Why You Should Try an Armpit Detox When Switching to a Natural Deodorant

Have you tried to switch to a natural deodorant and found that they just don't work for you?

You're not alone. This is the case for many people, especially when they first switch from conventional, chemical packed deodorant to natural. Making the switch, at first, may seem like you're not wearing any deodorant at all.

Sorry, but the problem isn't the natural deodorant. It's you.

Well, your armpits. The fault should actually be put on the deodorants you were using before. Conventional deodorants and anti-perspirants contain a long list of nasty chemicals, used to kill bacteria and stop your body's natural ability to sweat (extremely unhealthy by the way, and can actually make you smell worse).

Here's a list of these ingredients, and the risk of putting them on your body: (source of ingredients from wellnessmama.com)

• Aluminum– Some evidence links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease

• Phthalates– Endocrine disruptors often found in plastic that can cause hormone imbalance and even infertility (especially in men)

• Propylene glycol– Aka: Antifreeze. An additive in personal care products

• Formaldehyde- A known carcinogen used to kill germs

• Parabens- Another hormone disruptor and parabens have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer

• Antibacterial Substances- Endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect the immune system

Putting these chemicals on your body can cause many health complications, disrupt immune function and cause hormone imbalances.

Doing an armpit detox is meant to speed up the process of the transition period to a natural deodorant and also absorbs toxins that are lingering in your armpits. Other benefits include, less irritation with baking soda deodorants, less sweat, and less odor overall.

Something else I should point out, is that diet also plays a major role in body odor. Foods like dairy, red meat, alcohol, coffee, etc. can make your body odor worse. Cut down on these foods/drinks and you may notice a difference in the way you smell. Deodorant isn't even necessary with the right diet (plant-based), exercise and natural ingredient routine.

You can find the recipe for the armpit detox under DIY tab all the way at the bottom of the page, but for your convenience, I've also attached it here.

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Armpit Detox

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp bentonite clay

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1-3 tsp water​

Directions:

1. Using a wooden or plastic spoon, scoop 1 tbsp of bentonite clay into a small non-metal bowl. DO NOT use metal for this recipe

2. Combine apple cider vinegar and water. Should be paste like, but smooth, so add more or less water to get the right consistency.

3. Apply an even layer to both armpits and let sit for 5 minutes, keeping arms up, then rinse in the shower or with a warm, wet wrag

Notes:​

1. To get the full effects of an armpit detox, repeat daily, and lengthen the duration you keep it on gradually. The first few times you do it, keep it on for 5 minutes or less to see how your skin reacts. Then the next week or earlier, go for 10 minutes. Do whatever feels good to you, but definielty start out slow.

2. If you experience irritation, remove immedietly

3. DO NOT USE METAL. Metal deactivates the beneficial properties in bentonite clay

4. Redness may occur due to the increased blood flow in the area

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If you think you're ready to finally make the switch to a natural deo, check out our Baking Soda Free, Sensitive Skin Deodorant on our shop!

-Geevie