Deodorants VS Antiperspirants
The skin in your armpit is super permeable, and what you put on it soaks right into your skin and into your bloodstream. Conventional deodorants filled with harmful chemicals like aluminum, parabens, or propylene glycol. They clog up your pores and prevent your body from natural detoxing- sweating.
“Never let them see you sweat,” said Gillette’s famous trademarked slogan of the ’80s. Even though sweating is one of the main body’s functions to release toxins from our system, it has become very unpopular and left many of us in fear of sweating signs.
Deodorant or antiperspirant is something we apply daily. No one wants to be stinky, we prefer to smell good and feel fresh. But many of us are still unclear about the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Let’s throw some light on this topic.
Though we tend to use the word “deodorant” to refer to anything we swipe on our underarms, that’s not actually accurate. Deodorant is simply made to curb body odour, and antiperspirant is meant to curb sweat (or perspiration).
This is how antiperspirant works:
Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts that help plug your pores, so you don’t sweat. Deodorants do not contain aluminum, and they don’t stop you from sweating. They only reduce body odour by using fragrance or antibacterial compounds.
The main concern
When you apply antiperspirant, where do these toxins go if they can’t be released? There are two main health issues cited when talking about aluminum: Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer.
Our armpits are close to the lymph nodes and breast tissue. A study published in the European Journal of Cancer found “An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to the more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving” Some research suggests that antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects.
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.
That’s important since, according to research, less than 10% of cancer is genetic, whereas the remaining 90% is rooted in environmental and lifestyle factors.
In addition, antiperspirants were also linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Unfortunately, it’s not just aluminum that antiperspirant users need to be wary of. There is a host of other petrochemicals and preservatives that can disrupt hormones, cause cancer, and affect organ functions.
Adjustment Period
The good news: Sweat itself doesn’t actually stink. It’s the bacteria that grows on the sweat that causes odour. Scientists have discovered that the long-term use of antiperspirants changes the types and number of bacteria that live in the armpit.
The bad news: If you have just switched from a chemical-based deodorant or antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, your body chemistry may need a week or two to adjust to the change. When you remove the ‘plug’ of aluminum, you begin releasing what you had been blocking off. Basically, your body goes into overdrive, releasing waste, sweating some aluminum out, and yes, it could be stinky. It’s not that your all-natural isn’t working, it’s that your body has to adjust
To adjust faster to a new clean formula, consider detox your pits:
Exfoliating: Your armpits need the same kind of love you give the rest of your body. Try a dry brush to help drain lymph nodes. Be gentle as you brush the outer armpit in a sweeping motion down towards the heart.
Masking: Use a 1:1 ratio of bentonite clay & apple cider vinegar, and put it on your armpits for 15 minutes. You can repeat this weekly or biweekly for a month while your body is transitioning. This helps release toxins in a way that just plain soap in the shower can’t do.
Cleansing: You might already use a natural toner on your face, but consider one for your armpits as well. Try apple cider vinegar or witch hazel and apply with a cotton ball or spray bottle. This will not only get rid of bacteria in a natural way but neutralize odour before applying deodorant.
No two people have the same body chemistry. It’s affected by gender, age, diet, health condition and medications. It is frequently happening that deodorant that did not work in the beginning, worked great after time, after the adjustment period. As we can see, body chemistry comes into play with deodorant more than with any other skin-care product.
But don’t worry, we at Scentifique Holistic Wellness Boutique got you covered! Explore here
A lot of natural deodorants contain baking soda which can cause irritation for some. This is why we offer a baking soda free formula, enriched with aloe vera, roman chamomile and castor oil that is perfect for sensitive pits.
Did you know that healthy sweating has some benefits?
Reduce the risk of kidney stones: In addition to toxins, sweating through exercise releases excess salt and calcium from the body and, according to researchers from the University of Washington, can reduce the risk of kidney stones. Without sweating, excess minerals travel to the kidneys and urine, potentially forming kidney stones.
Regulates body temperature: The evaporation of sweat from the skin, our largest organ, helps maintain cool body temperature while preventing overheating in extreme heat or during an intense workout. Without this regulation, one can feel dizzy, faint, or develop skin rashes.
Banish acne: Sweat causes the pores of our skin to open and release the build-up that can lead to breakouts.
Switching to a natural deodorant may require a little work and patience for some, but in the end, when you find a natural deodorant that works for you and that you feel good about using, the journey will be worth it.
It’s time to stay healthy with a natural deodorant that actually works!
Our natural deodorants are free of parabens, propylene glycol, petrochemicals, aluminum compounds, and synthetic ingredients, with no artificial colours and fragrances.
Our formula is composed of simple, high-quality ingredients to provide you with a nice and natural aroma.
Our deodorants are safe even for growing kids and teens when they start to smell. It will suit the sweaty needs of everyone while avoiding the pitfalls of antiperspirants.
We use these deodorants in our family daily for a long time with great success.
We sure you are going to love it!