The deodorant is the magic product that glides like magic on your armpits, keeps them hydrated, eliminates sweating and bad smell. And it smells divine too. But it may be the case that one day you feel that it does not work.
You can assume that your deodorant or antiperspirant stopped working one day. But it is unlikely that your body has adapted and that formula will no longer work for you.
Antiperspirant vs deodorant
A deodorant uses ingredients that mask or neutralize the natural smell of sweat, such as baking soda. On the other hand, antiperspirants use aluminum chloride to block sweat ducts and prevent sweat from being released.
That not only keeps your armpits dry, but by stopping the sweat, you can also stop the odor. The armpits are an area dotted with a type of sweat gland, called apocrine glands.
The fluid of the apocrine glands contains lipids and proteins. When they mix with bacteria on the skin, they create smelly sweat. Everyone has a different natural scent due to how this liquid mixes with the bacteria on the skin.
Why is your deodorant no longer working?
There may be some things on your body that cause increased sweating, which could improve the smell and give the impression that your product has stopped working. However, the deodorant may not be strong enough for you at this time.
You’re stressed
Sweat is a complex process. Although its main function is to regulate body temperature, your body can sweat in response to a myriad of different stimuli. That includes stress and anxiety. It is probably what is behind the change in the effectiveness of the product, rather than your body developing a tolerance to it.
Think about if something has changed in your life: do you feel more pressed for time? Are your responsibilities at work increasing in a way that overwhelms you?
It’s hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating and you can develop it at any time in your life.
This is because excessive sweating can be a condition in itself (although it usually begins in childhood or adolescence), but there is also something called secondary hyperhidrosis , which can be a side effect of medications or occur as a result of a underlying medical condition. For example, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and menopause are just a few.
If you’ve recently started taking a new medication, are experiencing additional symptoms in addition to sweating, or have always felt like you sweat a lot more than most people, talk to your doctor.
Your cleaning routine is too harsh
There is a whole community of microorganisms that have taken over your skin, and that is completely normal. But when your skin’s microbiome is out of balance, it can cause problems.
Aggressively rubbing under the arms can affect the flora of your skin and affect the smell. So be sure to avoid over-cleaning this area.
How to stop sweating?
There are a few steps you can take if you feel like your underarm product isn’t working like it used to.
Inspect your product
Is it deodorant or antiperspirant? If it’s a deodorant, you may want to consider switching to an antiperspirant.
Are you already using an antiperspirant? Check the label as they come in different strengths. Consider opting for a prescription / clinical product, which will contain higher levels of aluminum chloride.
Apply it correctly
Use an antiperspirant at night to dry your skin before going to bed. Antiperspirants work best when applied at night. The products work for a 24 hour period and may take a while to be effective.
Take into account external factors
As mentioned above, there are many reasons why you may be more sweaty these days. Working on your stress and anxiety levels is not a quick fix, but it will pay off for long-term mental health.
If it can be the result of a medication or if you feel really bad these days (besides sweaty), you may want to see your doctor to rule out medical causes.
Consult a dermatologist
If you don’t know why you suck a lot lately and need to hold back your sweat, make an appointment with a dermatologist, who can help you find a solution.
