If You Skip Deodorant for a Week, Here's What Happens to Your Body
Morning affirmations and mantras are often billed as a way to boost confidence first thing. We're not here to argue. However, just wondering: Have you heard of the benefits of applying deodorant?"It gives you confidence in knowing that you are covered," raves , a dermatologist. "Each day your skin is full of more sweat, oils, environmental factors like pollutants, dirt and grime, as you go about your day and routine, so applying deodorant can help with unwanted odor."Applying deodorant may not have the same panache as a 12-step skincare routine that involves ice rolling your face. Applying deodorant might be as second-nature as brushing your teeth, to the point where you can't even remember if you've did it and often question yourself. What if the answer was no, for seven straight days? A pair of dermatologists and one dermatopathologist shared the truth on precisely what happens to the body if you skip deodorant for a week.
Dermatologists suggest that you may overlook issues like body odor and stained clothes on the first day of not using deodorant. However, by day seven, you—and those around you—may be running to grab deodorant for you to apply. Here are the risks of skipping deodorant for one week.
You can't see this one, but it's there. "Deodorants often contain antimicrobial ingredients," explains Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist at GFaceMD. "Skipping it gives bacteria more room to grow in moist areas like armpits, leading to more odor and potential skin imbalances."Which leads us to the big one...
Come on, you could smell this risk of going deodorant-free for a week coming from a mile away, right?"The most obvious effect is that you might start to smell stronger," shares Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a dermatologist. "It may not happen immediately if you have been using deodorants daily, but it will happen."You might be surprised to learn what's behind this unpleasant smell. "Sweat on its own is odorless—what causes the smell is the bacteria living on your skin," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "Everyone's skin microbiome is different, and even if you shower daily, some people naturally develop a more noticeable scent."
This one is the pits. "Antiperspirants—a type of deodorant—contain aluminum salts that temporarily block sweat glands," Dr. Frieling explains. "Without them, sweat flows freely, which can feel uncomfortable."That "flow" can also have a ripple effect on your laundry workload—break out the stain stick. "Without deodorant or antiperspirant, you may start seeing stains on your clothes," Dr. Kazlouskaya notes. "This happens because of the complex interaction between sweat composition, skin bacteria and fabric."
Sweat is necessary to cool the body off. However, deodorant adds a layer of protection, reducing the odds that you sweat excessively."Excessive sweating can irritate the skin, causing chafing, bumps and folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "Sweat can be irritating, and it can increase bacterial growth, leading to small pimples or inflamed areas."Related:
People may revert to 2020-style social distancing or start declining invites altogether. "You might notice people keeping a bit of distance from you," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "That subtle shift can be a sign that your body odor is becoming stronger."Social connection is a key part of being human, so you may notice your mental health declines. On that note...
Who knew that deodorant provided such a boost to your mental health (which can motivate you to take care of yourself physically)? "All of the above can make you more self-conscious and hesitant to engage with others," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "A drop in self-esteem is a real consequence when you're not feeling the best."
Plot twist. You may notice a few benefits from not applying deodorant (but that doesn't mean you should stop altogether)."Your skin may thank you depending on the type of deodorant you are using, especially if you are using a chemical deodorant," Dr. Chacon says. "You may see improved skin health. Even taking just a week off will reduce your chemical exposure to harsh ingredients like aluminum, which can cause some health concerns. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin and notice more reactions in your skin."To avoid this mishap, Dr. Kazlouskaya suggests avoiding deodorants that don't work for your body. "A good deodorant shouldn't cause itching, redness or irritation," she advises. "If it does, stop using it immediately. If irritation persists, see a dermatologist."Related:
"Usually, daily application is sufficient for most people, but follow the instructions on the product label and listen to your body," Dr. Kazlouskaya explains.
Indeed, there's some nuance. "There's no strict rule," she explains. "Some ingredients target odor by reducing bacteria—true deodorants—while others block sweat glands—antiperspirants. If your deodorant includes an antiperspirant, it's often best to apply it in the evening for maximum effectiveness."
Dr. Chacon is a fan of morning deodorant applications.
"That way, you can feel confident that your deodorant is doing its job and covering any odor for the day," she says. "You can always reapply if you find yourself sweating more than that day, especially if you worked out, and smell an odor sooner than the end of the day or if you have taken a shower midday and need to reapply because it was washed off."
Up Next:Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, a dermatologist
Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist at GFaceMD
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a dermatologist
If You Skip Deodorant for a Week, Here's What Happens to Your Body first appeared on Parade on Jul 5, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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