Have you thought about swapping your anti-perspirant for a natural deodorant? Are you hesitant because you feel like it might not do a good job? The switch is easier than you think and the benefits are plentiful. Lets talk about it.
Deodorants or anti-perspirants are designed to make sweat less noticeable but they go about it in different ways. Anti-perspirants contain aluminum which basically blocks your pores so you don't release sweat. There is evidence to suggest that aluminum might have estrogen-like activities so long term application in the underarm area is not desirable. Deodorants have a much lower chemical load and contain natural compounds that neutralize the smell of sweat by their antiseptic action against bacteria. It's important to realize here that sweat is basically water and salts. When it's released out of the pores it comes in contact with bacteria on our skin and that's how the smell is produced.
I like Schmidt's lavender and sage stick bar. It contains arrowroot powder, baking soda, essential oils and moisturizing agents like shea butter. The arrowroot powder essentially absorbs moisture, the baking soda is antibacterial, the moisturizing agents counteract the drying action of the baking soda and the essential oils provide a natural scent.
Since bacteria are at the heart of the smell of sweat which can be uncomfortable in social situations, you can help the efficacy of your natural deodorant by keeping your underarm area as clean as possible. There are a number of approaches that seem to be popular, from using a charcoal mask on the underarm area to using witch hazel. I haven't tried either. I have a very simple approach that is not messy or irritating to your underarm area. Simply wash the area daily with a charcoal bar in the shower. This is going to help remove any impurities or bacteria in the underarm area in a gentle way. I use my Beautycounter charcoal bar in the shower for this purpose. See, it's not just for the face! I don't produce a lot of sweat, but it's definitely helped me make a smooth transition into natural deodorants. Give yourself some time to adjust to your natural deodorant though. If you have been using an anti-perspirant for a long time, your underarm area needs time.
Have you started using a natural deodorant too? Which one do you like? Do you use a charcoal bar or any other method in your underarm area to help your deodorant work better? Let me know in the comments below.
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