What’s the problem with conventional deodorants and anti-perspirants and why would you need a pit detox? Don’t sweat it (ha, pun intended). I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about why you should switch to natural deodorant what to expect and how to prep your pits!
WHY INGREDIENTS MATTER
Let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to what exactly makes the ingredients in deodorant concerning for your health. The first ingredient in question is aluminum and the second is really is a group of toxins that I’ll just call “hormone disruptors”. Let’s take a look at what all that actually means.
ALUMINUM
Aluminum isn’t typically found in regular deodorants, but is the main ingredient in antiperspirants, which is intended to stop your armpits from sweating. I totally understand why this is so appealing in our modern day… I mean, who wants sweat stains on their silk blouse in the middle of a work day? But, stopping your sweat may not be the best idea when it comes to your health.
Antiperspirants stop you from sweating by using aluminum in the form of aluminum salts, which dissolve into your pores and stop your sweat from being released. I want to be really clear and transparent here. There is no conclusive evidence that the aluminum used in antiperspirants gets in to your breast tissue or brain, building up over time to cause Alzheimer’s or breast cancer.
The link between aluminum and significant health issues, like breast cancer, is more directly linked to the other toxins found in these products, specifically hormone disrupting toxins, that are now being trapped in your body. We sweat for a reason – it’s part of your body’s natural detoxification process. We have multiple detox pathways in our body, but sweat is an important one. Do we know that the buildup of toxins in your body impact your health? Absolutely.
HORMONE DISRUPTORS
Aluminum aside.. most conventional deodorants are full of synthetic fragrance (parfum), phthalates, talc, BHT, and mineral oil. Many of these ingredients are known hormone disruptors and over time, the use of them in our products can lead to hormone imbalance, PMS, PCOS and eventually, autoimmune, infertility and breast cancer. This is especially true since you apply deodorant so close to your breasts and lymph system.
Why is this a big deal? Ever gotten sick and had a lump in your neck or armpit? That is a lymph node and they are a major part of your immune system. Putting hormone disrupting toxins directly on top of them is a great way to totally f*ck up your hormones and suppress immune function. (If you are new here, I should probably have warned you about my F-bombs. Now you know :))
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and what goes on your skin goes in to your bloodstream. With skyrocketing rates of breast cancer, it would seem like maybe we shouldn’t be putting these toxins on our body, just to be on the safe side.
Exposing yourself to these toxins on a daily basis could have serious health risks but the good news is, there are tons of clean, safe alternatives out there that work great!
MAKING THE SWITCH TO NATURAL
When it comes to choosing the right natural deodorant, body chemistry plays a huge part and what works for one person may not work for another person. Even though it’s a popular ingredient, you may not be able to handle baking soda and some people develop a rash because it can be harsh on your skin. Magnesium might work for you and arrowroot may work best for others. I’ve experimented with all the brands and all the ingredients and you can see my top natural deodorant picks here on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide.
EXPECT TO SWEAT, AND STINK!
OK so you snagged up a natural deodorant and are committed to making the switch. I should warn you, get ready to sweat. When you make the switch to natural deodorant, expect a 2-4 week detox period where you sweat a lot and don’t love the way you smell. Those toxins need to get out somehow. You’ve had those pores clogged for years, so your body needs to adjust.
If you are feeling like you’ve got some lingering BO, just know this, it’s not your sweat that smells, it’s bacteria that accumulates in moist areas. Here are some tips that can help make the transition easier as your body adjusts (and don’t worry, it will, and it will have been worth it!)
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Rinse off after a workout. Don’t leave sweat on your body or clothing.
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Avoid synthetic fabrics for tops, especially rayon. Instead wear breathable fabric like linen, cotton or bamboo.
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Avoid consuming excess alcohol.
Are you one week in and would really like some help moving this whole detox period along? Don’t worry, I got you. Keep reading for my 3 Step Pit Detox.
3 STEP PIT DETOX
STEP 1: CHARCOAL PIT MASK
Use daily for the first 2 weeks. Use a pre-made charcoal mask on your pits or make your own with 2 tbsp bentonite clay or activated charcoal + 3-4 tbsp of water. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse.
STEP 2: GET YOUR LYMPH MOVING
Dry brushing and massage are great ways to improve lymph circulation. Make sure to drink a lot of water to help flush the body and avoid getting dehydrated. Your water should be full of minerals and it’s probably a good idea to add in a daily Adrenal Cocktail or 2 for good measure.
STEP 3: TAKE DETOX BATHS
Detox baths are a great part of any wellness routine, but they are especially helpful for pit detox. It’s best to do a detox bath at night as it tends to make you sleepy. Make sure to stay hydrated during this entire detox period, but especially after a detox bath.
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2 cups water
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1 cup Epsom salt
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1/3 cup magnesium flakes
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3 drops Frankincense EO
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3 drops Lavender EO
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optional: 1/2 cup bentonite clay
WRAP UP
Now you know all the reasons (and they are good ones) to ditch your aluminum filled antiperspirant and conventional deodorant. You have all the tools you need to detox those pits and stick it out. You got this.
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