By Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue
Summer is right around the corner, which means fun, sun, and the awkward situation of potentially sweating through your shirt every time you leave the house.
[post_ads]No matter how hard we all may try, there are some days that our deodorant simply doesn’t last, and by 3:00 PM, we end up with pit stains all the way down the sides of our shirts (don’t worry — we’ve all been there). Though it isn't technically any cause for concern (really, it's NBD), it can be uncomfortable and make you avoid wearing every gray article of clothing you own from May through September.
Thankfully, there are ways to avoid pit stains that don't require you keeping your arms glued to your sides all day long. According to Chris Putman, a senior deodorant product designer with Secret Deodorant, there are a few little things we can do to ensure that our clothes stay dry and odor-free. Most importantly? "Don’t over-apply. More is not necessarily better," he says.
With that in mind, here are his tips for looking (and smelling) fresh all day long in your gray (and white, and pink, and light blue) t-shirts... All it takes is a little D.O. to kick your B.O.
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1.
Understand What You’re Putting On
Not all deodorants are created equal, and it’s important to be aware of what you’re putting on and what your body needs. Most people know that there’s a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant; deodorants help reduce bacteria that can cause odor and contain fragrance to help you smell your best, while antiperspirant goes one step further and reduces the amount you sweat. But, there can be a difference in effectiveness within each classification as well. Your best bet is to test different options until you find out what works for you. If you need something a little stronger, try out a clinical-strength option.
2.
Not all deodorants are created equal, and it’s important to be aware of what you’re putting on and what your body needs. Most people know that there’s a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant; deodorants help reduce bacteria that can cause odor and contain fragrance to help you smell your best, while antiperspirant goes one step further and reduces the amount you sweat. But, there can be a difference in effectiveness within each classification as well. Your best bet is to test different options until you find out what works for you. If you need something a little stronger, try out a clinical-strength option.
2.
Prep Your Pits
“Shaving and cleaning underarms help antiperspirants work even better because odor-causing bacteria can accumulate around hair and can thrive on dead skin cells, oils, and sweat,” says Chris. “Shaving and washing that away help the antiperspirant do its job getting directly to the source of sweat and odor.” If shaving your pits isn’t your thing, just make sure to keep the area extra clean to avoid any excess sweat or stink. You can even use an armpit primer now — all-natural brand Meow Meow Tweet just invented a $22 Underarm Primer that locks onto your deo of choice (we love these adorably illustrated sticks), boosting its capabilities and making it last as long as possible. The anti-inflammatory botanicals in the formula stop irritation in its tracks and balance out your skin's naturally acidic pH (which can cause sensitivity when combined with alkaline deodorants, like those containing baking soda).
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3.
“Shaving and cleaning underarms help antiperspirants work even better because odor-causing bacteria can accumulate around hair and can thrive on dead skin cells, oils, and sweat,” says Chris. “Shaving and washing that away help the antiperspirant do its job getting directly to the source of sweat and odor.” If shaving your pits isn’t your thing, just make sure to keep the area extra clean to avoid any excess sweat or stink. You can even use an armpit primer now — all-natural brand Meow Meow Tweet just invented a $22 Underarm Primer that locks onto your deo of choice (we love these adorably illustrated sticks), boosting its capabilities and making it last as long as possible. The anti-inflammatory botanicals in the formula stop irritation in its tracks and balance out your skin's naturally acidic pH (which can cause sensitivity when combined with alkaline deodorants, like those containing baking soda).
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3.
Consider Your Clothes
Have you ever noticed that some shirts are pretty much guaranteed to make sweat show, while others are totally fine? “It’s not really the type of fabric, but the fit of the fabric,” says Chris. “Deodorant can wipe off onto your shirt as you are dressing — that’s when those ‘tiger stripes’ show up on the sides of your shirt. It can also wipe off throughout the day if you wear a shirt or tank that is tight in your underarm. The white marks you see are actually mostly the antiperspirant active ingredient.” If you’re worried about sweating, opt for something super breathable that fits loosely under your arms.
4.
Have you ever noticed that some shirts are pretty much guaranteed to make sweat show, while others are totally fine? “It’s not really the type of fabric, but the fit of the fabric,” says Chris. “Deodorant can wipe off onto your shirt as you are dressing — that’s when those ‘tiger stripes’ show up on the sides of your shirt. It can also wipe off throughout the day if you wear a shirt or tank that is tight in your underarm. The white marks you see are actually mostly the antiperspirant active ingredient.” If you’re worried about sweating, opt for something super breathable that fits loosely under your arms.
4.
Apply At Night
You may think you don’t need deodorant before bed (and, realistically, you probably don’t) but putting it on at night can help avoid any annoying problems the next day. Why? “You have to sweat a little to activate your product,” says Chris. At night, you sweat very slowly and it helps the antiperspirant slowly sink into the skin and more effectively block sweat the next day. If you apply during the day, sometimes you are sweating too much to allow the product to do its job. Even after your shower, you don’t need to reapply, it’s already working.”
5.
You may think you don’t need deodorant before bed (and, realistically, you probably don’t) but putting it on at night can help avoid any annoying problems the next day. Why? “You have to sweat a little to activate your product,” says Chris. At night, you sweat very slowly and it helps the antiperspirant slowly sink into the skin and more effectively block sweat the next day. If you apply during the day, sometimes you are sweating too much to allow the product to do its job. Even after your shower, you don’t need to reapply, it’s already working.”
5.
Rub It In
Even though it may seem like world’s easiest product to use, there actually is a “correct” way to apply deodorant. “Rub it in,” says Chris. “Cover your whole underarm, don’t just swipe and go." Deodorant secrets, unlocked.
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