By Tobbylola Oniga
Earlier last month, Dove Deodorant shared their latest launch, NEW Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant. Many women are struggling with uneven underarm skin tone, and with Dove’s commitment to celebrating real beauty and self-esteem among women and girls, this new product solution cares for your skin for up to 48 hours while combating underarm pigmentation, and protecting you against sweat and odors at the same time. This product is filled with vitamin B3 and developed with ¼ moisturizers that leaves you with soft underarm with every use.
I had the chance to sit down with Dove dermatologist partner, and Latina beauty expert, Dr. Alicia Barba (pictured below) and discuss the benefits of this product and the importance of finding a deodorant or antiperspirant that works best for YOU!
Bronze Magazine: What are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best deodorant for your body type?
Dr. Barba: First, you need to ask yourself if you need a deodorant, a product to mask the smell or do you need an antiperspirant applied to stop the sweat. These are all very different. So, decide which one is best for you. Next, what vehicle do you want the product delivery in, meaning, do you want it in a stick, a dry spray or a wipe? That’s the beauty of the Dove portfolio. It really does provide different production options like a deodorant vs antiperspirant in different vehicles so that it adapts to your lifestyle and your needs.
Bronze Magazine: Do you think natural deodorants are better than antiperspirants?
Dr. Barba: I always have a hard time understanding what natural is. I have asked a lot of people in this industry what natural means to them. It really depends on a person’s perspective. Certainly, if natural means it doesn’t contain aluminum, Dove has the Dove Zero Deodorant that is zero aluminum and zero alcohol. It won’t stop the sweat but it’s enough to keep you fresh for 24 hours.
Bronze Magazine: How does this product give your skin a more even tone?
Dr. Barba: After three weeks of daily use, a woman will find that it restores her skin to its natural tone, mainly because it’s infused with vitamin B3 and enriched with 1/4 moisturizers, which are essential to skin biology and skin health.
Bronze Magazine: Does this deodorant only cater to certain skin types or to everyone?
Dr. Barba: It’s open to everyone! But we do know that people of color are more prone to hyper-pigmentation from any friction or inflammation. For example, you get a little pimple and it heals but it always leaves a little souvenir that kind of stays there for a month or two. It takes time for that skin to exfoliate off. This is kind of what this product is doing. It’s really protecting the skin barrier so that the skin can undergo its natural renewal process to become brighter and healthier.
Bronze Magazine: Everyone’s body is different, therefore, some people sweat and others don’t. What are some tips for those who are struggling to reduce their sweat?
Dr. Barba: Choose the RIGHT product. Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant. If you’re really sweating, that means you are probably a candidate for an antiperspirant. When my clients come in with this concern, I ask which one they are using. But more importantly, you need to REAPPLY. It’s okay to reapply your antiperspirant in the middle or the end of the day so that you feel confident and fresh.
Bronze Magazine: Does switching the type of deodorant you use harm your armpits in any way?
Dr. Barba: As long as you’re not experiencing any irritation such as stinging or itching. Long term irritation can cause hyperpigmentation, especially in skin products. But if it works for you, it’s totally okay to change the vehicle by which you’re getting delivered this product and there’s no problem as long as you’re not reacting to it. If it causes an itch or a rash you need to STOP.
Bronze Magazine: What are some deodorant alternatives?
Dr. Barba: Deodorant wipes such as Dove Go Fresh Deodorant Wipes are very handy for freshening up. They’re very small, and they come in travel size.
Bronze Magazine: When is the best time to apply deodorant?
Dr. Barba: I think the best time to apply it is whenever it works for your routine. I do recommend that if you have sensitive skin and you need to shave the delicate skin underneath the arms, I advise that you should shave at night. Don’t apply anything afterwards, let the skin repair itself while your sleeping and then apply the deodorant in the morning. So yes, the morning is still the best time, but be careful of the timing between the shaving and applying.
Thank you to Dr. Barba and her team for allowing me to speak with her and receive more information on this product. Dr. Barba provided a lot of valuable information on how to properly care for my skin so that it stays fresh and healthy. I received both the Even Tone Antiperspirant spray and the stick to take home and I must say, I love it! The product goes on very smoothly. I love the smell of the shea butter spray and the calm breeze stick! My underarms are looking more evenly toned than ever before, thanks to Dove.
