How to Use Body Spray and Antiperspirant to Beat Body Odor

Understanding Body Odor

When it comes to body odor, you might think sweat is the culprit. But it's a bit more complicated than that.

On its own, sweat itself is actually odorless. What gives sweat its bad odor is what happens once it hits the surface of your skin. There, it mingles with colonies of skin bacteria, and that's where you start to get that bad odor.

These microscopic party crashers break down the sweat, feasting on the proteins and fatty acids within it. In the process, they produce volatile compounds – with some rather distinctive scents. The mix of these bad-smelling compounds is what we know as body odor.

Antiperspirants Help Fight Sweat

Now that we've leveled up our knowledge on body odor, let's shine a light on antiperspirants – the key products in the battle against sweat.

But antiperspirants don't work by just covering body odor, they instead prevent it altogether by temporarily blocking your sweat glands.

The main difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is the use of compounds called aluminum salts – the active ingredients in antiperspirants. When you spray on antiperspirant, these salts dissolve into the moisture on the surface of your skin and form a temporary plug within the sweat duct, making sure less sweat reaches the surface. Less sweat means less odor, keeping you fresh all day.

Deodorants Help Fight Odor

While antiperspirants are busy tackling your sweat glands, deodorants have a different mission. Their objective? Taking on that bacteria on your skin that causes body odor.

Deodorants work by using antimicrobial agents to neutralize the “bad” bacteria on your skin so they can't feed on your sweat and cause body odor.

So, that’s the main difference between deodorant and antiperspirant: one fights sweat, while the other fights odor. Either way, they’ll both have you smelling great.

If you’re wondering at this point if there is a difference between deodorant and body spray, we've written a great article that'll break it down for you. Check out our guide to understanding deodorant vs body spray.  

So What Are Deodorant-Antiperspirants?

If you’re trying to work out if you should be using deodorant or antiperspirant, there’s nothing to stop you from using both. And if you can get your hands on a deodorant and antiperspirant combined, even better.

Deodorant-antiperspirants have all the bacteria-neutralizing capabilities of deodorants with the sweat-blocking power of antiperspirants. In essence, they're designed to deliver the best of both worlds – limiting sweat and combatting odor, all at the same time.

If you’re in the market for a deodorant-antiperspirant, try our Apollo Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick.

What to Look for When Choosing a Deodorant Body Spray and Antiperspirant

Some prefer the versatility of having both a stick antiperspirant and a deodorant body spray. If that sounds like you, there are a few things to bear in mind...

Ingredients

It's not just about what's in the can, it's about what those ingredients actually do. Look for products with effective antimicrobial agents and sweat-blocking components, like aluminum salts.

It’s worth mentioning that some guys choose to steer clear of grooming products that contain aluminum. If you want to learn more about why, check out our no-sweat guide to antiperspirants.

Fragrance

Having a killer deodorant body spray or antiperspirant which helps minimize sweat and unwanted body odor is great. But you can do better than just smelling neutral. Grab a body spray with a fragrance that gives you a little mood lift as you head out the door.

Long-lasting formula

Freshness isn't a one-hour gig – it's a day-long event. Look for a deodorant body spray or antiperspirant with a long-lasting formula that delivers extended protection against sweat and odor all dang day.

Over here at Axe, we partnered up with world-class perfumers to craft our Fine Fragrance Collection, guaranteed to keep you smelling fresh for 72 hours. You don't have to take our word for it, check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray for yourself.

If lavender doesn’t match your mood, you’re in luck. Our Fine Fragrance Collection brings forward five incredible fragrance combinations that hit different. Check out our article to help you find your signature scent now.  

Skin sensitivity and allergies 

We all have different skin types, and some folks have skin that's more sensitive than others. If you're prone to skin irritation or have a history of allergies, be sure to check those ingredient lists and hit up deodorant body sprays and antiperspirants labeled as suitable for sensitive skin.

Sweat intensity

Everyone sweats differently. Some of us can wear a light deodorant, while others need that heavy-duty antiperspirant action. Your choice should reflect your personal sweat intensity, and no one knows more about that than you.

Application method

Roll-on, spray-on, stick...there are a whole lot of application methods out there when it comes to deodorant body spray and antiperspirant, each with its pros and cons. Choose one that you click with and that suits your lifestyle.

Stain-resistant

If you don’t want to ruin your favorite shirt, look for deodorants and antiperspirants that have stain-resistant properties to help keep your outfits looking pristine.

Our Guide to Applying Deodorant Body Spray and Antiperspirant Together

It’s time to explore the art of how and when to apply deodorant body spray and antiperspirant together for an unbeatable freshness combo. Here's your step-by-step guide:

1. Prep those pits

When do you apply antiperspirant? It depends on your routine, but some people find after a shower works best. Thoroughly wash your underarms to wipe out any lingering deodorant or antiperspirant. Make sure your underarms are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

2. Apply antiperspirant

When it's time to gear up with antiperspirant, make sure it gets up close and personal with your skin for maximum effect. Apply this first, and a few swift swipes or sprays under each arm should do the trick.

3. Let it dry

Give the antiperspirant a minute or two to dry completely. This ensures it has time to form that crucial plug in the sweat ducts.

4. Apply deodorant body spray

Now it's time to bring in the body spray action. Grab that can, hold it about six inches away from your torso, and spray under each arm.

5. Allow to dry

Just like the antiperspirant, give that deodorant body spray a minute to dry before you put on your clothes. This way, the fragrance can stick to your skin and won't rub off on your outfit. So, let it settle, and you'll be sporting that fresh scent without any wardrobe mishaps.

Feel fresh all day, every day 

Now you don’t just know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant but also how to layer them to create the ultimate fragrance combination.

By blending the sweat-reducing properties of antiperspirant with the odor-defeating compounds in deodorant body spray, you’re guaranteed to smell and feel fresh from morning to night.

To learn more, check out our full guide to men’s body spray now.