Body odour is a stinker, quite literally; it can ruin your mood and image. Thankfully, this issue can be easily tackled with the help of a good deodorant. No matter what your gender or age, deodorant should be a must-have in your body care routine. It will not only keep BO at bay, but (if you choose right) also give you smooth and even-toned underarms.
However, despite its many incredible benefits, we’ve come across several myths surrounding the use of deodorants that make people wary of using them. So to ensure that you don’t fall prey to these deodorant myths, we decided to go ahead and debunk the most common ones for you.
- Myth #1: Deodorant causes underarm darkening
- Myth #2: Deodorants make the skin sticky
- Myth #3: Deodorant causes burning sensation on freshly shaved skin
- Myth #4: Deodorants stain your clothes
Myth #1: Deodorant causes underarm darkening
Let’s begin with the most common deodorant myth. A lot of people claim that using a deodorant has made their underarm skin darker. But the fact is that dark underarms can result from shaving, scratching and a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans. In some cases, dark underarm patches can also be genetic. Also, deeper skin tones might be more likely to develop hyperpigmentation in the underarm area. That said, it’s best to look for a deodorant with moisturising properties and no baddies like alcohol and parabens in order to properly care for your delicate underarm skin.
Myth #2: Deodorants make the skin sticky
Many women complain that deodorants, especially roll-ons, leave their armpits feeling sticky after application. However, you’d be surprised to know that it has nothing to do with the deodorant itself but rather a result of how much of it is applied. You’re supposed to roll on your deodorant about 2-3 times and allow it to dry. But if you use too much, your armpits WILL feel sticky even after letting it dry for a few minutes.
Myth #3: Deodorant causes burning sensation on freshly shaved skin
Shaving is one of the quickest ways to get rid of underarm hair; however, spraying deodorant on freshly shaved skin can sometimes cause a burning sensation. But here’s why it happens — your underarm skin is delicate, and shaving gets rid of the protective layer on top along with the hair, leaving it sensitive. Fortunately, you can easily avoid the stinging sensation by using a shaving foam or gel before shaving and following it up using a deodorant that does not contain alcohol.
Myth #4: Deodorants stain your clothes
Yellow stains on white shirts and faded or discoloured patches in the underarm area on darker clothes are common. However, your deodorant is not entirely responsible for this. Discolouration usually occurs when the minerals (mainly salt) in the sweat come in contact with the deodorant ingredients, leaving behind a yellowish stain. The best way to avoid this is to not over apply the deodorant and allow it to dry for a few minutes before putting on your clothes.
If you haven’t been using deodorants because of the myths mentioned above, it’s time to get your hands on one RN! Summer is here, and you need to keep your deodorant or roll-on close if you want to avoid those sticky, smelly situations. So if you are looking for the best deodorants in India to keep you smelling fresh without damaging your delicate underarm skin, look no further.
Dove has just launched a new range of deodorants that come in two variants — Dove Even Tone Deodorant and Dove Original Smooth and Even Skin — which come in spray and roll-on forms. Formulated with ¼ moisturising cream, caring oils and 0% alcohol, these deodorants will give you smooth and even-toned underarms. What’s more, they are paraben-free and provide up to 48 hours of odour protection, making them a total godsend for every girl this summer!
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Written by Sanya Hamdani on 19th Apr 2021
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.