Frequently Unasked Questions:
Underarm Care
Real Talk from Skincare Expert, Dr. Terrence Keaney
As part of our mission to keep underarms irritation free, we asked specialists to contribute their unique expertise to the Dove Men+Care Deodorant “The Guide to Complete Underarm Care” publication. This article comes from Men’s Dermatologist, Dr. Terrence Keaney.
I understand. You don’t want to ask me about your underarms. In my years as a men’s dermatologist, I’ve noticed this so many times–men who aren’t asking questions about their underarms and therefore aren’t getting the answers they need.
So I’ve worked with Dove Men+Care Deodorant to answer the most Frequently Unasked Questions, the things that men need to ask but aren’t actually voicing.
Check out the questions below. I’m sure you have wondered about some of these yourself. Together, let’s dive into the queries that have been left unanswered — until now.
Q: I’ve had underarm irritation in the past, but couldn’t figure out if it was from my deodorant, laundry detergent, or just sensitive skin. What’s causing it?
A: Definitely take a look at your deodorant–but multiple factors can contribute to underarm irritation.
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as one cause or another. More often than not, it’s due to a combination of underarm friction, sweat, and a compromised skin barrier — most commonly due to dry skin, vigorous exercise, or sweat. The right antiperspirant can help prevent these issues. As always, it’s best to talk to a physician who can dictate the best plan of attack for you.
Q: I’ve read up on it before, but don’t think I really know — what’s the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants?
A: Deodorants focus on masking and preventing odor caused by sweat.
Antiperspirants work to actually block sweat from the skin’s surface.
When you’re looking for underarm products — there’s a simple way to tell the difference between the two:
Q: It doesn’t take much for me to get a consistent sweat going, and lately every time I do, my armpits burn. Can excessive sweating be the cause of it?
A: Yes — sweat can cause irritation. And it’s more common than you think.
Excessive underarm sweating is a common complaint men have. Not only can it make skin prone to underarm irritation and discomfort, it can have an effect on social activities. (We’ve all sweat through a shirt at a party). This is a situation where an antiperspirant would work better than a deodorant, because it works to block the sweat — instead of masking odor.
Q: I’ve always been told that certain scents in deodorants are what cause underarm irritation. Is that true?
A: Some people are allergic to certain fragrances — but it’s always hard to hone in on one factor.
Fragrance is one variable of many that can cause irritation. If a patient has sensitive skin, asthma, or seasonal allergies, he’s already predisposed to have more of an allergic tendency. Those men in particular should use caution when applying fragrant skin care products, and always consult a physician if a challenge arises.
Q: What deodorant or antiperspirant can I buy that I can be confident won’t irritate my underarms?
A: Antiperspirants are typically milder on skin.
Even if you don’t have irritation, prevention is important. Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant has a clinically proven non-irritant formula and 48 hour sweat protection — so you’re completely covered.
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