Today’s post covers an interesting topic, so stick with me for a moment! I’ve received many questions from people trying my homemade deodorant who experience rashes, odor, or excessive sweating. Research and experimentation led me to discover that magnesium spray deodorant is a great alternative, yet some people still had issues. Finally, after some trial and error and the help of a few brave friends, I found an unusual solution that works wonders!
One night, while researching sebaceous glands with a bentonite clay face mask on, I had an idea: maybe the same clay could help with the armpit issues. Since I’ve used bentonite clay to detox my hair and in natural detox baths with great success, I thought it might speed up the transition to natural deodorant for the underarms too.
Why even bother detoxifying your armpits? You might wonder why not just stick to regular deodorant. Well, conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are packed with chemicals. They block the body’s natural sweating ability, but at what cost? Have you ever had a swollen lump in your neck or armpit when you’re sick? That’s a lymph node, crucial for your immune system. Applying chemicals that disrupt your endocrine system directly onto them can mess with your hormones and lower your immune function.
Considering that the skin is the body’s largest organ, anything applied to it can easily enter the bloodstream. With increasing rates of breast cancer, avoiding these chemicals seems wise until more research is conducted. Detoxifying the armpits, besides helping with the switch to natural deodorants, might also draw out some of these chemicals from the skin and tissues, especially useful after years of conventional deodorant use.
Some friends and I tried it before making the switch to natural deodorants, and while it’s not a scientific study, the results are promising! The best part? It’s so simple, it barely needs instructions. You might already have some bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and water at home. If you’re still dealing with odor or have itchy or lumpy armpits, try dry brushing, which can improve lymph circulation. Drinking plenty of water when encouraging lymph flow through dry brushing, massage, or detox will help flush your system and prevent dehydration.
Once detoxified, let your armpits sweat naturally to keep them healthy. This might not be socially popular or comfortable at times, but I’ve noticed I sweat less over time with a natural approach. If you have coconut oil, shea butter, and a few essential oils, you can whip up your own natural deodorant for much less than store-bought versions. After years of experimenting, I’ve developed several effective recipes. I like to make a few jars or bars at once since they last for over a year, ensuring I always have some ready. They’re also great for teens starting their deodorant journey!
Of course, life gets busy, so I’ve found some favorite brands to purchase as well. That’s it! Enjoy your fresh, odor-free underarms! Remember, while this article was medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Shippy, it’s not personal medical advice, so consult your doctor if needed. Ready to give armpit detox a try? Share your thoughts below!
