10 Natural Tricks to Remove Dark Knees and Elbows

Accumulation of dead skin cells, friction, extensive exposure to sun, or a hormonal imbalance can become the cause of dark knees and elbows. These parts of our body don’t contain any oil glands and it’s important to protect them from dryness through proper care and hygiene.

10. Cucumber

Due to its bleaching properties, cucumber is among the most effective ways to get rid of dark knees and elbows. It removes dead skin cells and keeps your skin moisturized. Vitamins A and C that are present in cucumbers keep the skin beautiful and fresh.

• Gently rub thick slices of cucumber over your elbows and knees for 15 minutes.
• Leave it on for another 5 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.

You can also mix equal amounts of cucumber juice and lemon juice. Apply the mixture on your knees, elbows, and also underarms. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off. Do this on a daily basis.

9. Lemon and baking soda

Lemon is an excellent skin lightening ingredient. It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which promote skin regeneration and improve skin complexion. Baking soda acts as a gentle and effective cleanser for whitening dark areas of skin.

• Take a lemon and cut it into 2 halves.
• Sprinkle 1 tbsp of baking soda on top of the lemon.
• Rub your elbows and knees for 1 minute.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

Repeat once every 2 days for a desired effect.

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8. Aloe Vera and milk

Aloe Vera contains substances that help to moisturize your skin and improve uneven skin tone. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The combination of Aloe Vera and milk is a simple and useful way to lighten your skin naturally.

• Mix equal amounts of milk and Aloe Vera gel and apply the mixture to your skin.
• Leave it on overnight and then wash it off the next morning.

Alternatively, you can extract the gel from the Aloe Vera leaf and apply it to your knees and elbows. Leave it on for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.

7. Potato

Potato is rich in catecholase enzymes that can naturally lighten your skin tone. Daily usage of potato will soften your skin and help you get rid of dark areas.

• Grate the potato, squeeze out the juice, and apply it to your skin.
• Leave it on your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse it with water.
• Apply a moisturizer.

You can also rub your elbows and knees with a potato cut into slices for about 10-15 minutes and then wash off.

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6. Turmeric

Turmeric is the most natural remedy remove impurities and dead skin cells from your knees and elbows without any side effects. It contains a compound called curcumin which reduces and regulates the excess production of melanin responsible for dark complexions.

• Mix some turmeric powder with 1 tsp of milk.
• Apply it to the knees and elbows.
• Massage for a few minutes and leave it to dry naturally.
• Rinse it with warm water.

You can add a bit of honey to the mixture for a better effect.

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E that help to repair dark and damaged skin.

• After each shower or bath apply coconut oil to the affected areas.
• Massage gently for 2-3 minutes until the oil is absorbed into the skin.

You can also add 1/2 tsp of fresh lemon juice to 1 tsp of coconut oil and gently massage your knees and elbows for a few minutes.

4. Honey

Honey acts as a natural moisturizer. In combination with lemon it can work wonders on your skin.

• Mix 2 tbsp honey, the juice of half a lemon, and 1 tsp baking soda.
• Apply the mixture over the darkened areas.
• Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes and wash off.

Honey also works well with milk and Aloe Vera. You can combine 1 tbsp of honey with 1 tsp of milk and 1 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel. Apply the paste to your skin, leave it for 15 minutes, and rinse it off with warm water.

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3. Sugar and olive oil

  

A homemade scrub made from sugar and olive oil will nourish, hydrate, and remove dead cells from your skin.

• Combine equal amounts of sugar and olive oil to make a fine mixture.
• Apply it to knees and elbows and massage in circular motions for about 5 minutes.
• Repeat this on a weekly basis.

This scrub can also be used to cleanse your face. Just make sure to not rub too hard, as it may hurt your skin.

2. Oatmeal scrub

Along with having a lot of benefits for health, oatmeal is another effective way to have a flawless skin tone. You will need lemon juice, oatmeal, and salt.

• Mix the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 tbsp oatmeal, and a pinch of salt.
• Apply the scrub in circular motions to your knees and elbows for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.
• Repeat this process 3-4 times a week to achieve the best results.

You can also combine 2 tbsp oatmeal with 2 tsp of milk and message the dark areas for 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with water. It will make your skin feel soft, smooth, healthy, and radiant.

1. Vinegar and yogurt

The rich content of acetic acid in vinegar and lactic acid in yogurt will help to cleanse your knees and elbows and reveal glowing skin.

• Mix 1 tbsp of yogurt and 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
• Apply this mixture on your skin.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash it off with warm water.
• Repeat this procedure 3-4 times a week.

Another easy way to lighten your skin is to mix apple cider vinegar with some water and apply it to your elbows and knees with cotton balls. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash it off.

Do you know any other effective skin lightening tips? Feel free to share them with us in the comments!

Why do I have dark underarms? See Reasons

Dark underarms have been an embarrassing problem, both for men and women alike. But do you know the reasons why there can be a discoloration in the armpit area?

Here are some reasons that may answer the question “Why do I have dark underarms?”

1. Shaving

If your armpit hair is darker than the color of your skin, then shaving can cause dark underarms. Shaving only cuts the hair off at the surface of your skin. This darkness is due to the hair follicles that are just below the surface of your skin. Shaving may also cause itching if a sharp razor is not used. Shaving too much will lead to skin hardening and skin darkening because of the irritation and abrasions caused.

Waxing unwanted hair is a better alternative to switch to if you think shaving is causing your underarms to look dark. Waxing gets rid off the hair right from the roots, making the darkness less visible.

2. Deodorants And Antiperspirants

Deodorants and antiperspirants sure does protect the body from bad odor. But, these also contain chemicals that may be harmful for the skin causing it to be dark.

Using mild deodorants or following natural remedies may help fight body odor. The best and commonly used natural remedy is applying baking soda to your underarms. This will avoid the exposure to harsh chemicals found in deodorants.

3. Accumulation Of Dead Skin Cells

Dead cells are formed all over our body and accumulates on the surface of our skin. The underarms are no exception to this. Accumulation of dead skin cells around the underarms may be another reason for darkness in the area.

Exfoliating the underarms is a good practice to avoid the accumulation of the dead skin cells.

See also: 12 natural remedies to get rid of dark underarm

4. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a common, often harmless, condition where certain spots on the skin appear darker than the surrounding skin. This is due to the excess melanin – the pigment that gives color to the skin – that forms deposits on the skin.

If you feel that the darkening of your underarms is due to hyperpigmentation, then it is best to consult a dermatologist and follow the prescribed medication if any.

5. Friction Caused By Tight Clothes

Underarms are sensitive areas and wearing tight clothing can cause friction between the cloth and your skin. This can cause discoloration.

It is always better to wear clothes that are not tight near sensitive areas. Wearing loose clothes, especially after underarms are waxed, is advised.

6. Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is the medical term for darkened, thickened patches of skin that usually develop in the armpit and around the groin and neck. You’ll have thickened, brownish-grey or black patches of skin. These patches may occur anywhere, but are usually seen around the neck, in the armpit, around the groin, and sometimes in other skin folds. This medical condition is usually a sign of obesity, diabetes, or abnormal hormone levels.

Always consult a doctor to know what steps you can take to treat this condition. With proper guidance, this discoloration may be controlled.

7. Bacterial Infection

Our underarms are a perfect home for bacteria to dwell in. Excessive sweating can be the cause of bacteria being trapped in the skin in the underarms. The bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum causes excessive sweating and the least serious problem is body odor. However, this can also cause a chronic infection in the deeper layers of the skin called erythrasma.

A visit to the doctor will help you if you think bacteria is causing darkness in your underarms.

8. Smoker’s Melanosis

Smoker’s Melanosis is a condition that results from tobacco smoking. In this case, hyperpigmentation is caused by smoking. The underarms will have dark patches as long as smoking continues.

Smoker’s Melanosis can be treated first by quitting the habit of smoking. Not only will it help in reducing the darkness in your underarms, you will be quitting a bad habit that harms other parts of the body, too.

9. Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem. It is usually seen as dark patches on the skin. It appears mostly on those parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. Women are more likely to get melasma than men. This is also common during pregnancy because the hormones during this period seem to trigger melasma in women.

The most common treatment is applying sun protection on the skin at regular intervals. If it does not seem to fade, visit a doctor and follow the steps to recover from this skin problem

10. Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is caused when the adrenal gland is damaged. One of the symptoms of this is disease is darkening of the skin or hyperpigmentation.

Other symptoms of this disease include extreme fatigue, weight loss and decreased appetite, low blood pressure (even fainting), salt craving, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pains, irritability, depression, body hair loss, or sexual dysfunction in women.

It can affect people of any age, although it’s most common between the ages of 30 and 50. It’s also more common in women than men.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit the doctor and follow the steps to treat Addison’s disease.

Now that you know the reasons for your dark underarms, there is one important bit that has to be taken care of at all times.

Always make sure that you keep your body clean. It is important to shower at least once a day and stay hygienic.

12 Natural Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dark Underarms

1. Lemons

It is the ultimate natural bleaching agent. You can use it to whiten any parts of the body, and that includes underarms too. Nevertheless, lemons are also good antiseptic agents, thus they get rid of odor from your underarms. All you have to do is just rub a slice of lemon against your armpit, and leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing. But however, bear in mind that lemons can dry out your skin. Therefore, we advise you to apply some moisturizer or body lotion afterwards.

 

2. Potatoes

Just like lemons, potatoes are bleaching agents too. But usually, potatoes are moisturizing and they rarely cause any skin irritations. They contain a mild portion of acid, which makes them beneficial for whitening purposes. You can either simply rub a slice of potato, or throw it into a blender and later squeeze the juice out to apply onto your underarms.

3. Cucumber

Rub a slice of cucumber daily on the affected area. This will bleach the skin, and keep I moist at the same time. You may also try this remedy along with some lemon juice or honey.

4. Saffron

Saffron to get rid of dark underarms? Who would have ever thought! All you have to do is to add a pinch of saffron to about two tablespoonfuls of mild lotion. Mix it well and apply onto your underarms. Not only does it whiten your skin, but it also gets rid of unpleasant odors from your armpit.

5. Baking soda

It does wonders to your underarms. FYI, baking soda is also a natural bleaching agent. But it is usually milder and does not trigger any side effects when used on skin. To use it for your underarms, make a thick paste out of baking soda and some water. Apply it onto the affected area, and leave it to dry. Once it dries, rinse off with lukewarm water.

6. Orange peel

This sure is one yummy, fragrant remedy! The bleaching work is done by the citric acid found in orange peels. Dry some orange peels under the sun for about three to four days or until the peels are completely dried. Grind them until they turn into powder form and store it in a tight container. Take about two tablespoon of it and mix with some rose water to apply on your underarms. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before washing off with cool water.

7. Milk

It has been said that milk is equally as effective as lemons when it come to whitening. This is because milk contains some vitamins and fatty acids that will help brighten up the tone of your skin. Simple apply some milk on your underarms and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Repeat this daily for best results.

8. Coconut oil

There’s nothing that coconut oil can’t do! After all, it is an universal remedy for health and beauty. This remedy involves a slow whitening process. So we suggest that you use this remedy everyday. Massage some coconut oil into the skin of your underarms for about 10 to 15 minutes before taking your bath. FYI, coconut is a natural deodorant.

9. Vinegar

This remedy effectively rids unpleasant odors and any dark spots found in your armpit. Rub some vinegar onto your underarms and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing off. For better results, you may try mixing some rice flour with decent portion of vinegar and then apply. It will help kill the bacteria and germs caused by excessive sweating.

10. Gram flour

Gram flour is an incredible way to whiten any part of your body, and armpit is no exception. It can also get rid of acnes when applied on face skin. I would personally encourage you to try this remedy as it is not only effective, but also safe to try. Make a paste out of some gram flour, lemon juice and yogurt ( you may also use fresh curd). Apply this onto your underarms daily and watch the magic happen!

11. Apples

Scrubbing your armpits with mashed apple can actually get rid of dark spots and odors too. Apple contains acidity to some extent and AHA which is capable of killing germs and bacteria that cause the darkening of your underarms. It is also a great way to exfoliate your skin. Now this adds another reason to why you should become an apple lover.

12. Yogurt

Where there’s the whitening, there’s the yogurt. Yogurt is highly beneficial for your skin, including that of underarms. Yogurt when applied on underarms, especially with a mixture of honey will rid impurities that have been causing skin discoloration. It can also neutralize the odor from your armpit area. For this trick, mix in a bowl two tablespoons of yogurt with one tablespoon of honey. Apply onto your underarms, and leave it to dry. Rinse off with cool water.

5 Reasons Why Body Scrub Treatment Is A Number One Beauty Regimen

There is always an exciting feeling that comes with getting your skin polished, cleaned and buffed; it is called rejuvenation. Body scrub has been practiced for a long time using local remedies according to one’s culture and tradition or even preference. The Indians and Asians particularly love this treatment when getting their brides ready for their marriage ceremony. It is also common in Hausa culture here in Nigeria, when preparing the bride for their big day.
The treatment is a process that involves exfoliating the skin using an abrasive ingredient to buff and polish the skin. A major ingredient used are usually sugar and salt mixed with other ingredients, depending on what the client wants and skin specifications. It can be done as often as you want it done, people who are very meticulous about their skin prefer to do it once a month in a spa, which normally involves steaming the body in a sauna. It can also be bought and used at home during one’s spare time. For people who want to know more about body scrub, these are 5 reasons why you should be interested;
LIGHTENS SKIN NATURALLY
Bleaching and toning heavily is not the answer to beautiful skin. However, if you want to take off dirt and brighten your skin or even give an even complexion and take off dark marks, your answer is body scrub. Body scrub lightens the skin naturally by exfoliating dead skin, giving the skin a beautiful and brighter complexion.
SMOOTH AND SILKY
What better way to achieve smooth and silky skin other than by scrubbing your body with a body scrub. It is usually abrasive, but in turn gives a smooth finish after the whole process.
REMOVES UNWANTED HAIR FROM THE SKIN
You heard that right. The treatment removes unwanted hair from the skin. Body scrub treatments like Hammam which is an ancient Asian body scrub treatment, aside removing dirt from the skin removes hair too.
REMOVES PIMPLE
Body scrub has been known to take off pimple from the body especially when done with body steaming, thereby making the pimple soft enough to go off after scrubbing.
REDUCES BODY ACNE
Body acne cannot be totally cured but reduced with body scrub treatment. People with acne are advised to go for professional scrub treatment or use a body scrub at home to clear surface dirt and reduce the acne.

Teeth And Issues Behind It.

The teeth are the hard structure in the mouth utilized for cutting and biting of nourishment. A few conditions might influence the teeth and force confinement on it's capacity.

Normal Affections Of The Teeth

They Include:

Dental Caries:- This is because of development of follower masses on the teeth (Plague). It is framed by microorganisms breakdown of sugar in the eating regimen. Regular admission of sugar and sweet nourishments and beverages is the cause .Bacteria follow up on the sugar and discharges lactic corrosive. Plague arrangement is advanced by poor dental consideration.

Neurotic Loosening :- This is an anomalous loss of teeth, Mainly because of damage, dental caries and tumors.

Dental Discoloration:- This is adjustment in the ordinary shade of the teeth. On the off chance that it influences one tooth, it might be because of dental caries or passing of the tooth because of harm. Inclusion of the few teeth in a grown-up might be because of smoking, spit tobacco, tea, kola, iron medications and poor oral cleanliness. In kids, utilization of the medication tetracycline is embroiled.

Toothache:- May be because of a contaminated tooth, in which case the torment is regularly throbbing and there might be clear swelling around the gum zone. It might resolve all alone, yet in the event that it holds on, a dental practitioner ought to be seen. Hold a wrapped boiling point water bottle against the difficult check however not if a sore is suspected.

Malocclusion:- This is confused or unusual course of action of the teeth in the mouth.

What Causes Dental Problems? The causes include:

Contamination as in dental sore.

Drugs eg anti-microbials, tetracycline, spit tobaccos and iron medications, in the teeth staining.

Wounds and tumors eg mishaps and growth of the mouth.

Poor dental cleanliness bringing about maladie arrangement.

Inordinate utilization of sugary things Bacteria follows up on the sugar (Sucrose) and discharges lactic corrosive and different acids which causes dental conveys

In what manner can dental issues be averted

Issues of the teeth can be anticipated in the accompanying ways:-

Great oral cleanliness utilizing tooth glue and brush or biting stick in the mornings and nighttimes.

Drink water and flush mouth after every dinner to expel nourishment flotsam and jetsam from the teeth.

Utilize little of sugary things

Change your tooth brush each 3-6months.

Shrewd utilization of medications

Tooth brushes ought not be too hard or too delicate.

Maintain a strategic distance from harm to the teeth,

try not to utilize teeth as an opener.

Report any teeth issue as right on time as could reasonably be expected to the dental practitioner for master administration; which might include extraction.

What to do after tooth extraction

Nibble solidly on the cotton fleece and uproot the cotton fleece following 30 minutes.

In the case of draining proceeds, swap cotton fleece and nibble for 20minutes.

Try not to spit for the duration of the day.

Try not to wash mouth for 12 hours

Stay away from exceptionally hot sustenance, excessively icy water for the duration of the day or week of extraction.

Abstain from sucking or touching the site of extractions.

Stay away from strenuous activity for the duration of the day of extraction

Take recommended sedates as needs be.

As from tomorrow, flush your mouth with medium some warm water containing a tea spoon of table salt 6 times day by day for 7 days.

Continuously visit the dental place for no less than 2 times each year.

There is free treatment for youngsters with congenital fissures and sense of taste

Why your body itches after taking shower.

Body itching after taking your bath can not only be annoying, but it can be embarrassing as well. Pruritus is the medical name for itching, and this can leave scars or damage on your skin. This itching can occur all over the body or on a particular part of the body especially the laps and legs. This article will help you to prevent and eliminate the itch on your skin naturally.

BEST TREATMENT FOR ACNE

Acne (acne vulgaris), a disease of the hair follicles. It affects both males and females at puberty or adolescent age. It normally appears on the chest, face, and back. Acne cannot be triggered by a bacteria, but bacteria can play a role in its formation. Acne can be treated with some drugs or cosmetics available in pharmaceutical stores or cosmetic counters that do not require prescription.

How To Take Care Of Your Ears

Ear problem

Ear problem can be disastrous if neglected and not taken care of properly. Ear problems are common. The treatment for different types of ear problem might varies. Common ear problem include:

Mastoiditis. This is an infection of the bone at the back of the ear

Otitis media. An infection of the middle ear.

Otitis externa. Infection of the outer ear, ear canal and the skin around the outer ear.

Infection and problems of the ear drum.

Pains and tenderness of the jaw joint caused by temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Blockage of Eustachian tube as a result of cold or flu.

Pimple in the ear as a result of mild infection.

Wax or fluid buildup in the ear canal.

Otosclerosis. Formation of a bone in the ear. This prevents the tiny bones from vibrating thereby causing hearing loss.

Symptoms of ear problems include: swelling of the ear, pain inside the ear, pain on the earlobe when pulled, ringing sensation in the ear, redness of the outer ear, pimple in the ear canal, difficulty in hearing, pus drain from the ear.

Causes

Swimming, Common cold, bacterial infection {most common cause of ear ache due to respiratory tract infection), air rushing into the ear. Bacterial infection can lead to middle ear inflammation. This infection can result to glue ear if not treated. This is a chronic form of the infection. A sticky fluid fills the middle ear. A pressure may build inside the ear drum, which might cause the ear drum to rupture. A rupture may not be serious but multiple ruptures may cause hearing loss. The ear may get muffled when the fluid gets filled up. It takes 2 to 3 days before the body absorbs the fluid. Hearing returns to normalcy when the fluid is absorbed. Infection, dermatitis, eczema, or presence of foreign body can cause inflammation. Ear infection is not always the root cause of earache among kids. It may be as a result of sore throat, runny nose, earwax, air pressure changes, common cold, and fluid buildup without infection.

Treatment

Some simple treatments are used in treating minor ear problems.  Consult a doctor when you have symptoms like: pain, redness, swelling, and irritation in the ear. Some of the treatments include:

·         While sleeping keep the affected ear up.

·         Take pain relief drugs (ibuprofen).

·         Use ear drops.

·         Heat pads and warm cloth application.

To avoid ear problems:

·         Don’t swim in an unhygienic water.

·         Before diving in water use a cap to cover your ears.

·         Always dry your ears after taking your bath.

·         Allow a thin layer of wax to shield dust particles and insects from entering your ears.

·         Always clean the ears properly to avoid hard deposits of wax.

Combat Your Body Odour

Body odour, also known as bromhidrosis, is the unpleasant smell that can occur when you sweat. The sweat itself doesn't smell. The unpleasant odour is produced by bacteria on the skin that break down the sweat into acids. The two types of sweat gland are: eccrine glands – which are spread across the skin and regulate body temperature by cooling the skin with sweat when you get hot. apocrine glands – which are mainly found in hairy areas of the body, such as the armpits and genital area; apocrine glands develop during puberty and release scented chemicals called pheromones.
Sweat produced by the eccrine glands is usually odourless, although it can smell if bacteria start to break it down. It can also take on an offensive odour if you consume certain food and drink, such as garlic, spices and alcohol , as well as some types of medication, such as
antidepressants .
However, it's the apocrine glands that are mainly responsible for body odour, because the sweat they produce contains high levels of protein, which bacteria find easy to break down. People who sweat excessively from their apocrine
glands, or have a lot of bacteria on their skin, tend to have worse body odour.
Who gets body odour?
Anyone who has reached puberty (when the apocrine sweat glands develop) can produce body odour. Men are more likely to have body odour, because they tend to sweat more than women.
Things that can make body odour worse include:
overweight, eating rich or spicy foods, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

Managing body odour

The best way to avoid getting body odour is to keep areas of your body that are prone to sweating clean
and free of bacteria. Use soap to wash every day, paying particular attention to the areas that produce the most sweat, such as your armpits, genital area and feet. Washing removes sweat and reduces the number of bacteria on your skin. On hot days you need to have showers at least twice daily.

Changing and washing your clothes regularly will also help.

Using an antiperspirant or deodorant daily will help prevent body odour. Antiperspirants work by reducing
the amount of sweat your body produces. Deodorants use perfume to mask the smell of sweat. Use roll-on antiperspirants if you sweat heavily, as they tend to be more effective. Aluminium chloride is the active ingredient in most antiperspirants. It helps prevent the production of sweat.

Regularly shaving your armpits can also help reduce body odour. The hair in your armpits traps sweat and
odour, providing ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply.

In very severe cases of body odour, surgery or treatment with botulinum toxin may be possible options.

Excessive sweating and body odour is an unpleasant problem that can affect a person's confidence and self-esteem.
A body odour problem can usually be managed by getting rid of excess skin bacteria – which are responsible for the smell – and keeping the skin in the affected area (usually the armpits) clean and dry.

Wear natural fibres, such as wool, silk or cotton. They allow your skin to breathe, which means your sweat will evaporate quicker. Wear clean clothes, and make sure you wash
your clothes regularly.

Limit the amount of spicy foods you eat, such as curry or garlic, because they can make your sweat smell. Evidence also suggests that eating
a lot of red meat tends to make body odour worse.

If the above self care advice doesn't improve your body odour, you may need a stronger antiperspirant that contains more aluminium chloride.
Your GP or pharmacist can recommend a suitable product and advise about how often you should use it. Aluminium chloride solutions are usually applied every night before bed, and washed off in the morning. This is because you stop sweating in your sleep, so the solution can seep into your sweat glands and block them. This reduces how much you sweat the next day.
As the aluminium chloride solution begins to take effect, you can use it less often (every other night, or once or twice a week).