Armpit Detox Guide

Are you thinking of making the switch-a-roo to a natural deodorant?  Or maybe you’ve already made the switch and are feeling puzzled why you’re still a little stinky?  We’re here to help!

Why Detox Your Pits?

The Epidermis (skin) is our largest organ that absorbs and eliminates what you put on it.  Our underarm skin definitely feels different than the rest of our body, it’s sensitive and contains one of the immune systems powerhouses; lymph nodes!  It’s important to be mindful about what kind of product ingredients we’re applying to this area every-single-day.

Antiperspirant and conventional deodorants interfere with your body’s natural functions.  When you use these ingredients over and over, your body is more likely to to become dependent on these chemicals to mask odors.  Real talk: these ingredients are questionable.

Common deodorant ingredients we feel dirty about

  • Aluminum:  The primary antiperspirant ingredient.  Used to plug the sweat glands to stop the flow to the skin’s surface.  A growing body of research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effect.  cancer.gov
    Because estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer.  It has been suggested that aluminum may have direct activity in breast tissue.  fda.org
  • Parabens:  A preservative.  They are absorbed into the body through the skin, metabolized and excreted in urine and bile.  The concern with these chemicals is that scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer.  They can also cause skin irritation.  ewg.org
  • Formaldehyde:  Found as a preservative in cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes.  Repeated exposure to formaldehyde can possibly lead to cancer.  cdc.gov
  • Propylene glycol:  A synthetic liquid agent that absorbs liquid.  Considered to be non-toxic.  However, studies of people and animals show that if you have repeated eye, skin, nasal, or oral exposures to propylene glycol for a short time, you may develop some skin irritation.  cdc public health statement

Did you know 15 MILLION POUNDS of plastic waste is created by the deodorant industry EVERY YEAR?  We make 100% plastic-free deodorant.  Being in a biodegradable tube means zero plastic chemical compounds can leach into our formula and better for Mama Earth.

The average human can use up to 12 personal care products daily, repeat use of chemical ingredients may be harmful, or throw your body outta balance.  With skyrocketing rates of cancer, it would seem prudent to avoid these chemicals until further research is done.

Your stinky days

Switching to natural deodorant isn’t something to worry about and is completely worth the process!  Sometimes we hear people say their natural deodorant isn’t working as well at first.

Using antiperspirant and conventional deodorants can throw off your microorganisms in your underarm environment, therefore causing bacteria to grow even faster when you quit depending on the chemicals to stop the flow of sweat.

After you introduce natural deodorant, it’s going to take a little time to regulate homeostasis in your armpits.  When the body begins to no longer rely on a chemical, the bacterial imbalance will be corrected.  Your sweat will begin to not smell as bad.

Stick it out through the detox period, give your body a week or two to regulate.  If you’ve been using an antiperspirant, you may start to perspire more–just remember, sweating is a natural process and a good thing!  You’ll be rewarded with a feeling of being in control of what is going in and out your body.

Our bodies are an amazing vessel, they heal and learn quickly!

How to Detox Your Pits

So you’ve got your OLOVE natural deodorant and you’re still feeling the stink over the first few days.  Here are some simple things you can do to minimize your odor and possibly speed up the transitional period.

  • Mindful Showering:  Bacteria likes to thrive in warm and damp environments. Towel off extra carefully after getting out of the shower with a clean towel.  When armpits become wet throughout the day, blot them with a dry cloth.
  • Drink Plenty Of H2O:  Drink extra filtered water to help your body get rid of toxins.  Your lymphatic system is closely tied to the kidneys.
  • Move Your Body:  Help flush out clogged sweat glands and pores with exercise or a sauna—break that sweat, it’s a good thing!  Your body is rebuilding a natural healthy microbiome through this detoxification process.  The cultural stigma and shame around sweat are outdated.  It’s time to relearn; sweating isn’t gross!
  • Conscious Eating:  You could try going vegetarian for a few days, certain foods can really enhance your body odor.  (Red meat, onion, seafood, heavy spices, garlic, etc.)  And many of us know how we smell after a night of drinking alcohol!  Avoid if can for a few days. (Treat yourself to a new tea!)

DIY Armpit Detox Mask

This is so simple and will help speed up your natural deodorant adjustment period!  Applying this mask transitioning to natural deodorant, during, or if you have underarm skin irritation/swollen lymph nodes.  It might help pull some of these chemicals out of the skin and tissue of your armpits.  Moreover, this can be especially helpful after years of conventional deodorant use, or if you’ve been frequently switching brands.

Bentonite clay compounds remove impurities from the skin such as oils and toxins.  People have been using this aged volcanic ash for thousands of years.  It’s simply amazing!  Apple cider vinegar is an antibacterial and anti-fungal that contains loads of probiotic bacteria and enzymes. These two work together to zap excess bacteria and help with unclogging your pores!

Ingredients

  • 1 TBSP bentonite clay
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 tsp water

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a small non-metal bowl (with a non-metal spoon), stir well until creamy
  • Apply an even layer to clean armpits and let dry for 5-20 minutes.  You may experience redness from increased underarm blood flow, that should go away quickly.  Discontinue if irritation occurs
  • Wash mask off in the shower or with a warm, damp washcloth
  • Repeat 1-3 times per week

For best results in finding your natural, improved scent: use mask daily for one week.

Here’s to giving our pits some extra Love, in one of those places the sun don’t shine. You will be over the moon and your underarms will feel natural and free.  Above all, these helpful tips can help you on your skincare routine, improve your overall health, and be less smelly.  😉

Energy flows where attention goes  

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