Do You Really Need Deodorant?

Some guys may  think their sweat doesn’t stink like everyone else’s, but ask their girlfriend or anyone near them in the gym and you’ll probably hear a different story.

The truth is, some people do give off fewer odors than others—but everybody has some sort of trace: “Body odor is determined by environmental factors, like what foods we eat, and genetics. Some people just smell stronger naturally,” explains Robyn Gmyrek, M.D., director of cosmetic dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center. But it’s not the actual dampness that smells. The bacterium that breaks your sweat down into organic compounds is what has that potent stench, she adds.


How often you need to roll on deodorant depends on your personal moisture rate. “Men who sweat minimally and have a mild odor can get away without deodorant, while other guys need it several times a day,” says Jeffrey S. Dover, M.D., associate professor of clinical dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.

But does the funk-freshener even help? “Deodorant is effective at masking smell, but it doesn’t prevent sweating,” Dr. Gmyrek says. Instead, antiperspirants keep you dry, so you should apply one of each. Look for a deodorant with fragrances and antibacterial ingredients, like triclosan, Dr. Gmyrek says. In an antiperspirant, make sure it has aluminum salts: The higher the aluminum content, the more effective it protects against sweat. The best option, though, is a combination stick to fight both at once, like Gillette Clinical Odor Shield Antiperspirant and Deodorant ($9, cvs.com).

The best time to polish your pits: the morning after a shower, says Dr. Dover. Washing with soap will decrease the bacteria on the underarm, and therefore the odor as well. But make sure you’ve completely toweled off, because deodorant sticks best and is more effective if applied directly to dry skin, he adds.
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Article source: http://www.menshealth.com/health/do-you-need-deodorant