If you are thinking about switching to a natural deodorant and moving away from traditional antiperspirants then you may have come across the term armpit detox. Unlike other forms of detox, armpit detox isn’t about pulling toxins from the liver but instead is about restoring your body’s natural balance and breaking reliance on antiperspirant deodorants, when you swap to a natural deodorant.
As you undergo armpit detox, the residue from any conventional antiperspirants you’ve been using fades away, and your body adjusts to letting the sweat glands do their thing. Here we will look at how you can keep body odor under control, bentonite clay armpit masks and how apple cider vinegar might speed up the process.
Why make the switch to natural deodorant?
There are plenty of scare stories about the possible effects of the aluminium used in most conventional antiperspirants including potential risks to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Looking at the scientific evidence it seems unlikely that you are going to give yourself breast cancer by using antiperspirant, but there are plenty of other chemicals in antiperspirants you are best off avoiding, and when there are great natural alternatives- so why take the risk?
Plus, blocking your pores to prevent sweating is stopping one of your body’s natural detox processes and so reverting to a more natural approach certainly isn’t going to do you any harm and might just make you feel better. The sensitive skin of your underarms may even improve massively by swapping to a milder natural deodorant- these often contain soothing ingredients such as coconut oil, with activated charcoal, baking soda and essential oils to combat those odor causing bacteria. These natural ingredients will control armpit odor without causing skin irritation or stripping your armpit microbiome.
And of course there are environmental considerations. All our natural deodorants come in plastic-free packaging and are made in a sustainable way, typically conventional antiperspirants are plastic packaged and many are sadly tested on animals. With a natural deodorant, you can stay dry and have great odor control without harming the planet. There are even natural deodorants available designed specifically for sensitive skin.
If you are still on the fence about making the switch to natural deodorants, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered to make your transition easy and worry-free.
Transitioning to natural deodorant and detoxifying your armpits
Sweating may be completely natural, but we’ve been taught that it’s not a good thing. And let’s face it no one wants the first thing people notice about them to be the fact that they smell of body odor.
The problem is that if you’ve been suppressing the sweat for years then the likelihood is you’re going to be sweaty and stinky for a few weeks while your body adjusts. Not all people will go through this adjustment period but it’s good to know what to expect during armpit detox.
You may well be reading this and feeling like the idea of ditching conventional deodorant seems a little daunting, but the good news is, there are lots of things you can do to decrease sweating and keep body odor in check throughout armpit detoxes.
Why Is An Armpit Detox Important?
Armpit detox is important if you want the transition from chemical-laden deodorants to a natural deodorant to go easy and as comfortable as possible for you. Armpit detoxes centre on letting your body release all of the residue built up while using conventional antiperspirants. You can use no deodorant product at all during the detox, or you can use your new natural deodorant throughout.
The good news is that if you allow your body time to adjust within a few short weeks you’ll experience less sweat and less odour. Applying a natural deodorant will keep you dry and smelling fresh in the meantime and natural deodorants are safe for kids..
How long Does an Armpit Detox Take?
Armpit detoxes work by ridding your armpits of all the build up accrued while using conventional deodorants. You can imagine that this is therefore a very personal thing- some people undergo no transition period at all, other find that it takes a couple of weeks.
Armpit Detox: How to Do It
The good news here is that all you really need to do during armpit detox is to stop using conventional antiperspirant. Your body will do the rest. But there are a few things you can do to help it on its way, speed up the process and make it less stinky.
- If you can go completely deodorant free for a couple of days. Cooler days where you’re not going anywhere you’ll be worrying about the smell are best for this.
- Keep your pits clean. Washing regularly will help to remove a build-up of antiperspirant as well as getting rid of excessive sweat and bacteria that cause you to smell. A little diluted apple cider vinegar can help with this part of the process.
- Drink plenty of water. Always a good thing. And dry brush to stimulate the lymph.
- Keep your natural deodorant close. You’ll probably find you want to apply it a few times a day, to begin with, to keep you dry and feeling fresh while your body adjusts.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Armpit detox?
You can leave your body to do its own thing, or you can make up a basic armpit mask mix to help with the underarm detox process.
Simply add a tablespoon of bentonite clay to one teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar and a little water to get a thick sour cream like consistency. This bentonite clay armpit mask can be applied for 20 minutes a day for a few days to expedite the armpit detox. Rinse off the armpit mask with a wet washcloth after each use.
How Can I Prevent Armpit Odor While I Try an Armpit Detox?
If you eliminate odor causing bacteria, you will eliminate body odor!
The armpit detox mask mentioned above can help, but in general, it’s a great idea to keep cool, shower or bathe a little more often, keep your natural deodorant to hand and if necessary, freshen up your armpits (especially if you get an armpit rash) with the help of a spray bottle and cotton balls or cotton pad.
Armpit detoxes through summer heat can be tough, but again, keep your underarm area cool and preferably wear cotton, sleeveless clothing.
