Applying deodorant is an important part of our morning routine. Many people apply deodorant as soon as they wake up, wear clothes and before leaving the house. But, now experts have revealed that the best time to apply deodorant is not in the morning, but at night.
Dr. Lindsay Zubritsky, a skin expert (dermatologist) from Mississippi, shared a video on social media, in which she told that the right time to apply deodorant is at night. This video has been viewed more than 3.40 lakh times so far. He said in the video that if you are not applying deodorant at night, then you are adopting the wrong method. Our sweat glands are less active at night, so antiperspirant is absorbed more effectively.
What is the science behind this?
Antiperspirants are absorbed more effectively at night as the body's temperature naturally prepares for sleep, including increased melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that controls the sleep and wake cycle. When it is dark at night and the absorption of light by the eyes reduces, the level of melatonin in the body increases.
What happens if you apply deodorant at night?
In addition to lowering body temperature, melatonin also lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate, signaling the body that it is time to sleep. When you apply deodorant at night as melatonin increases, it works to prevent sweat and odor produced by the sweat glands.
Two types of sweat
There are two types of sweat glands in our body – eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are present throughout the body and open directly onto the skin surface, producing droplets of sweat. But apocrine glands develop in the porous part of the hair and reach the surface of the skin. These are usually found in the armpits, skin and genitals and cause body odor.
Deodorant and antiperspirant work in different ways
The American Academy of Dermatology also states that applying deodorant or antiperspirant at night provides 6-8 hours for sweat ducts to close. Deodorants and antiperspirants reduce body odor in different ways. Deodorants are meant to eliminate odor, but not reduce sweating. On the other hand, antiperspirants contain aluminum-based ingredients, which close the sweat pores, preventing sweating.
Keep this in mind
If you have taken a bath in the evening, do not apply your deodorant or antiperspirant immediately after bathing. Both products are most effective on dry skin, so make sure you pat dry thoroughly with a towel before applying.
(PC: Freepik)
