—avoid any body parts with a mucous membrane such as your mouth, eyes, and genitals.

1. Optional: Apply another thin layer when you wake up in the morning. If you naturally sweat a lot or would like a fresh burst of scent, apply another layer of antiperspirant in the morning.

With so many antiperspirant and deodorant choices available, it’s not easy to know which option is right for you. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you smell good and feel fresh, longer:

1. Antiperspirants are great for anyone who sweats excessively. If you've ever had to change your shirt in the middle of the day thanks to excessive sweating, then antiperspirants are your jam. If you’re on-the-go all day, antiperspirants are a no-fuss, no muss(ty) way to stay fresh and dry for 24-48 hours. Pro tip: apply antiperspirant to cleansed skin at night so that the formula has time to soak into your skin and be even more effective the next day.
2. Deodorants are good for anyone who is less worried about sweat and more concerned about body odor. Deodorants tend to be less effective over time and may need to be reapplied throughout the day—so don’t forget to bring a spare when you leave the house.

Luckily, you don’t have to choose just one or the other. Many products today are antiperspirant-deodorant combos that can stop sweat before it starts and cover up unwanted aromas.

If you’re looking for protection that stops both sweat and body odor, try

Ban® Satin Breeze Roll-On. It’s an antiperspirant and deodorant infused with a subtle citrus and fresh green notes that gives you a clean, long-lasting scent.