Why are these the instructions on my deodorant? What benefit is there to those extra few hours?
Also, why would they assume that the type of people buying clinical-strength antiperspirant don’t shower in the morning? Argh.
Antiperspirant deodorant generally contains an aluminum compound (alimentary zirconium?) that must settle into the sweat ducts. It essentially acts as a plug by complexing up with other ions and physically stopping the flow of sweat.
Of course, this process takes a while so it’s best to apply it well before you want the antiperspirant effects; like before bed. As the aluminum’s effect is internal, a shower shouldn’t necessarily rinse it away - but excessive scrubbing might slough the skin entirely and remove the benefit.
FWIW, I use deodorant before bed all the time and my pits smell fantastic.
The makers of Degree Men Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant TRISolid recommend their product to be used thusly.
Perhaps your deodorant works in similar fashion.
Ick. Why would you want to go to bed stinking of chemicals?
Typically, clinical-strength antiperspirants as being discussed above do not actually include a deodorant component despite what was mentioned in the OP.
And what do “chemicals” smell like anyway?
ETA: Interconnected Series of Tubes is exactly correct on how these work.
This is correct (sorry). Also, the stuff I’m now using is hypoallergenic, so there’s exactly no noticeable scent.
I didn’t realize it was anything more than a wholly topical thing, which explains a lot. Thanks.
You could also smell of sweat, which is also a chemical.
Apology in one: If I was, I didn’t mean to be offensive, NinjaChick. And I also don’t mean to necropost, but more publicity on this issue would’ve saved me quite some embarrassment in my youth.
That said; I’ve recently noticed some advertisements from Degree that are absolutely ridiculous and really not helping those who need it. Degree has recently launched a new product and complimentary advertising blitz at http://www.degreeclinical.com that is so retarded I doubt I can fully explain it here.
Warning signs should alight immediately after seeing the pathetic gender-based traffic diversion attempts. The two sites differ only in their tolerance for pastels. The site touts “an advanced formula with innovative TRIsolid body responsive technology that provides:,” and I have to interrupt here.
They go on to offer:
“prescription strength wetness protection”
- This can be a frustrating problem for one without information or options, but it in no way requires a prescription.
“patented encapsulated odor fighting technology”
- Combining deodorant with antiperspirant is a decent idea for one who sweats minimally, but is utterly useless to anyone considering “perscription strength wetness protection”
What Degree ignores here is that sweat only smells because of bacteria, and that without sweat there is no smell. If their product was worth shit they wouldnt need any “odor fighting technology”
“unique skin moisturizing ingredient clinically proven to reduce skin irritation”
- Finally, almost a grain of truth. Strong antiperspirant solutions will invariably be some degree (ha!) of aluminium chloride formula and it will almost assuredly dry your skin to an itchy, flaky mess. This is why they suggest you apply it before sleep.
For years I tried endless antiperspirants to no avail. Eventually I came across a product called “CertainDri” which at least made a dent in the problem. Unfortunately I was needing to use it more often than my skin could tolerate and this resulted in severe skin irritation and an itch you wouldn’t believe. I put up with this for quite some time, but eventually came across another product: DrySol.
Applied once per week (at night because yes, it can still itch) it has solved all of my perspiration problems.
I’m hoping google picks this up and can inject it into my late 90’s search results and save me a lot of embarrassment.