How Often to Apply Natural Deodorant: Is There Such Thing as Too Much?

By Sher Warkentin in Healthy Feeling

Just like washing your face and brushing your teeth, applying deodorant is likely part of your daily personal care routine. However, while there are recommendations on how often to brush your teeth, the frequency and timing of deodorant use aren't as obvious. Keep reading to learn more about when and how often to apply natural deodorant.

How Often to Apply Natural Deodorant

Common times to apply natural deodorant can vary depending on your needs and level of activity. While most people apply deodorant when getting dressed and ready for the day, there are other moments when using deodorant might be part of your routine. Here are a few examples:

  • Before exercise: Whether you're working out at home or at the gym, if odor tends to be a problem when you're working up a sweat, you may want to apply deodorant before you get moving.
  • After showering: No matter what time of day I shower, I like to use a natural deodorant afterward. Once your skin is clean and dry, it's the perfect time to apply.
  • Before an evening out: If you're heading out for the evening after a long day, you might put on some deodorant to help freshen up and reset.
  • Getting ready for work: One of the last places you want to deal with odor issues is at work. Whether you work a nine-to-five or an evening shift, applying deodorant may be part of your routine when you're getting dressed for the workplace.

Different activities might call for reapplying deodorant.

When to Reapply Deodorant

While most deodorants feature 24-hour protection, there aren't specific guidelines about how frequently you should apply. There may be situations that call for reapplying deodorant throughout the day. As a mom, I often try to squeeze a workout in while my kids are at school, but I don't always have time to shower before I have to pick them up. When that's the case, I usually reapply deodorant before I hit the pick-up line.

Maybe you choose to throw on a swipe after you've gone for a swim or if you're changing your outfit for the day. You may also want to reapply on hot summer days when you tend to sweat more, as this can lead to increased odor. Ultimately, deciding how often to reapply deodorant throughout the day is based on many factors, including how active you are, your schedule, your body, and your personal preference when it comes to odor control.

The type of deodorant you use can also play a part in deciding how frequently you apply. Opting for a natural deodorant made with naturally derived ingredients helps me feel more comfortable about using it as often as I like.

Applying deodorant before bed.

Should You Wear Deodorant to Bed?

There's no scientific reason why you shouldn't wear deodorant to bed. Like any other application throughout the day, it really depends on your personal choice. When I shower in the evening, for example, I'll apply deodorant before putting on my pajamas simply because I always use it after a shower, regardless of the time of day.

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

Deodorant is different from antiperspirant in that it works to minimize odor but doesn't offer protection against wetness. If you find that you're sweating excessively, reapplying deodorant won't do much to help with the moisture. However, it will help to neutralize and conceal odor caused by sweat mixing with bacteria on your skin. According to a review in the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews, many natural botanicals used in natural deodorants, such as tea tree oil, have antibacterial properties.

There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to the time of day for applying deodorant or how often you should reapply. Everybody is different, and it's up to you to decide how often to apply natural deodorant based on your own personal needs. Using a deodorant made with naturally derived ingredients can help you feel more at ease with reapplying anytime.

To learn more about the differences between deodorant and antiperspirant, check out this guide on when to use antiperspirant versus deodorant.

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Why It's Good

Deciding how often to apply natural deodorant is a personal choice. Using a deodorant made with naturally derived ingredients can help you feel comfortable, no matter how often you feel the need to use it.