@samanthaschneidermd Deodorant masks odor. Antiperspirant blocks sweat. Want to get the most out of your products? • Apply antiperspirant at night—it needs time to plug sweat glands while you sleep. • Deodorant can go on in the morning. • Using a 2-in-1? Nighttime is still best for max effect. A little timing tweak = way better results. #DermTips #DeodorantVsAntiperspirant #SweatSmart #SummerSkin #PacificCrestDerm #SkincareScience ♬ original sound - Samantha Schneider, MD

Did you know deodorant and antiperspirant are actually two different things? Most of us grab whatever stick is on the shelf without a second thought, but they serve very different purposes—and using them the right way can make a big difference.

Antiperspirant helps prevent sweat.
It works by temporarily blocking sweat glands, which reduces the amount of moisture that reaches the surface of your skin. Because it needs time to settle into those glands, antiperspirant actually works best when you apply it at night on clean, dry skin—not right before you rush out the door in the morning.

Deodorant fights odor, not sweat.
Deodorant doesn’t stop perspiration. Instead, it neutralizes or masks the smell that happens when sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin. That’s why deodorant is ideal for morning application, when you want to stay fresh throughout the day.

What about combo products?
Many products on the market are labeled “deodorant + antiperspirant.” These can be convenient, but the timing still matters. Even with a combination product, applying it at night allows the antiperspirant ingredient to do its job more effectively.

The Best Routine

1. Shower or wash your underarms in the evening.
   
2. Make sure the skin is completely dry.
   
3. Apply antiperspirant before bed.
   
4. In the morning, add deodorant if you want extra odor protection or fragrance.
   

It may feel strange if you’ve always applied everything in the morning, but this small switch can lead to less sweating, fewer sweat marks, and better all-day confidence.

So—were you already doing this? Are you an at-night antiperspirant user, or is this news to you? Let us know—we love hearing your routines and questions!

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Want the transcript for this video instead?  

Did you know that there's a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? Antiperspirant is the one that you put on at nighttime that helps prevent sweating. Deodorant is the one that you put on in the morning that prevents the smell. Some products are combinations. They can be a deodorant and an antiperspirant.

Best way to use it is still at night on clean and dry skin. Did you already know that? Are you putting your antiperspirant on at night? Let me know.