Switching to Natural Deodorant: Armpit Detox Guide

homemade Deodorant

Before going all-out natural to your personal care products, you may first ask yourself, why make the switch when you already have a loyal and trusted deodorant brand in place? Well, that’s a pretty reasonable question. The answer: TOXINS! Yes, those commercial deodorants are filled with harmful chemicals like artificial fragrances, aluminum, phthalates, talc, BHT, and mineral oil. To know more in detail about these toxins lurking in the products you’re using, read this blog.

You might argue that those toxins are used in very minute amounts and can’t cause any harm to your body, but remember that you are using your deodorant on a daily basis to a very sensitive body part. 

HOWEVER, you must know that before you’ll reap the advantage and beauty of using natural deodorants, your body will undergo an armpit detox during the transition from artificial to natural. Well, that’s a nice way to put it. In honest words, it will get funky! But don’t be discouraged just yet, we will walk you through what to expect and how to gracefully get through this short yet necessary armpit detox process. I promise it will be worth it! Before you know it, you will be feeling healthy and confident.

Your Armpit Detox Guide to Natural Deodorant

diy body odor eliminator

It’s Normal to Sweat More!

You are gonna have to embrace your sweat for a short time while you make the switch to natural deodorants. The detox process will begin with your pits starting to sweat more. Unlike popular belief that sweat is gross, sweating supports our body’s natural detoxification process and controls body temperature. The idea that sweat gross is nothing but a misconception concocted by antiperspirant advertisers.

Aluminum in antiperspirants blocks your sweat glands which stops your pits from sweating. However, it also traps harmful toxins in your pits which can result in heavy metal toxicity and other chronic diseases. I’d opt for a little sweat than to get sick, wouldn’t you?

Also, take note that the stink is not because of the extra sweat. Sweat by itself is actually odorless, the stink is caused by the bacteria that grows on your pits. Sweat is natural and healthy!

Expect to Stink

Those trapped toxins in your glands as mentioned above will be released as the aluminum-caused gland plugs are removed. Along with this release of toxins normally comes with a… less than pleasant odor. But remember! That does not mean that natural deodorants are not for you, your body is only detoxifying all those built-up toxins, bacteria, and chemicals.

This is the period where most people who are switching to natural deos are discouraged and switch back to their conventional deodorants. I say, give yourself some time to recover and hold on to that detox process because everything will be worth it in the end.

Sweat and Odor Will Start to Neutralize

After a few weeks, when your body has adjusted and detoxed all toxins that built up due to years of commercial deodorant use, you will slowly sweat and stink less. It is also beneficial to note that sweating won’t be stopped altogether. Again, sweating is normal and HEALTHY! But rest assured, your sweat won’t stink.

The length of the detox period is varied to different persons depending on one’s body composition. The transition to natural deodorant may be unsettling and a little daunting, but don’t give up! It will be well worth it in the end.

Tips to Help You Get Through the Armpit Detox

Homemade Soap

Luckily, there are ways to speed up and gracefully get through this detox process. 

Use Natural Antibacterial Soap

Since the stink during this detox period is caused by odor-causing bacteria, fighting these bacteria right from the shower will significantly help. Try this Flower, Spice, and Something Nice Antibacterial Soap Recipe.

Take Hot Baths

Hot baths will help flush out toxins by encouraging sweat and opening your pores. Not to mention, hot baths are extremely relaxing too! Want to level up your bath time? Try these amazing bath recipes:

  1. DIY Salt Bath Soak with Essential Oils
  2. Homemade Bath Salts Recipe
  3. Rose Hydrosol Bath

Keep an Emergency Deodorant on Hand

Since your natural deo won’t be able to get you throught the day smelling and feeling fresh, a back up and on-the-go deodorant is necessary. Freshen up and nix the bacteria and stick with this B.O. Emergency Back-up Roll-on Recipe.

Choose Your Clothes Thoughtfully

What you wear can also effect the length and east of the detox process. During this time, we recommend that you wear loose, breathable cotton clothing. Tight-fitting, synthetic clothing can trap in moisture which can cause the detox period to last longer than necessary.

Proper Diet, Water Intake, and Exercise

Exercising naturally causes the body to sweat which will also speed up the release and removal of toxins from your body. It’s also useful to incorporate green and leafy vegetables while lessening your intake of processed foods, red meat, and highly sulfurous food- they add to the stink. And most importantly, drinks LOTS of water!

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