Can Antiperspirant Lead to Increased Sweating? Here’s What to Know

As temperatures rise, many of us rely on antiperspirants to keep sweat in check. But have you ever felt like your antiperspirant isn’t working or even making you sweat more? While it might seem that way, the reality is a bit more complex.

Can Antiperspirant Cause More Sweating?

The short answer: Not in the area where it’s applied.

"When applied correctly, antiperspirants should not make someone sweat more in that area," says Lauren Eckert Ploch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Augusta, Georgia.

However, you might notice increased sweating in other areas, a phenomenon known as compensatory sweating.

This happens when sweat is blocked in one area, prompting the body to compensate by increasing perspiration elsewhere such as the back, scalp, or even hands. While compensatory sweating is more commonly associated with medical treatments like Botox for excessive sweating, it can sometimes occur with strong antiperspirants as well.

If you’re noticing excessive sweating beyond your underarms, a dermatologist can help determine the best management options.

How Do Antiperspirants Work?

Many people confuse antiperspirants with deodorants, but they serve different purposes:

• Deodorants mask odor but don’t prevent sweating.

• Antiperspirants contain active ingredients, typically aluminum-based compounds, that temporarily block sweat glands, preventing moisture from reaching the surface.

"Usually, when applied correctly, antiperspirants can block a person's sweat for 24 to 48 hours," explains Lucy Chen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. Even if an antiperspirant wears off, your body should return to its normal sweat levels not produce more than usual.

How to Apply Antiperspirant for Best Results

If you feel like your antiperspirant isn't working, improper application could be the issue. Here are expert-backed tips to maximize effectiveness:

1. Apply at Night

For best results, apply antiperspirant before bed rather than in the morning.

"Sweat glands are more easily blocked when they are not working extremely hard, like they are during the day," Dr. Chen says. At night, your body is cooler and sweat production is lower, allowing the active ingredients to work more effectively.

2. Make Sure Skin Is Completely Dry

Applying antiperspirant to damp skin whether from sweat or showering can prevent it from forming an effective barrier.

"Aluminum, the active ingredient in antiperspirants, cannot penetrate water or sweat to reach sweat glands," Dr. Chen explains. Always dry your underarms thoroughly before application.

3. Reapply Every 24 Hours

Most antiperspirants are designed to last for a full day. If you’re not applying it regularly, it may not be as effective.

4. Consider a Prescription Antiperspirant

If you still experience excessive sweating, a prescription-strength antiperspirant might be necessary.

"Prescription antiperspirants can use different mechanisms for treatment, such as targeting receptors on sweat glands to reduce their activity," Dr. Chen says. These products can be particularly helpful for people with hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that causes excessive sweating.

The Bottom Line

Antiperspirants don’t make you sweat more in the areas where they’re applied, but blocking underarm sweat can sometimes lead to increased sweating in other areas. Applying antiperspirant correctly at night, on dry skin, and consistently can help maximize its effectiveness. If excessive sweating persists, talking to a dermatologist about prescription options or other treatments can make a big difference.

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