How to Properly Apply Antiperspirant

PDF download Download Article
Antiperspirant dos and don’ts to ensure you stay sweat-free
PDF download Download Article

If you want to cut down on armpit sweat, antiperspirants are the way to go. These products—which can come in different types, from sticks to sprays—reduce sweat by temporarily plugging up your sweat glands. Deodorants, on the other hand, simply cover up body odor. (You’ll still sweat while using a deodorant!) First, select the antiperspirant that will work best for your body. Then, make sure to apply it in the evening to give it time to soak in before you get going the next morning.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Picking the Right Antisperspirant

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most people use antiperspirant that comes in a stick form, since it’s easy to apply and widely available. Like other antiperspirant types, it contains aluminum salts that plug your sweat glands. You’ll have the best results if you find a brand that contains at least 10% aluminum chloride. [1]
    • Many antiperspirant sticks contain dimethicone, which can soothe skin—a plus if you shave your armpits.
    • If you notice that your stick is clumping when you apply it to your underarm, it may contain too much powder or zinc.
  2. Some antiperspirants come in cream form and are packaged in a tube or a jar. These formulas often include skin hydrators alongside the aluminum salts, making them a great choice for sensitive skin. [2]
    • You may be able to find these products in your local drugstore or in a department store with a section for specialty skincare or cosmetics.
    • Avoid formulas containing alcohol, aluminum, fragrances, or parabens. All of these ingredients can cause irritation for sensitive skin. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. If you don’t wait long enough for your antiperspirant to dry before putting on your shirt, you’re likely to end up with white marks along the sides. Clear gels will prevent these white smears (although you should still wait to let them dry before you put on your shirt). [4]
    • Gels do have some downsides—they can be sticky and dry out your skin a bit.
  4. Antiperspirant sprays can be great for those who are having trouble swiping the product directly onto their skin. Simply mist the spray into your underarm area. [5]
    • Consider choosing a different alternative if you shave your armpits, since sprays can irritate freshly-shaved skin. If you still plan to use a spray antiperspirant, wait 24 to 48 hours after shaving before applying it to your underarms.
  5. If you find yourself sweating even after correctly applying regular antiperspirant products, you may want to try a clinical strength version. Look for labels marked "clinical strength." [6]
    • Clinical strength products must plug the sweat duct by at least 30%, while regular products only need to block it by 20%.
  6. Your armpits smell because of bacteria on your skin that break down the proteins in your sweat—not the sweat itself. These bacteria can build up immunity to your particular formula of antiperspirant over time. Make sure to change brands every 6 months or so to keep your antiperspirant effective. [7]
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Applying Antiperspirant to Your Underarms

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s probably easiest to do this while taking a shower or a bath. Make sure you wash your armpits thoroughly—antiperspirants work best when applied to clean skin. [8]
    • Experts recommend applying your antiperspirants before you go to bed, which means it would be best to take your shower or bath in the evening.
    • If you’ve shaved your armpits while in the shower, you should wait 24-48 hours before applying antiperspirant to avoid rashes or irritation.
  2. Use a soft towel and pat your skin dry to keep from irritating your underarms. Antiperspirant works best when it is applied to totally dry skin. [9]
    • You may even want to wait 15 or 20 minutes to allow your skin to completely air dry. [10]
  3. A good rule of thumb is to apply 2 downward strokes and 2 upwards strokes for each armpit. A thick layer of antiperspirant won’t work any better than a thin layer, so don’t overdo it. [11] If you have armpit hair, you may need to apply additional pressure to the tube to get through to the skin underneath. [12]
    • Make sure you’re shirtless while applying antiperspirant to avoid staining your clothes.
    • If you’re using spray antiperspirant, give the bottle several shakes and spray it for 2-3 seconds at a distance of at least 6 inches (15 cm).
    • If you’re using a cream, scoop about 2 peas’ worth out with your fingers and gently rub it into your armpit until it’s fully absorbed. [13]
  4. You can allow the product to air-dry in your armpits. Or, to speed up the process, you can even use a hairdryer on its cool setting. [14]
    • Once it’s dry, you can put on your shirt.
  5. If there’s any residue in your armpits the next morning, you can rinse it off with water and soap. This will not ruin the effectiveness of the antiperspirant—once it has set, it should last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours even if you rinse out your armpits. [15]
    • If you apply antiperspirant in the morning, generally the product doesn’t have enough time to fully plug the sweat glands before you start sweating.
  6. Antiperspirants can last up to 48 hours, depending on their formulas. Check the label on your particular brand to see how long it lasts. When you reach the end of that period, repeat this process with a new layer of antiperspirant. [16]
    7. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Submit a Video Tip!

      Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

      Submit a Video

      Tips

      • If you’re looking for a natural option, you may be better off choosing a deodorant. By definition, antiperspirant—which plugs your sweat glands with aluminum—contains non-natural ingredients. Researchers are currently searching for an effective natural alternative that will inhibit sweat glands in a similar manner to aluminium. [17]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Stop Butt Sweat
      A Simple Guide to Making Yourself Sweat a Lot
      How to
      Treat Sweaty Hands
      How to
      Use Drysol
      How to
      Remove Sweat Stains from Sheets
      How to
      Stop Your Feet from Sweating
      How to
      Stop Sweating Under Your Armpits (for Girls)
      How to
      Get Sweat Stains out of Bras
      How to
      Get Sweat Stains out of Clothing
      How to
      Make Underarm Guards
      How to
      Prevent Sweaty Palms
      How to
      Smell Nice if You Sweat a Lot
      How to
      Avoid Sweat Stains
      How to
      Use Isopropyl Alcohol as a Deodorant
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about sweating, check out our in-depth interview with Mohiba Tareen, MD .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.postcrescent.com/story/life/family/2014/09/02/expert-guide-help-pick-right-deodorant/14962553/
      2. ↑ https://www.postcrescent.com/story/life/family/2014/09/02/expert-guide-help-pick-right-deodorant/14962553/
      3. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/antiperspirant-sensitive-skin#1
      4. ↑ https://www.postcrescent.com/story/life/family/2014/09/02/expert-guide-help-pick-right-deodorant/14962553/
      5. ↑ https://www.postcrescent.com/story/life/family/2014/09/02/expert-guide-help-pick-right-deodorant/14962553/
      6. ↑ https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/deodorant-mistakes/
      7. ↑ https://www.postcrescent.com/story/life/family/2014/09/02/expert-guide-help-pick-right-deodorant/14962553/
      8. ↑ https://www.livestrong.com/article/172872-how-to-use-antiperspirants/
      9. ↑ https://www.livestrong.com/article/172872-how-to-use-antiperspirants/
      1. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stop-sweating-antiperspirant_n_55f34535e4b042295e3668c8
      2. ↑ https://www.livestrong.com/article/172872-how-to-use-antiperspirants/
      3. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-wear-deodorant_n_566a1b6ae4b080eddf57c06a
      4. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/deodorant-cream-guide
      5. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a12240562/how-to-apply-deodorant-mistakes/
      6. ↑ https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/24/9031605/deodorant-antiperspirant-night-time
      7. ↑ https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/deodorant-mistakes/
      8. ↑ http://nymag.com/strategist/article/natural-antiperspirant-explainer.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,793 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement