Your underarms are one of the most active areas when it comes to sweating—so naturally, taking proper care of this part of your body is essential for preventing unpleasant odors.
But achieving that freshness isn’t just about what you apply—it’s also about when you apply it.
A common piece of advice circulating online is that applying antiperspirant or deodorant at night, before bed, is actually more effective than doing so in the morning. As surprising as that may sound, it turns out to be true—with one important detail: knowing the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, and when to use each.
Body odor isn’t caused by sweat alone. It happens when natural bacteria on the skin break down sweat into short-chain fatty acids, which are what release that unpleasant smell. Many people try to fight this odor with deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes—or a combination of them.
Here’s the key:
Antiperspirants should be applied at night. During sleep, sweat production slows down, allowing the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants to more effectively block sweat glands. This helps significantly reduce perspiration the following day.
Deodorants and perfumes, on the other hand, can be applied at any time, as they don’t stop sweating but rather help neutralize odor and provide a fresh scent.
So, for the best results:
- Apply antiperspirant before bed, when your body is at rest.
- Use deodorant or fragrance during the day as needed for extra freshness.
By understanding this small but powerful distinction, you can manage body odor more effectively—and feel more confident throughout the day.
