The skin is our largest organ, it has many functions including detoxification & temperature regulation, it is really good at absorbing what you put on it. In fact, our skin absorbs up to 70% of the creams, lotions, sprays, and pastes that we use on it. A great example of this is when smokers want to quit their bad habit, they use nicotine patches on their skin, the nicotine is absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream. So you can guess… everything you put on your skin has the potential to be absorbed into your body, including the toxins & chemicals you put under your arms in the form of deodorant.
Why do we sweat?
We sweat to cool down the body. We sweat when we exercise, when it’s hot or when we feel sick. We also sweat when we feel anxious or stressed.
Sweating is also one of the body’s natural ways of detoxification.
Where does the smell come from?
The smell doesn’t come from the sweat itself. It is the interaction of living bacteria on our skin and the sweat escaping our glands.
Why shouldn’t you use an antiperspirant?
It is natural to sweat! This is a mechanism that the body has innately for a reason - temperature control and detoxification. There is no such thing as a natural antiperspirant, to stop sweating toxic ingredients are required.
What is a deodorant?
Unlike an antiperspirant, a deodorant works on top of the skin. Making sure the interaction of the bacteria on the skin and the sweat is minimum. Most deodorants have a scent that masks any smell from this interaction. When choosing a deodorant, make sure it doesn’t contain synthetic perfume, perfume or fragrances, which are common allergens. Paragons & other toxins are often disguised in an ingredients list as perfume. Your deodorant should be scented with a natural ingredient such as lavender, peppermint or lime.
Ingredients to avoid when buying deodorant: propylene glycol, parabens, aluminum chlorohydrate, parfum/fragrance.
How to use a natural deodorant cream/paste:
- Don’t apply too much of it, use less than a pea size.
- Don’t apply your deodorant after shaving. When you shave it makes small cuts in the skin which can be irritated by the natural essential oils and other ingredients in the deodorant. Shave in the evening and apply in the morning.
- If you get red skin when switching to natural deodorant this can be because the body is changing and adapting to a less aggressive product. Your skin may also be detoxing and letting go of toxins. Give your body a break for two weeks and then come back to it. Or you might be a little sensitive to bicarbonate, one of the natural ingredients in deodorant. The pH of our skin is not the same is the pH of bicarbonate & as a result some people’s skin just simply doesn’t like it. Bicarbonate in natural deodorant is used to neutralise the odour of sweat. There is also bi-carb free deodorant, check this out if your skin is super sensitive.
- Don’t give up! When switching to natural deodorant paste your body may go through changes. It is likely your body will be detoxing the toxins and chemicals left over from your previous skin products. Be aware that at the start of this journey you might feel a little more sweaty and stinky. Eat clean, drink lots of water and keep using that natural deodorant. Your body will detoxify and most likely start smelling sweet in no time. Trust us - you will thank yourself later
Shop our favorite natural deodorant.
