Is it possible to shave or wax before applying a deodorant or an antiperspirant?

Deodorant and antiperspirant are among the most commonly used hygiene products on a daily basis. They help combat unpleasant odours, but there are other functions that set them apart.

Deodorant masks and prevents the unpleasant odours caused by perspiration. Its ingredients, such as kaolin, talc, and magnesite, enable it to easily absorb moisture. The deodorant also eliminates the bacteria responsible for bad odours. Deodorant is not designed to prevent sweat from being released through the pores.

The antiperspirant blocks sweat. It has the ability to reduce perspiration thanks to aluminium salts. These ingredients mix with dead skin cells and eventually clog the sweat glands. Perspiration stops. The bactericidal properties of aluminium salts prevent the proliferation of bacteria that tend to cluster in the armpit area, thus generating unpleasant odours.

Shaving and hair removal can be irritating to the skin of the underarms. This delicate area is prone to micro-cuts. It is a bad idea to wax or shave before applying a deodorant or an antiperspirant. Harsh deodorants contain active ingredients that dry out and irritate your underarms. Redness appears as your skin rubs against fabric. You risk having flaky skin.

Skin weakened by shaving or waxing poorly tolerates the harsh ingredients found in hygiene products. Even the slightest contact with aluminium salts can cause tingling, burning sensations, and repetitive tugging. The salts easily penetrate micro-cuts, causing pain and discomfort. These small cuts may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye. Listening to your skin is the only way to understand its level of tolerance.

To avoid such skin discomforts, here are some guidelines to follow.

• Always wait 2 hours at the very least before applying deodorant to freshly waxed underarms;

• Choose a deodorant formulated without alcohol. Ethanol is frequently added to deodorants due to its ability to reduce drying time. However, this type of compound is recognised as an irritant, especially on skin where the physiological barrier has just been compromised.

• Always apply your deodorant on well-dried underarms.