Conventional Deodorants and Antiperspirants: What’s the big deal?
When we read the ingredients on conventional deodorants and antiperspirants, do many of us know what any of those long names actually are? What kinds of questionable ingredients lurk in modern deodorants/antiperspirants, anyways? And why might we want to avoid them?
No. Plenty. Read on.
Let’s check out a list of ingredients that are commonly used in typical sweat maintenance products:
Triclosan: this can affect hormones and might be linked to breast cancer.
Phthalates: these are endocrine disrupters, which interfere with the body’s hormonal function and have been linked to breast cancer.
Parabens: these have been found in breast cancer biopsies and are known to be absorbed into the skin. They also disrupt hormones and mimic natural estrogens, a cause of breast cancer.
Aluminum: hinders sweat and may be linked to breast cancer. It also disrupts lymph node function and has also been linked to Alzheimer’s.
Propylene Glycol: has been declared dangerous by the CDC, yet low levels of this chemical are approved by the FDA in personal care products. It can also irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.
Formaldehyde: often found in fragrances. It is a known carcinogen and can cause other negative reactions in the body
But what can I do about Toxic Antiperspirants and Deodorants?
First of all, it’s important to know that these are two very different types of products. Deodorants remove the odor of sweat, but antiperspirants reduce sweating in the first place. Sweat is a healthy physical response that prevents you from overheating. It also allows your body to release toxins, keeping your immune system in good working order. Eliminating sweat altogether will cause you more harm than good and may even contribute to causing breast cancer. So whatever you decide to do, I recommend replacing that antiperspirant right away.
You can research your current brand’s ingredients at ‘EWG’s Skin Deep’ database to find out if they are safe. If they are not or contain any of the chemicals listed above, it might be time for an underarm detox.
(http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/)
What is an Underarm Detox?
An underarm detox is more than just changing your deodorant. It’s a way to expel chemical buildup from your body and may also help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
If you are going to partake in an underarm rehab, please keep in mind a few things. Like any detox, your body may have responses. You may notice your sweat glands temporarily excreting unpleasant toxins, a slight increase in your sweating, and the occasion unpleasant odor. This is temporary and good! Otherwise, all that bacteria and sludge that’s jammed up into your pores will stay there and might even prevent your natural deodorant from working! Our underarm detox program has been formulated to help you transition through this period as quickly and painlessly as possible. It only lasts a short while and the benefits to your health and ease of mind are well worth it!
I’ve tried Natural Deodorants in the past. They didn’t work.
Yes, I’ve been there. I remember buying brand after brand after brand, trying to find something that wasn’t full of toxins but that still left me smelling fresh….to no avail. I figured that there must be something else amiss. So I studied further.
One reason that some natural deodorants don’t work immediately is that our underarm pores are packed full of chemical and toxic buildup left over from the use of mainstream antiperspirants/deodorants. Your body needs to slough out all that junk before it can rebalance and start working properly again. Underarm Rehab to the rescue!
What to Expect from our Underarm Rehab
Each person’s detox journey might look a little different, depending on the severity of toxic buildup, hormonal function and preexisting lymph node health. So, when I make estimates, please keep that in mind.
The average detox duration is 4-10 days, with some people needing less time and others needing more. I cannot guarantee your own time frame, but I can guaranty that whatever the duration is, it will be more than worth it!
Each day’s procedures start the same way:
- Mix 1 parts mask powder to 1 part hot water and stir well. Apply to underarms and leave 5-10 minutes. (Spread it on and go make some coffee or feed the dog. Enjoy the bewildered looks coming from anyone who sees you, as they wonder what kind of mystical voodoo you are getting into. Don’t explain. Just keep them on their toes.)
- Step into the shower. Wash mask off. Scrub underarms with the provided loofa (or a simple wash cloth) to help shed and wash away any leftover pulled-out toxins.
- Dry off. Apply the provided natural deodorant.
Good, we are on our way. As the day wears on, your body might try to sweat out some more toxic buildup. This is good! But it might smell unpleasant.
If you experience any unpleasant odor during the day, do this each time:
- Squirt tonic onto cotton pad. Rub onto underarms. The odor will instantly disappear.
- Reapply natural deodorant.
Cool. We are getting there. The first day, you may need to do this 3 times. Or maybe 5. But as each day passes, you should find that you’ll need to do it less and less. That’s how you’ll know it’s working! Eventually, in around a week, you should find that you can just apply your natural deodorant, as needed, to stay nice and fresh! Yeah!!!! YOU are a ROCKSTAR!
The Ingredients we Chose and Why
Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay is composed of aged volcanic ash. This clay is unique as it produces powerful negative ions when hydrated. This ionic charge attracts positive-charged bacteria, contaminants and toxins, binding them and drawing them out. When used as a mask, Bentonite clay clears out toxic buildup, noticeably reduces pores, and deep cleanses skin to a new health. Best mixed with a non-metal bowl and spoon, as metal will deactivate ions.
Lavender and Calendula: Soothing and Healing herbs. We’ve added these into the underarm mask to help keep your underarm areas soft and healthy while they are working hard to detox and rebalance themselves.
Tea Tree oil: tea tree oil has been long valued for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. We chose it for its antimicrobial properties that destroy the odor-causing bacteria on your skin.
Oil of Oregano: oil of oregano contains a compound called carvacrol, which has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from the immune system. When this mighty oil is diluted and used properly, it is one of the BEST antibacterials that nature has to offer, and will destroy any odor causing bacteria instantly.
Witch Hazel: witch hazel distillate is a medicinal tincture created from the leaves, flowers and bark of the hamamelis tree, also known as the Witch Hazel Shrub. It has wonderful astringent properties due to its high levels of natural tannins. Witch Hazel helps to tone the skin and remove excess dirt/oil. Witch hazel also contains procyanadins, resin, and flavonoids, all of which help to soothe and provide anti-inflammatory properties.
And There You Have it….
If you feel like it’s time for a change in the ol’ armpit department, then our Underarm Rehab might be just the system for you. We’re so pleased to help you switch some junky chemicals out of your bathroom! And we, along with your lyph nodes, thank you.
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