Find What’s Best for Your Body
Every individual’s body is unique, so it makes sense that not all deodorants will work well for everyone. You may need to experiment a bit to find what works best for you, and you may struggle before finding the perfect deodorant or antiperspirant. Here are a few tips to get started. If you continue to struggle with body odor after multiple attempts, speak with your doctor to rule out other medical conditions or to explore other options.
What to Do if Switching Products Doesn’t Work
Having odor troubles? Unfortunately, sometimes deodorant’s effectiveness has nothing to do with the actual deodorant and more to do with how it’s interacting with the bacteria that lives on your skin. If your deodorant choices aren’t working out and are leaving you with body odor concerns, you may need to try out alternative methods. First, give your armpits a chance to breathe for a few days — they may just need a reset. Then if you’re still experiencing deodorant failure, try a different type of deodorant from what your body is used to (natural versus aluminum, for example) or opt for one of the alternatives above, such as an antibacterial wash in the shower.
You can still experience body odor even when your personal hygiene is top-notch. According to Garshick, the reason comes down to skin science. “Body odor refers to the odor that results from the combination of sweat and normal bacteria that live on the skin, with bromhidrosis being the medical term for foul-smelling body odor,” she says. “More specifically, the apocrine sweat glands — which are located in the underarm and groin area — produce sweat that is generally odorless. But it’s when the normal bacteria that live on our skin break down the sweat that odor may result — and what’s generally responsible for what most people consider body odor. This is why someone may notice a smell even with good hygiene.”
The Most Effective Types of Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Dr. Campbell says an antiperspirant is most effective, as it contains ingredients (like aluminum) that can control both sweat and body odor. Beyond that, does the type you choose matter? “Some people prefer a spray, as it’s easy to use and absorbs quickly without leaving a residue behind, while others don’t like to breathe in the aerosol spray,” says Garshick. “On the other hand, a stick, roll-on, or gel deodorant often helps to deliver controlled and precise coverage, but can potentially leave [underarm] residue or stains on shirts.”
Then there’s deciding between “wet” and “dry” options: “Roll-ons (which are liquid-based) and gel-based deodorants often go on wet and then dry after a few seconds, while stick deodorants typically go on dry and don’t require significant drying time, which can be helpful for someone on the go,” she says. She notes that it all comes down to personal preference and whatever works best for you.
The Takeaway
- If your deodorant or antiperspirant has stopped working, it may be due to changes in your sweat or the bacteria on your skin, often influenced by factors like stress, medications, or hormones.
- While they both help prevent body odor, deodorants mask or neutralize odor, whereas antiperspirants block the sweat glands.
- For persistent issues with body odor or excessive sweating, try a deodorant reset by going deodorant-free for a few days and using alternative products like antibacterial washes or glycolic acid to manage the bacteria interacting with your sweat.
- Individual experiences with deodorants vary. A trial-and-error approach with different formulas and application techniques may be necessary to find the most effective product. If the problem doesn’t go away, visit a dermatologist to rule out underlying health conditions.