Are Natural Deodorants Effective for Women? Exploring the Switch from Traditional Options
Natural deodorants, can we talk it? And what no one tells you about switching to natural deodorants.
I made the personal decision to using natural deodorants in late 2021 because I wanted to reduce the amount products that I use on my body on daily basis that contains artificial chemical. I feel that if cannot pronounce or figure out the ingredients, it's a strong no. BUT y'all no one told ya girl how the transition process would be!!
What's the Difference Between Antiperspirant and Deodorant?
Before we can continue talking about the switch to natural deodorant, let's clarify the distinction between these two items. Antiperspirants and deodorants work differently in their methods of reducing body odor - simply put, an antiperspirant will contain aluminum. The function of the aluminum is to decrease perspiration by blocking sweat from exiting the body, by stopping adverse odor and keeping your body dry. In contrast, a deodorant works to neutralize the smell of your natural body odor by masking it.
The Transition Period
Listen, if you plan to switch to using natural deodorants, I need to be prepared - for this girl did not do her research and I am here for you.
I realized like on day-2 of trading in my antiperspirant for an all natural deodorant, I stink! I surprised myself, because I was not prepared and I switched during a regular work work - I was SO self conscious! It was not until I spoke to a friend who had switched to natural deodorant years prior, she confirmed that the body odor (BO) detox was a very common part of the transition process.
Note: sweat itself does not smell. It is the bacteria that grows on sweat that causes odor. When you remove the aluminum, you begin releasing what you had been blocking off, which contributes to the period of BO,” says Nadia Musavvir, N.D., a naturopathic doctor who specializes in skin health.. Basically, your body goes into overdrive, releasing waste, sweating some aluminum out, and definitely raging up a storm.
Give your body time to adjust. "It usually takes around three to four weeks for the body to regulate itself post-transition; however, for some people this may be shorter. I would give yourself about a month to experience the symptoms such as excess sweating and bodily moisture," says Aragona Giuseppe, MD, GP, and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor.
Other side possible effects - more sweat, itchy pits, or armpit rash.
What to Look For in a Natural Deodorant
Look for natural, active ingredients that "work to rid and neutralize underarm odor, such as kaolin clay, eucalyptus, and saccharomyces ferment," says Dr. Giuseppe. "You should also look for ingredients with antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil and coconut oil."
Ingredients like witch hazel, shea butter, and beeswax have soothing agents for razor burn and can also help shrink pores. Other ingredients you would want are soothing, creamy ingredients like coconut oil, and vegetable powders that absorb wetness.
Below are the 4 natural deodorants brands I've tried:
Rating - 5 stars
I love that this brand has a variety of scents from charcoal, lavender & rose, coconut & vanilla, eucalyptus & mint, etc...
Store - Amazon or Target
Rating - 5 stars
My esthetician recommended this deodorant to me. It does have to be damped to be applied. But I have not had any bad odors from using it.
Store: Amazon or Whole Foods
Rating - 3.5 stars
I already like this brand for detergent. This deodorant is more water based - I feel it wears off easily on clothing and notice I have to reapply more frequently.
Store: Amazon or Walmart
Rating - 1 star
Pros: its vegan and they have nice scents. However, I do not like this brand. I got really bad armpit rash/burn that caused my skin to darken significantly causing hyperpigmentation.
Store: Amazon or Target
Is it the right choice for you? There’s no right answer, since it’s largely a matter of personal preference, and everyone’s body is different. The best idea is to try a number of the best deodorants and antiperspirants to figure out which works best for you.
Commenti