Fashion

Here's Why You Should Use Moisturizing Deodorant

by Zoe Weiner

I think we can all agree: As far as beauty products go, deodorant is arguably the most important. It stops us from sweating and stinking like a high school gym locker all day, and keeps us feeling fresh. But what you may not know is that deodorant is important for moisturizing, too.

There are two different kinds of underarm sweat protectors: Deodorant, which masks odors, and antiperspirant, which has aluminum salts that fill your sweat ducts stop you from sweating. Some products (most of what you would buy at the drug store) are a hybrid of both, so they keep you smelling good and feeling dry. Because our armpits are normally pretty hidden (for good reason...) we tend to forget that there's actual skin under there that needs to be taken care of.

"When we’re treating our skin, it’s not just facial skin we ned to worry about," says Dove Dermatologist Dr. Alicia Barba. "The older we get, we need to start worrying about other body parts like our neck, our chest, our hands. When you’re hydrating in the morning, after you shower, make sure you’re moisturizing everywhere, not just your face but your body." This protocol, she says, also extends to your armpits.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant Clear Tone Skin Renew, $5, Amazon

If you ignore their specific needs, you'll end up facing the consequences later on. According to Dr. Barba, Hyperpigmentation, which is a discoloration of the skin, often comes about as a result of inflammation. "Areas where it's common, especially in skin of color, is under the arms because of friction, shaving and waxing," she says. "Making sure we are using products that are appropriate and not causing inflammation is key — Using good deodorants that provide 48-hour protection against odor and wetness, but also have calming agents."

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant with Calendula, $9, Amazon

Look for a deodorant that has Calendula, which is an anti-inflammatory floral extract that helps soothe sore, inflamed, and itchy skin conditions. Barba notes that it's important to use products that not only protect us from sweating and smelling, but also work to moisturize the delicate skin under our arms.

Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Rebalance, $4, Amazon

In addition to using moisturizing D.O., Barba suggests being careful with the way you shave and wax your underarms, because doing either too aggressively can cause the type of inflammation that leads to skin damage. Or embrace the au natural trend, pull a Miley Cyrus and grow it out and dye it pink.

Images: Courtesy of Brands