Armpit Detox
Have you made the switch to natural deodorant yet? If not, you should totally do it! Wellness Mama explains why:
Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain a variety of chemicals and additives. It takes something unnatural to block the body’s natural ability to sweat, and the chemical list in some deodorants is impressive:
- Aluminum– Some evidence links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Phthalates– Endocrine disruptors often also found in plastic that can cause hormone imbalance and even infertility (especially in men)
- Propylene glycol– Common name: antifreeze. It is a hotly debated additive in personal care products but the Environmental Working Group reports that it carries a moderate risk of immunotoxicity and allergies
- Formaldehyde- A known carcinogen… guess it kills the germs though
- Parabens- Another hormone disruptor and parabens have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer
- Antibacterial Substances- I talked about these before but they are endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect the immune system
So…now that you know why you should be using natural deodorant, you also should know that armpit detoxes are a must.. Have you noticed that after a couple of months that BO smell tends to come back? Don’t get discouraged, keep up your amazing new natural deodorant routine, but add a little armpit detox in the mix every few months to help draw out the toxins and get your body back on track when you start to get stinky. It’s totally normal for your body to go through this process!
The benefits of detoxing your pits:
- Draws out toxins from conventional antiperspirants
- Jumpstarts your body’s transition to natural deodorant
- Reduces body odor
- Less sweat!
- Improves lymph nodes drainage and boosts lymphatic circulation
Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil. You can adjust as you wish!
Ingredients:
- 1 TBS bentonite clay (I used Red Moroccan Rhassoul Clay this time because I find it more moisturizing than bentonite in this sensitive area. Both are fine!)
- 1 TBS Activated Charcoal (optional)
- 1.5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons water
Directions
- Mix the clay, charcoal and vinegar with a spoon or two of water to achieve a paste-like consistency.
- Spread a thin layer on each armpit, leaving on for ~15 minutes.
- Rinse off in the shower using a soft washcloth then dry the armpits thoroughly. I like to lightly moisturize with oil, then apply natural deo.
- Repeat every few days at first until your body odor has settled down if it’s strong.
- Drink a LOT of water and be sure to move your body each day!
Note: if you do add the activated charcoal, be sure to do it in the tub, so you don’t get it on any clothes or towels as it could stain.
