I walk you through the steps for switching to a natural deodorant and tell you how to come out smelling like roses (or lavender or coconut). These are the tips that worked for me! I talk about why natural, aluminum free deodorant is so much better for your body and the perfect charcoal mask to detox your underarms.
5 Steps for Making the Switch:
Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant
Antiperspirant is exactly what it sounds like, it works to stop you from perspiring or sweating.
Antiperspirants typically use aluminum products to block your pores to eliminate or reduce sweating.
Deodorants are designed to allow your body to sweat while eliminating the odor of the bacteria on your skin.
Some deodorants will have baking soda, cornstarch or arrowroot powder to absorb your bodies sweat so your underarms stay dry.
What's in Conventional Deodorant?
Conventional deodorants you might purchase from you local drugstore have some alarming chemicals including phthalates, aluminum and fragrances.
Phthalates disrupt our endocrine systems and have been found in studies to be associated with breast cancer.
Aluminum can increase our cells tendency to mutate and increase the chance of tumor growth.
Fragrance is considered a trade secret and companies don't have to disclose what they're using. It could be hundreds of potentially harmful chemicals.
How do I Switch to Natural Deodorant?
There are several ways you can support you body while you adjust to natural deodorants.
Using a charcoal mask a couple of times a week for the first 3-4 weeks will help draw out trapped toxins and kill bacteria.
Cleaning under your arms daily with a charcoal soap will help keep your underarms free of bacteria that cause odor.
I like to use a facial scrub under my arm a few times a week to remove dead skin cells and keep my pores clean.
Be sure to drink plenty of water during the 3-4 week process of detoxing your underarms
Don't forget to Sweat!
Exercising and getting a good sweat going is key during this process of detoxing your underarms.
Sweat will naturally help your body release stored toxins. The first week or two might be smelly.
Don't give up! Continue to cleanse with charcoal soap, use your charcoal mask and apply your natural deodorant daily.
What if I Have Sensitive Skin?
First, less is more with natural deodorant. You just need to apply a couple of swipes under each arm. You aren't trying to clog your pores.
Second, don't apply your deodorants right after shaving. Finish getting ready and apply your deodorant last.
Finally, if you get redness under your arm trying dabbing the deodorant on instead of rubbing. Use very light pressure dab the deodorant under your arm or apply to your finger and then dab on your underarm area.
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