We’ve all been there. We’re changing our clothes and we notice things are a little stinkier than usual. Or we’re taking an exercise class, get a whiff of something unpleasant, and realize we are the culprit. It’s possible your deodorant isn't working the way it used to, but it could also be the result of a lifestyle change.
“When your body works hard, it starts to sweat as a cooling mechanism. Body odor is caused when otherwise odorless sweat molecules mix with bacteria on the skin,” says Danielle Raynor, founder and CEO of Lavanila, which offers deodorant in fifteen different scents.
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Dr. Zenovia, spokesperson for Ban Deodorant, tells me that if the bacteria on your skin changes, then your odor changes, and what worked for you previously may no longer work. "So some people find that their deodorant stops working, but in fact, it was their body that changed.”
Ready to say goodbye to being stinky? Here are five reasons why your deodorant may not be working.
You’re Applying Deodorant to Wet Underarms
Who isn’t in a rush these days? Still, according to Ira Kaganovsky Green, CEO of Free Brands, which makes Freedom Deodorant, it’s important to dry off your underarms fully before spraying or swiping on deodorant. “While many people tend to apply after showering—you should wait till the surface is fully dry. Water creates a barrier, therefore deodorants don’t penetrate the skin and can wear off quickly.”
You Aren’t Applying Your Deodorant Properly
While we all apply deodorant pretty mindlessly, there is a best practice here. Green tells me we should use three to four swipes. “I promise you don't need more, if you do more, it will get on your clothes.”
Then move your arms back and forth several times. “You want the formula to cover the whole area and the body warmth from movement allows it to melt.”
You’re Too Loyal to Your Current Product
If you’ve been using the same deodorant for years and you suddenly have body odor, it’s unlikely the product has changed—it’s you. “Your body is smart and it can get used to certain products, yet your body is changing and might need something different,” Green explains.
Change up the scent or type of deodorant you use. If you've been using a spray, try a roll-on or stick.
You’re Stressed Out
Stress can also trigger body odor and make your deodorant less effective. “Stress is a big one, as it raises your anxiety. This heats up your body and it tries to cool down with sweat, which creates moisture-causing bacteria to grow and smell,” Green says.
Your Diet Changed
Anything that impacts the bacteria or microbiome of your skin can alter your body odor, Dr. Zenovia explains. So, if you’re making lifestyle changes, a new deodorant can be a part of this.
How to Make Your Deodorant Work Better
Giving your armpits a little extra attention can also help reduce body odor. Don't skip cleaning your pits in the shower. While some people recommend exfoliating your underarms Dr. Zenovia doesn’t suggest this for everyone. “The underarm tissue is thin and can be prone to friction or contact dermatitis to allergens."
Shaving the area regularly will naturally exfoliate your skin, so if you shave, you may not need a separate product.
You may also want to try an underarm mask, such as the Lavanila Healthy Detox Mask. Underarm masks work to increase the efficacy of deodorant by removing excess bacteria, toxins, and sweat buildup from under the arm.
If none of this works and you're still frustrated—make an appointment with a dermatologist to explore other options such as prescriptions or even Botox to curb excessive underarm sweating.
