Did you know that it’s not your actual sweat that smells, but rather the combination of sweat and bacteria found on your skin? There are many interesting facts about sweat that you probably didn’t know. However, we’re here today to answer a pressing question: should you put deodorant on before bed? The answer might surprise you.
What Does Deodorant Do to Your Body?
Deodorant may not stop you from sweating, but it does assist in preventing the unpleasant smell that your body gives off by targeting the bacteria (particularly in the underarm region) responsible for the stench in the first place.
Most ingredients in deodorants are derived from alcohol, including ingredients such as sodium stearate, stearyl alcohol, and sodium chloride. These components aim to create an environment in the target region that is either too acidic or too salty for bacteria to continue their fermentation process.
Certain antimicrobial substances, such as triclosan and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), prevent the growth of bacteria in the armpit area. Other antibacterial ingredients include triclosan.
In addition to these components, deodorants contain various pleasant-smelling substances that either neutralize or just “conceal” an individual’s natural body odor.
You might be interested to read: Best Deodorants for Men
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Products to Bed
The nitty-gritty: you need to let your skin breathe while sleeping. Products like makeup or deodorant will prevent that.
— Makeup
When you go to sleep with makeup on your skin, you risk causing harm to the most delicate parts of your face, specifically your eyes. If you go to sleep while wearing full eye makeup, you put yourself at an increased risk of developing eye irritation, infections, redness of the eyelids, and corneal abrasions.
Particles of makeup may be rubbing on the surface of your eye, causing this. Before going to bed, you must remove your eye makeup, including your mascara, eyeliner, and shadow, to reduce the risk of getting an unpleasant style or even worse.
Foamy shampoos and wipes will work better for people who have oilier skin. Those with skin that is easily irritated should look for a mild cleanser that does not produce foam.
— Deodorant
Things get a little bit tricky here, so bear with me. The only scenario where you must not apply deodorant before bed is if said deodorant contains aluminum. However, deodorant containing aluminum is antiperspirant, so putting in deodorant before bed isn’t such a bad idea.
One of the most prominent worries regarding this element is that aluminum in antiperspirants and other topical medications may be linked to breast cancer. However, there is scant evidence that exposure to aluminum in the normal course of daily life promotes cancer or any other health concern.
Pros and Cons of Wearing Deodorant to Bed
With everything we’ve discussed, let’s take a quick look at the benefits and downsides of slapping on some deodorant before sleep.
Pro: It makes your evening shower feel even fresher.
A shower or bath will leave you feeling clean and refreshed after you’ve just finished taking it. Showering at night and applying deodorant afterward will also contribute to freshness.
Pro: It may relax your body.
When you look and feel clean, it helps put your mind at peace. It prepares your mind and body for the relaxed condition you want to enter. And you know what, in addition to putting your body at ease, that sensation of relaxation also puts your mind at ease and puts it to rest.
Pro: It’s like an end-routine reward.
When we see anything through to completion, even the smallest accomplishments can provide that sense of accomplishment. Picture this: you’re watching a movie and decide to turn off the TV halfway through it. Simply put, it’s not comprehensive.
Con: You might not need it.
Letting your skin breathe is a great idea. If you don’t avoid deodorant before bed, when would you? You can’t avoid it when getting ready in the morning, and you likely can’t shower at work during lunchtime. Nights seem like the perfect moment.
You might want to check: How to Choose the Best Deodorant for Women
Should You Put on Deodorant Before Bed?
The information on this topic is contradictory. While some dermatologists suggest applying deodorant after your bedtime shower, others advise against it.
No, wearing deodorant while going out at night is not required. Even though perspiration levels are lower at night compared to during the day, “deodorizing” is typically considered most significant during the daytime.
Although using it once in a while before bedtime is not hazardous, using deodorants constantly during the day may be an additional cause of unnecessary irritation to the skin.
Antiperspirants and odor neutralizers are typically combined into a single product known as “deodorant.” Since antiperspirants work by coagulating proteins in the sweat ducts, there is no point in applying one of these products before going to bed.
You ought to make use of them as little as humanly possible. Daily applications of aluminum in places where it can be absorbed raise concerns regarding the metal’s impact on human health.
Bottom Line
Some dermatologists believe that applying antiperspirant at night is effective. Evidence suggests that our sweat glands absorb active ingredients better when they are not that active. So, maybe applying deodorant before going to bed isn’t such a bad idea.
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