As a fully grown adult, you probably like to think you've nailed the basics in life. Washing yourself, getting dressed, feeding yourself, that sort of thing. But who knew that you've quite possibly been doing an integral part of this daily routine wrong. Namely: Putting on deodorant.
You might think applying deodorant is as simple as applying a quick spray/rub to the pits, but according to Embarrassing Bodies doctor Dawn Harper, it's way more complex than that.
Here are four mistakes you might be making, and I don't know about you but I am shookt:
1. Applying deodorant straight after showering
It makes sense to put your antiperspirant on as soon as you're clean to prevent any rogue sweating. But the problem is, your pits might still be damp. "To get the best results, you apply deodorant to completely dry skin," said Dr. Harper.
2. Putting it on in the morning
Well this is new. But apparently applying your antiperspirant should actually be part of your evening regimen—not your morning one—to make sure it's fully absorbed. "Apply at night before going to bed to allow to dry fully. Leave on overnight and wash off any residue in the morning with soap and water," advised the doctor.
3. Not letting it dry
"You should allow your antiperspirant to dry fully," said Dr. Harper, who even suggests using a hairdryer on a cool setting to help it along.
4. Applying it too often
Do you put antiperspirant on every day? Er, you shouldn't—because if you get a good enough deodorant, there should be no need to. "Apply 2 strokes up and 2 strokes down to each armpit. You should only need to do this once or twice a week," the doctor advised.
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com/uk. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.