Should you wear deodorant to bed at night? Here's what a dermatologist says (2024)

FAQs

Should you wear deodorant to bed at night? Here's what a dermatologist says? ›

A true deodorant — one that's simply meant to block odor and does not prevent sweating — isn't necessary to wear to bed, since people sweat less at night, especially with air conditioning, Lipner says. “Most people do not really need to wear deodorant at night,” Lipner tells TODAY.com.

If you do wear deodorant or antiperspirant at night, that's okay too. Both dermatologists say that doing so will not negatively impact your health in any way. You might have heard that some people don't wear deodorant at night “to let their skin breathe.” Is there truth to this? “Sweat glands do not need to breathe.

“If you stop wearing deodorant or antiperspirant, you can develop a stronger odor over time,” Doyle said. “When you stop using (such products) and sweat more, this creates a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal overgrowth, which can cause odor to become stronger.”

Your body odor is probably going to smell different, and potentially stronger, than what you're used to. That's because your body is simultaneously purging its sweat glands and recalibrating the balance of microscopic organisms that live on your skin. It's establishing a new normal.

While the argument for applying deodorant at night is a good one, we would not suggest applying antiperspirant at night, there have been many health risks associated with using antiperspirants - so we would always advise on the side of caution. To be honest we wouldn't advise using them during the day either.

We've always used types of parabens that have been proven safe — Dove products take care of your skin and don't use harmful skincare ingredients.

Many don't really feel the need to apply deodorant. According to the studies, Koreans had the highest rate of having the type A gene, one of the ABCC11 genotypes involved in armpit odor, among various races. People with the type A gene produce fewer apocrine sweat glands and thus tend to have less body odor.

The majority of Europeans regard the use of a deodorant or antiperspirant as a necessary part of their personal hygiene routine, leaving manufacturers little room to drive volume growth in this mature market.

It may take a few days or even a week before you notice any unwanted side effects of detoxing from antiperspirants. The smelliest part of your detox will likely last a week or two. This is when most people give up, but you can do this!

Is it okay to put vaseline on your armpits? ›

Runners, athletes, or anyone who strolls a lot in hot, sticky weather, knows that chaffing can be a painful way to ruin a nice summer day. Spread a small amount of Vaseline on vulnerable areas — like between your thighs or under your armpits — for instant relief.

By keeping your underarms clean, using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice, wearing natural fibers, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet, you can get rid of underarm odour naturally. Give these natural remedies a try and see what works best for you.

Though stopping antiperspirant or deodorant use altogether hasn't been thoroughly studied, Dr. Zeichner says your underarm odor will likely return if you stop wearing it (so beware). However, that doesn't mean you can't improve your scent without it.

The bottom line. Some ingredients in popular deodorants and antiperspirants have been associated with different health conditions, like breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease. However, studies haven't proven a link between deodorants with aluminum and health problems.

Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.

The most effective time of day to apply deodorant is at night before going to bed, and it is especially important to apply your antiperspirant at night. Your body temperature is lower and your underarms dryer at this time, so the deodorant will have a better chance to work on your skin.

“There are sweat glands in most parts of the body, with the most actually found on the feet, so you could use a deodorant or antiperspirant anywhere you're bothered by excess sweating,” she shares. Dr. Garlapti says it doesn't hurt to apply deodorant in areas where there is skin-to-skin contact.

Most deodorants and antiperspirants offer 24- to 48-hour protection, so you shouldn't have to apply multiple times during the day.

It's important to apply our deodorant to clean, dry skin. If you apply it to wet or damp skin, the deodorant may not adhere properly, which can reduce its effectiveness. For best results, apply deodorant after you've dried off completely from your shower.