For most people, putting on deodorant is a necessary ritual on par with brushing teeth or washing hands. But for those who produce no armpit stench, it is totally unnecessary. Despite that, more than three-quarters of those people still use deodorant at least once a week, a new study finds.
Managing without deodorant
“If you stop wearing deodorant or antiperspirant, you can develop a stronger odor over time,” Doyle said. “When you stop using (such products) and sweat more, this creates a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal overgrowth, which can cause odor to become stronger.”
But if you're one of the lucky few who possess a gene called ABCC11, you don't even have to worry about deodorant. According to the website LiveScience, the presence of the gene means that your armpits lack a chemical that, when combined with sweat, bacteria feeds on to produce smelly body odor.
The survey from YouGov, a polling firm, found that approximately 40% of people ages 18 to 24 don't typically wear deodorant, according to TV station WISC. The percentage is almost as high — about 30% — for people ages 25 to 34. The reason? Most people surveyed said they don't believe they need it.
A new poll finds nearly 40 percent of young adults between 18 and 24 have not used deodorant within the past month. SAN FRANCISCO -- A new poll finds nearly 40 percent of young adults between 18 and 24 have not used deodorant within the past month. About 30 percent of adults between 25 and 34 said the same thing.
Scientists in recent years have shown that many East Asians, a group that includes China's ethnic Han majority, have a gene that lowers the likelihood of a strong “human axillary odor” — scientist-speak for body stink.
Before the twentieth century, talcum powder—made of the mineral talc—was the main personal care product advertised to alleviate odorous feet, armpits, and general body perspiration. Talcum powder was sold as a general body freshener and deodorant, as it absorbed perspiration and moisture from skin and clothes.
90% of Americans age 18-29 use deodorant daily, as opposed to only 78% aged 60 and over.
There's no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant. Many start in their teens. Some start as soon as puberty starts to cause body odor, which can be as early 8 or 9 years old for some children. Then again, some never use it, even as adults.
If you tend to sweat a lot, you may wish to apply deodorant or antiperspirant more often. Since deodorant doesn't absorb into your body, there is no limit to how often you can use it to mask odor or to provide a pleasant scent.
Between 1942 and 1957, the market for deodorants increased 600 times to become a $70 million market. Deodorants were originally marketed primarily to women, but by 1957 the market had expanded to male users, and estimates were that 50% of men were using deodorants by that date.
Before deodorant was introduced in the late-1800s, women used a combination of regular washing and copious amounts of perfume to combat body odor—and at the time, body odor was not considered an issue for men as it was viewed as masculine.
Peasant Clothing
The outer clothes were almost never laundered, but the linen underwear was regularly washed. The smell of wood smoke that permeated the clothing seemed to act as a deodorant.
If you're not wearing deodorant or antiperspirant and you're rushing out the door, then "your sweat glands may become more active," which leads to increased secretion of sweat, says Surin-Lord. And while sweat itself can be annoying, it can also lead to bacteria build-up in your armpits, she notes.
Self-grooming. Aside from being as clean (purified) as they are for prayer, male Muslims are expected to cut their nails, and trim their hair and beards. They must also not wear any scent, including deodorant.
Smelly genes
While only 2 percent of Europeans lack the genes for smelly armpits, most East Asians and almost all Koreans lack this gene, Day told LiveScience.
Your body builds up immunity
Most deodorants use ingredients like aluminum to stop sweat, or alcohol to mask B.O. Over time, your body builds up a tolerance to these chemicals, so the more you use these types of deodorants, the more you have to reapply.
"When switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, you are removing the aluminum and releasing waste which has been blocked. This is a natural process as part of our body's built-in mechanisms, but it may contribute to releasing some slightly unusual body odor in comparison to what you are used to.
Small bouquets of herbs and flowers called posies, nosegays, or tussie-mussies became popular accessories carried to overcome the stench of death.
According to a group of researchers from the University of Bristol in the UK, 2 percent of people (at least in their survey) carry a rare version of the gene ABCC11 that prevents their armpits from producing an offensive odor.
WEAR DEODORANT
You can drastically cut down on stink by taking care of your armpits. Bring a small stick of deodorant of your choice to use wherever you go, and you'll be able to put off showers for a little longer.
Apply antiperspirant BEFORE deodorant. When applying antiperspirant, make sure your skin is completely clean and dry. Even leftover soap or deodorant residue can hamper the effectiveness of your antiperspirant. Let anti-perspirant dry and activate for a 2-3 hours before applying your deodorant.
Apply deodorant anywhere you tend to sweat: While some deodorant brands are meant only for armpits, most can be applied anywhere you sweat (like behind the knees or inner thighs). If you want to keep other areas of your body fresh and dry, check the label first to make sure your deodorant is safe to use anywhere.