Changing from antipersperant to a natural deodorant

New Directions Aromatics have an excellent
​article about how to make the switch.

HOW CAN I SMELL GOOD WITHOUT ANTIPERSPIRANT?
While having a pleasant personal scent is a priority for most people, many would rather not slather on a conventional deodorant or antiperspirant to achieve this, preferring to address body odor with the application of more natural alternatives that contain fewer harmful ingredients and are less likely to result in negative side effects. Traditional antiperspirant products often contain ingredients like artificial fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and anti-bacterial preservatives, which can have a negative impact on the body in the long-term. They also generally contain aluminum, which is reputed to form a block in the pores, thereby restricting the emergence of sweat and resulting in decreased moisture secretion. Conversely, because natural deodorants do not prevent perspiration, they benefit the body by not inhibiting its normal purification functions. Although natural deodorants could also potentially clog the pores, the positive difference is that the pores will be introduced to only pure, “green” ingredients rather than the synthetics present in conventional options.

ARMPIT DETOX - HOW DO YOU DO IT?
The body is not malodorous inevitably or by nature – it emits an odor only when the bacteria that live on it respond to that from which they receive "nourishment": the diet. A body that is fed mainly unnatural, processed, and refined foods or a diet that is rich in meats and sugars will expel more foul odors than a body that is fed wholesome foods. The underarms will not be foul-smelling if they secrete only healthy waste products of digestion and surplus minerals that are found in natural deodorants.
Underarm detoxification is often recommended for those making the switch from traditional deodorants and antiperspirants to natural deodorants, as it is believed that this helps to expel pre-existing bacteria as well as residue from previously-used chemical-laden products, to optimize the performance of a natural deodorant, and to assist the body in returning to its original, organic perspiration that is conducive to good health.

To easily detoxify the underarms, try the following recipe:
Dilute 8-10 drops of one or more preferred Essential Oils in 1 tablespoon of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and add this to a 60 ml (2 oz.) spray bottle, then fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (Note: This blend is also suitable for haircare and foot soaks). Simply shake the bottle well, spray the blend onto freshly-cleansed underarms, and allow the skin to dry. Although it is recommended to use this blend during a time when the body is at rest, such as before bed, nonetheless travel-size spray bottles will also make it possible for users to continue with this detox while on the move.
Repeat these steps on the following day. While individual users’ bodily responses to this detox will vary, generally, results can take approximately one week to manifest; however, as with any detox, persistence is encouraged. Underarms might require several washes throughout each of these detox days.

WHY ISN'T MY HOMEMADE DEODORANT WORKING?
Natural deodorants, much like underarm detoxes, require persistence in order for the body to adjust to the change in the skincare product and to achieve the desired results. Natural deodorants should be used continuously for more than one week. The lack of functionality is not necessarily related to the ingredients in the product but is instead usually due to one or more of the following reasons:

• An unhealthy diet consisting largely of processed foods

 

• Wearing synthetic and/or tight-fitting fabrics, which trap moisture and do not allow the skin to breathe

 

• Bacteria trapped under the arms; ensuring that the underarms are clean before applying a natural deodorant will help it work more effectively

WHAT CAN YOU USE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR DEODORANT?
For other natural deodorizing options that do not require the formulating of a deodorant cream or stick product, try the following natural antibacterial ingredients:

• Aloe Vera Gel
• Grapefruit Seed Extract
• Essential Oil Blends – dilute with a Carrier Oil prior to direct application.   5 Tbsp of a carrier oil and 15-20 drops total of preferred anti-bacterial Essential Oils. *          
• Witch Hazel Distillate Organic Raw Material
• Rose Floral Water

*Carrier Oils: Argan, Chia Seed, Coconut, Olive Oil, Sacha Inchi, Sesame Seed oil, all organic and extra virgin.
​Reputed Benefits

• Moisturize skin

• Soften skin

• Support skin health

• Reduce the appearance of aged skin

• Protect skin's moisture barrier

• Smoothe skin

• Exhibit antioxidant properties

Essential Oils: Bergamot, Clove, Cedarwood, Cypress, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemongrass, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, Vetiver or Ylang Ylang.
​

• Help eliminate and prevent the growth of bacteria under the arms
• Neutralize body odor
• Impart pleasant scents
• Reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface
• Cleanse the skin
• Tighten the skin
• Cool and invigorate the skin