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Step 1
Do a patch test. Apply just a small amount of deodorant to a patch of your skin to see if it will cause an irritation.
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Step 2
Carefully choose a product that corresponds to your skin type. If you have tough skin and are not at risk for irritation, you have many options. If you have super-sensitive skin, investigate hypoallergenic options.
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Step 3
If you have sensitive skin, avoid deodorants that have strong scents. Instead, choose a neutral scent. Neutral scents are often achieved by compounding less synthetic products, leading to less irritation.
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Step 1
When applying deodorant, avoid any current skin irritations. Stay away from any skin that might be broken or already infected.
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Step 2
Take care when shaving under your arms. Nicks and cuts from shaving can lead to infection if a foreign substance, such as deodorant, comes into contact.
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Step 3
Only use deodorant for the amount of time indicated on the container, as out-of-date products can lead to persistent irritations and painful infections.
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Step 4
Avoid over-application of deodorant. Using too much product can lead to skin irritations or infections.
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Step 1
Investigate the source of all warnings against the use of deodorant, to ensure they come from a credible source.
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Step 2
Read information from the FDA at the link in the Resources box below. The FDA has conducted careful studies on the use of deodorant, and determined that no link exists between cancer and the use of deodorants or antiperspirants.
