If you’re walking down the street one morning and suddenly realize you don’t smell that great and might even be sweating through your shirt, it’s time to look at what’s going on here. The main assumption is that your deodorant has mysteriously stopped working and that the stench is a sign of that. But before you cast your deodorant aside, consider these other factors that can contribute to why your deodorant doesn’t seem to be as effective anymore.
Sweat on its own does not have an odor. The smell is caused by bacteria digesting sweat (and other fluids on your skin). Also, let’s make a quick distinction between deodorants and antiperspirants:
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Deodorants do not prevent you from sweating, but the best contain powerful ingredients to stop stink before it starts (others might just use scents to try to “cover up” any odor).
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Antiperspirants deal with sweat directly by plugging up sweat glands with aluminum to help prevent wetness from occurring.
Now, let’s take a look at some common reasons your deodorant seems to fail you.
You’re Not Using the Right Product
If you want to primarily control odor, chose an
aluminum free deodorant with naturally-derived ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. Aluminum found in antiperspirants often stains the underarms of your shirts and it doesn’t wash out well—which is why you may still be smelly even with a “clean” shirt on. BO can stick around in your clothing wash after wash, especially in man-made fibers like spandex and polyester. This odor sticks around thanks to the waxes and oils found in many antiperspirants and even natural deodorants, which is one of the reasons it’s so important to utilize a water-based deodorant that’ll come out in the wash.
You’re Not Putting It On Right
Make sure you completely dry off after your shower before using your deodorant. You want the formula to absorb into your skin properly, and it won’t if you are wet or sweaty after your shower. This may sound silly, but read the instructions on how to apply the deodorant. Some products may tell you to apply it 1-2 inches beyond the hair-bearing area of your underarms to ensure proper coverage.
You’re Not Using It Where It Matters Most
Armpits aren’t the only odiferous areas of the body.
There is an innovative product on the market right now that is made for pits and private parts. It’s a hypoallergenic, skin-safe deodorant for sensitive skin that comes in a stick or tube called Lumē Deodorant for Underarms & Private Parts.
Lume Deodorant is designed to halt odor-causing reactions on external skin. And you can put it anywhere on your body that is causing problems for you. Some people experience odor in areas other than just the underarms, so it’s worth trying a new product. Plus, Lume is clinically-proven to control odor for 72 hours.
For added on-the-go odor protection, try Lume Deodorant Wipes.
A Change in Hormones Could Be the Issue
Hormonal changes throughout our lives can cause us to sweat more, which can make us catch a whiff of our own body odor. Your hormones actually change when you shift to a healthier diet and more active lifestyle, which can alter how your sweat smells. Stress hormones can also cause us to sweat more and create an odor we aren’t used to. And it goes without saying that we tend to sweat more during the summer months or in hotter climates.
