Some rites of passage are set in stone when you’re growing up. But when it’s the question of what age do you start wearing deodorant, the answer isn’t always clear.
If you’re unsure about when to start wearing deodorant, we’re here to answer your questions. We’ll break down how to control body odor, look at deodorant vs. antiperspirant and help you choose between deodorant body spray, sticks and roll-ons to help get your fragrance game on point.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Body Odor
Before we get into the big question of when to start wearing deodorant, let’s tackle the earliest signs of body odor. Unwanted body odor tends to creep up around puberty when hormones start to kick in and your body begins to produce more sweat, particularly in areas like your underarms.
But here’s the kicker – it’s not the sweat itself which smells. We’ve all got harmless bacteria living on our skin, and when these bacteria interact with our sweat, they cause unwanted body odor.
So What Causes Changes in Body Odor?
If we want to know how to control body odor, we need to understand what contributes to it. When puberty hits, hormones surge, leading to increased sweat and changes in your body's natural scent.
Dietary factors also come into play. Ever heard the phrase, "You are what you eat"? When it comes to body odor, that's not far from the truth. Foods with strong odors, like garlic and onions, can seep through your pores and contribute to body odor.
As you age, changes in your body odor continue. Stress, diet, medication and lifestyle factors can all have an impact on your scent profile. For instance, hitting the gym hard or getting stressed can boost sweat production, messing with your body odor.
What Age Do You Start Wearing Deodorant?
Now that we know what causes it, it’s time to get to grips on how to control body odor. This is when you reach for your deodorant. But at what age do you start wearing deodorant exactly?
If you're looking for a one-size-fits-all answer on the right age for deodorant, you might be a little disappointed because the reality is, it varies. It's like waiting for the first chin hair to sprout – it doesn't happen at the same time for everyone.
Generally, body odor tends to make its debut around the same time as puberty. If you notice any unexpected odors around this time despite maintaining good hygiene, you might want to consider heading towards the deodorant aisle. Once you find your perfect product, it will be a life-long friend, keeping unwanted odor at bay and delivering a fresh fragrance which will boost your confidence and leave you feeling great around the clock.
At the end of the day, the real question isn't just about when to start wearing deodorant but rather, when do you want to start feeling more confident, fresh, and ready to tackle anything your day throws at you? If your answer is right now, then it's time to pick up that deodorant body spray, stick or roll-on.
Once you find your perfect product, it will be a life-long friend, keeping unwanted odor at bay.
Decoding the Deodorant Aisle
We’re about to give you a quick rundown on picking between deodorant and antiperspirant and help find your perfect match out of body sprays, sticks and roll-ons. If you’re looking for the full masterclass though, check out our ultimate guide to deodorant for men.
Deodorant vs. antiperspirant
Knowing how to control body odor is all about picking the right grooming products, so let’s kick things off by understanding the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants.
Deodorants are the odor-maskers of the bunch. They work by targeting and neutralizing the bacteria on your skin that feast on your sweat and create a less-than-pleasant smell. On the other hand, antiperspirants take a two-pronged approach - they not only help mask the odor but also work to reduce sweat by temporarily blocking the sweat glands. Remember, sweat itself is odorless, but bacteria feasts on sweat, and more bacteria means more smell.
When choosing between deodorant and antiperspirant, consider your needs. If you sweat like you've just run a marathon when you've only been chilling on the couch, an antiperspirant might be your best bet. But if sweat isn't your issue, and you just want to smell fresh, a deodorant should do the trick.
For extra convenience, some products combine deodorant and antiperspirant properties which means you get sweat and odor protection all in one product. Try out our Apollo Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick and see the effects for yourself.
Choosing Between Deodorant Body Sprays, Sticks and Roll-Ons
Deodorant body spray
Body sprays are the quick and easy products of the deodorant world. They offer a swift, breezy application, which is ideal if you’re in a hurry. With just a quick spray you'll have an even application that dries almost instantly, leaving no residue on your skin. When applying deodorant body spray, focus on the underarms where you are more susceptible to sweat, followed by a quick spray across the chest for an extra boost of fragrance.
If you’re looking for a deodorant body spray that hits different, check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, packed with fresh fragrances of lavender, mint and amber to get you smelling fresh.
Deodorant stick
Deodorant sticks are the classics of the odor-fighting world. They're reliable, simple to use, and provide a range of fragrance options to suit your preference, including unscented ones. The stick deodorant glides on smoothly, offering you full control over your application, so you know exactly where it's going and how much you're using.
If you’re looking to get some fresh, citrus fragrance notes in your routine, check out our Aqua Bergamot Premium Deodorant Stick.
Roll-on deodorant
The design of a rolling ball ensures that the product is applied exactly where you want it, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. Roll-on deodorants tend to be gentle on the skin, making them a great choice for those who might have more sensitive skin. The trade-off here is that they may feel slightly wet immediately after application and require a minute or two to dry.
Still on the fence about what to use? We’ve got a whole article for you breaking down the difference between deodorant body spray and sticks.
Ready to apply deodorant?
Knowing when to apply deodorant is all down to you. If you feel like you need it, then go for it.
The right age for deodorant is when you feel ready to take control of your personal hygiene, boost your confidence and find a signature scent that turns heads for all the right reasons.
If you’re ready to pick up some pointers on how to use deodorant to get it doing the most, check out our article on how to use deodorant.
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