Why You Should Apply Deodorant at Night (2024)

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By

Deven Hopp

Why You Should Apply Deodorant at Night (1)

Deven Hopp is an experienced writer and editor with over five years of experience covering the beauty industry for sites like Byrdie and Makeup.com. She is currently the brand director for Versed Skincare.

Updated on 05/24/24 12:24PM

Reviewed by

BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

Fact checked by

Anna Harris

Fact checked byAnna Harris

Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.

Why You Should Apply Deodorant at Night (3)

Like brushing your teeth, washing your face, and brushing your hair, applying deodorant is one of those beauty tasks we do automatically every day without putting much thought into it. However, like all of the aforementioned tasks, most of us apply our daily deodorant in the morning. No-brainer, right? Apparently not. Our bodies might react with the chemicals in deodorant differently at night than they do in the morning. And the difference is actually a big one.

Keep reading to find out why you need to rethink your daily deodorant application.

First of all, this only applies to deodorants with antiperspirants. If you prefer products that only block odors (not sweat), application time makes no difference. But if your deodorant has antiperspirants in it, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that you should apply it at night. At night, your body temperature drops, which means you sweat less. When your sweat glands are less active, your sweat ducts may be able to better absorb the aluminum-based active ingredient in antiperspirant. Overnight, the product has time to sink in and effectively block those sweat ducts. In the morning, your sweat glands are more active, and it can be harder for the active ingredients to penetrate your skin and get down where they need to be.

Why You Should Apply Deodorant at Night (4)

The other important piece of the equation is your shower schedule. Applying deodorant right after showering is a big no-no. Antiperspirants are most effective when applied to very dry skin. If the skin’s surface is wet, the chemical reaction with the aluminum may happen on the outer layers of skin, rather than inside the pores where it needs to be for the sweat-blocking action to occur: “It’s best if you apply it after you’ve toweled off and your underarms have dried completely—the main point is that your skin is clean and dry,” says Dove dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur. And no, if you shower in the morning, you won’t wash away the deodorant you applied the night before. The effect of the ingredients usually stays active for around 24 hours (or longer, in some cases), even through showering.

Key Takeaways

  • If your deodorant has antiperspirants, applying it at night is best.
  • Your sweat glands are less active at night, so your sweat ducts may be able to better absorb the aluminum-based active ingredient.
  • Ensure your skin is completely dry before applying your deodorant for better absorption and effectiveness.

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Why You Should Apply Deodorant at Night (2024)

FAQs

Why You Should Apply Deodorant at Night? ›

We sweat less at night, so the antiperspirant can come into closer contact with sweat glands and decrease sweating," Lipner explains. Basically, because we sweat less when sleeping, applying antiperspirant before bed allows more time for the product to get absorbed, making it more effective the next day.

Is it good to use deodorant at night? ›

before bed is actually one of the best times to put on deodorant or antiperspirant. This is because your body temperature drops and your sweat glands are less active at night, which gives the formula a chance to really get to work.

Why should you use deodorant each day? ›

Deodorants neutralize body odor, while antiperspirants reduce wetness on the skin, Zeichner added. Both are often offered in one product. Despite the commonly accepted reasons why people wear deodorant, natural body odor isn't necessarily considered unpleasant by everyone.

Do you need deodorant if you shower every day? ›

Do you need deodorant if you shower every day? Not if you have an antibacterial wash on hand.

Should I put deodorant under my breasts? ›

Popping a bit of deodorant under your breasts before heading out for the day might be a good idea if you're worried about getting a little stinky. And we're not talking about anti-perspirants here, we mean the kind that doesn't stop you from sweating but makes you smell pleasant.

Is it better to sleep with or without deodorant? ›

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.

Does deodorant stop night sweats? ›

Ways to prevent night sweats

Your sweat glands are less active at night, so applying antiperspirant to clean, dry skin before bed will allow it to work while you sleep and into the next day.

What age does body odor start? ›

For most kids, body odor is part of growing up. Kids start to have body odor around the time puberty starts and hormones change. Usually, this happens when females are 8–13 years old, and males are 9–14.

Why do some cultures not wear deodorant? ›

Many factors--including genetic makeup, temperature, and social norms--contribute to whether people in different cultures choose to use deodorant. While deodorant is available around the world, it's more commonly used in some places than others.

When should you actually apply deodorant? ›

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.

Will I smell if I forgot deodorant? ›

"Deodorant is essentially a masking fragrance, and does nothing to stop bacterial growth or sweat production," says Austin-based dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain. "The body odor is related to bacteria by-products, so with no masking fragrance, this odor is unleashed."

Can you smell good without deodorant? ›

Sweaty and smelly armpits can be a real nuisance. But don't worry, there are simple ways to get rid of that odor without resorting to deodorant. The best way to prevent sweat and smelly armpits is to exercise regularly. This will help you burn off the sweat and reduce body odor.

Should I wash my armpits every night? ›

The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Using antiperspirant or deodorant and shaving the armpits can also help. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases.

Can you put deodorant on your private area female? ›

Antiperspirants and deodorants may work for your pits, but they can do more than a little damage below the belt. Instead of reaching for your usual stick or spray, try something made specifically for this area. You may want to look for a talc-free option.

Should you moisturize your armpits before or after deodorant? ›

Dry and itchy underarms will benefit from moisturizing as much as the rest of your body, and can help with how to calm itchy skin. Start with a small amount of your favorite body moisturizer. Massage in until it's absorbed, and wait a few minutes before applying deodorant.

Can I put deodorant under my stomach? ›

"Most antiperspirants also contain ingredients to eliminate or mask odor too, but the primary aim of an antiperspirant is to reduce sweat." She adds that it's totally okay to use your regular antiperspirant on your arms, legs, chest, stomach, and wherever else you may need it—the only exceptions are your face and your ...

Should I put deodorant on my feet? ›

Antiperspirants are considered the first line of treatment for excessive sweating and can be used nearly anywhere on the body where sweating is a problem. That's right, antiperspirants are not just for your underarms – you can use them on your hands, feet, face, back, chest, and even groin.

Should I put deodorant on my groin? ›

Though it may seem logical to swipe some antiperspirant down there, most ob/gyns don't advise applying anything to your pubic area because you risk irritating the sensitive skin, both externally and internally, and disrupting the natural bacteria environment if anything gets inside you.

When should you use deodorant at your age? ›

There's no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant. Many start in their teens. Some start as soon as puberty starts to cause body odor, which can be as early 8 or 9 years old for some children.

How long should deodorant last a day? ›

Once the antiperspirant has had time to set, it should last 24 hours, even if any residue is washed off in the shower.

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