The best natural deodorants to use during your summer morning
Summertime brings sun exposure and hot temperatures, leading to increased sweat production. We use our morning routine to shower, prepare for the day, and put on some products like antiperspirant to remove any odor and fresh smell. This year, I chose to be intentional about what I put in and on my body. I’m excited to switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant. Unlike their chemical counterparts, natural deodorants offer a safer and healthier way to manage body odor. In this blog post, we’ll explore the harmful ingredients in antiperspirants, recommend the best natural deodorants, and discuss their pros and cons.
Harmful Ingredients In Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants contain harmful chemicals like aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, which can adversely affect our health. Aluminum is the primary active ingredient in antiperspirants, and it works by blocking sweat glands to reduce sweating. However, aluminum has been linked to breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney problems. Having an aunt who passed because of breast cancer is a personal reason for me. Parabens are preservatives used in antiperspirants to prevent bacterial growth. However, they can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues. Phthalates are chemicals used to provide fragrance in antiperspirants, but they can be endocrine disruptors and impact reproductive health. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of these harmful ingredients and explore safer alternatives like natural deodorants.
Lemon Juice
Embarking on my transition, I decided to start with something unconventional-lemons. After my morning shower, I sliced some lemon and rubbed it under my armpits. It was a strange sensation, but I was thrilled to be exploring a new approach. To my surprise, it worked! My armpits remained fresh throughout the day. I even asked my family for confirmation, and they assured me I was odor-free. Could this be the solution I’ve been searching for?
The only thing I didn’t like about using lemon slices was the pulps that remained on my skin after rubbing them. If you don’t want pulps on your skin, use a spray bottle, fill it with some squeezed lemon juice, and spray it on your armpits. Better yet, you can make some ice cubes and rub them in.
Coconut Oil
Understanding the science behind body odor was a game-changer for me. I learned that sweat itself is odorless. The unpleasant smell we associate with sweat is actually caused by bacteria that thrive when our sweat meets our hair follicles. So, the key to managing body odor is to keep these bacteria in check. This is where natural ingredients like coconut oil come into play.
So, you want to use friendly ingredients on your skin that will deal with the bacteria, which will ultimately deal with the odor. One ingredient that does that is coconut oil. It’s anti-bacterial and pleasant on your skin. Unfortunately, for this instance, coconut oil is greasy. It can get through your clothes, which can leave a stain. It can also run down your arm and side of your body, which can get messy. Mix it with bicarbonate of soda, corn flour, and essential oils to get the right consistency and paste. Get the recipe and how to make it here.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, a natural ingredient, offers a safe and effective alternative to store-bought deodorants. Its acid content can effectively eliminate bacteria on your armpits, helping to control odor. Here’s how to use it: After thoroughly washing your armpits in the morning, pat them dry with a towel. Then, apply one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water to your armpits. However, be prepared for the strong smell of apple cider vinegar, which may not be to everyone’s liking. But remember, this is a small price to pay for the natural and effective odor control it provides.
In conclusion, summertime can be challenging for those who want to stay fresh and odor-free. While antiperspirants may seem like the go-to solution, they come with harmful chemicals that can impact our health. However, natural deodorants like lemon juice, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar offer a safer and healthier alternative that can help control body odor. By understanding the science behind body odor and exploring natural ingredients, we can make a more informed decision about what we put in and on our bodies. So, this summer, consider switching to natural deodorants to stay fresh, healthy, and safe. While natural homemade deodorants can be surprisingly effective deodorant, it’s essential to be aware of their potential drawbacks. It’s crucial to consider these factors before making the switch.