- Antiperspirants: These contain aluminium-based active ingredients that temporarily plug pores, stop sweating and keep you dry. Blocking your sweat pores will ultimately reduce the amount of perspiration on your skin.
According to scientific studies, there are concerns that if the skin absorbs these aluminium compounds, they can potentially affect the oestrogen receptors of breast cells, leading to breast cancer or even Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is little evidence to prove this so more research is needed.
What is a Natural Deodorant Detox?
A natural deodorant detox or an armpit detox is the process of ‘detoxifying’ your armpits from the generic sweat-preventing aluminium antiperspirants that your body has become used to.
Do You Sweat With Natural Deodorant?
If you’re wondering whether you sweat with natural deodorant, remember that as humans, we are meant to sweat. It’s completely natural and is your body’s way of regulating temperature and detoxifying. So, why would you want to prevent this from working properly?
The reason why whether or not you sweat with natural deodorant shouldn’t be a primary cause for concern is that sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. It is the bacteria that grows on the sweat that causes this odour – sounds gross right? Therefore, when you remove aluminium, your body will release what has been blocked which causes this brief time period of body odour. It’s known as a detox when switching to a natural deodorant. So, when making the switch, don’t be surprised when your body will go into overdrive as it will want to release waste and sweat out the aluminium!
The truth is, it’s not that your natural deodorant isn’t working, your body is working harder. Isn’t that cool?
How Long Does it Take for a Natural Deodorant to Work?
So, what should you expect during your transition to a natural deodorant? Well, how long it takes for a natural deodorant to feel as though it is working differs from person to person. it can take up to 30-days for your body to learn to sweat naturally and regulate itself again.
You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks. This is because your sweat glands are purging and getting rid of all of the built-up bacteria and chemicals that have been trapped whilst you’ve been using antiperspirants. The first 2 weeks are the stage when most people begin to second guess transitioning to a natural deodorant.
But don’t give up! By the third week, you might notice that you’re sweating a little more as your body is working harder to get rid of the last of the bacteria and chemicals. If you’re noticing random patterns during the final 2-weeks of your detox such as not smelling for a whole week and then smelling a little funky for one day, this is completely normal and it is just your body’s way of regulating itself.
Just know that it won’t be like this forever. Although how long it takes for a natural deodorant to work varies, by the 4th week of your of your armpit detox you will start to feel normal again. In fact, you’ll soon notice that you’ll have no odour at all!
How To Make Transitioning to a Natural Deodorant a Little Less… Funky?
Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to make transitioning to a natural deodorant a little less intimidating.
- Taking Hot Baths: Having a long, hot soak in the tub can speed up the purging phase and will open your pores, encouraging your body to sweat.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes: During your natural deodorant detox, avoid wearing tight, synthetic clothing as this can trap moisture in your pits and feel uncomfortable. Instead, wear cotton or bamboo clothing with loose sleeves to allow your pits to breathe.
- Diet: That’s right, your diet, exercise routine and even stress levels can affect your 30-day armpit detox. Eating foods high in sulphur, red meat and processed foods can make you smell more stinky. Make sure to drink lots of water and consider increasing your workouts which can accelerate your natural deodorant detox.
Products such as clay-based masks can help remove the build-up of antiperspirant and help unplug the pores, draw out impurities in your armpits, and hydrate and soothe any irritated skin, making the adjustment a lot easier.
Our Clay Away Body Cleanser is a clever 2-in-1 purifying daily body wash that also doubles as a full body mask. Supercharged with plant-based actives including Green Clay, Matcha Tea Extract, Black Willow Bark Extract and an invigorating fragrance of Eucalyptus essential oil.
