Use the tips below to get the most out of your over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirant.
- Choose a soft-solid formula, and make sure it's an antiperspirant, not just a deodorant. There's a BIG difference. Deodorants, on their own, don't prevent sweating, they just reduce odor by limiting odor-causing bacteria.
- Consider using a stronger over-the-counter antiperspirant such as Certain Dri, Secret Clinical Strength, Gillette Clinical.
- Apply antiperspirant once in the morning and again prior to bedtime. Application twice daily—and especially before bedtime—has been studied to provide the most benefit. If you are only going to apply once, then make it before you go to bed.
- Gently massaging the antiperspirant into the skin may be useful.
- To avoid irritation, only apply antiperspirant to completely dry skin. Dry your skin with a hair dryer on a cool setting if necessary. If there is any sweat or water on your skin, when you apply the antiperspirant, you will create skin irritation and stinging.
- Never occlude, or wrap your skin in plastic, when using antiperspirants. This will only increase skin irritation and has not been proven to improve benefit whatsoever.
- If you suffer from an annoyingly sweaty face, consider applying an antiperspirant along your hairline. Follow the application tips mentioned above, but test the product on a tiny area of skin first to make sure that it won’t cause irritation.
- Aerosol antiperspirant products are particularly useful for managing sweaty feet. Spray an antiperspirant on the bottom of your feet and in between your toes as a first-line treatment. Antiperspirant wipes are a convenient option for the feet as well as other body areas.
- Remember, it is common to combine treatments to strike the best balance for your sweat management. Consider combining Botox injections with Secret Clinical Strength, for example, for a longer lasting dry.
