Let’s talk about sweaty pits. No one wants ‘em, but we all have to deal with ‘em.
Hayden from Pretty In My Pocket fills us in on the BEST products on the market, whether you need clinical treatment for your underarms, prefer all-natural sweat protection, or just want your pits to smell rich.
But first, let’s address the obvious: Antiperspirants can cause cancer. There is no scientific proof of this, but some people do believe the aluminum agents that block your sweat glands are harmful and there are some great articles on how to stop wearing deodorant without smelling bad all the time.
Personally, I use clinical strength antiperspirants in the summer and tone it down to a regular ol’ formula in colder seasons in an attempt to minimize risk that may or may not even be there.
One more thing before we dive in to these deodorants: Should you swipe it on at night? The answer: If you are wearing clinical strength, you can definitely put it on before bed and it will work just as well (or better!) through the next day.
This is great for gals who are always getting ready in a hurry (like myself) and have the potential to perspire whilst rushing around trying to get out the door. If you have even a little bit of moisture under your arms and put on antiperspirant, it won’t work as well, so apply when you’re completely dry. And nightly application ensures you won’t forget it in the morning (NIGHTMARE).
Off the top of my head, some of the most endorphin-rich activities you can do are: Hanging outdoors in the sun, partying/dancing like there’s no tomorrow, and getting in a good workout. But what else do all of these things have in common? SWEAT. And no, not THIS kind of sexy sweat.
We’re talking the no-thank-you, total mood killing, pit stain type sweat. If you need a refresher as to why pit stains are THE WORST, let Buzzfeed demonstrate.
Have no fear. Deodorant is here.
And there are so many different types nowadays so you’re armed and ready to defeat your personal type of pit problem. I’ve broken down my picks for the best into each category.
Thank me later.
Everyday Protection: Suave Clinical Protection PROSolid Antiperspirant and Deodorant in Everlasting Sunshine ($5) has a passion fruit/vanilla scent and is the perfect go-to for 24-hour protection. Straightforward and sweetly scented.
Major Sweat and Stank: Whether you’re a nonstop gal on the go, marathon runner, or seem to have an extra engine in those sweat pores, try CertainDri Solid ($8). It’s one of the most recommended products for staying dry all day long, and at less than a 10-spot, it’s worth the purchase.
Another favorite is Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant ($8). Swipe that bad boy on at night so your body can absorb the formula and voila, prescription-like power.
*Editor Note: Ashley swears by Dove Clinical Strength in original clean scent ($10), which works like a charm and is also great for sensitive skin.
Irritated Skin: Nothing’s worse than having to shave your underarms with any kind of irritation. To combat unruly redness/bumps, try Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant Deodorant Cream ($16).
Deemed “underarm therapy,” this gentle formula not only works to combat wetness and odor, but it won’t break out your skin or overwhelm your pores, and in fact, it works to soften hairs making them less noticeable. CHA CHING!
Sensitive Skin: There are several deodorants out there geared toward sensitive skin but one of the best hands-down is Dermadoctor Total Nonscents Ultra-Gentle Antiperspirant ($20). It’s a bit pricey, but this roll-on is fragrance-free, quick-drying, and non-irritating so you can apply it right after a fresh shave.
In Need of Streak-Free: Dove Go Sleeveless Deodorant ($4) is gentle on tender underarm skin with killer wetness and odor protection. The big sell? This deodorant won’t rub off on clothing, so glide it on when you rock that LBD.
Au Natural: Tom’s of Maine Aluminum-Free, Fragrance-Free Deodorant Stick ($5) is one of the best in the odor/wetness fighting biz without any of the (potentially) harmful chemicals that you find in a lot of other products.
Best Scent: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant ($20) is one of the most popular scented deodorants that keeps you sans sweat and smelling like a queen. You get what you pay for with this one as it’s high-quality and will also bring all the boys to the yard, er, your pits. Wait, that’s weird…
Anyway, there you have it. Keep it dry so you can keep doin’ yo thang!
XO, Hayden *
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