This Is What to Expect When You Switch to Natural Deodorant

Everybody sweats. Okay not every body, but most bodies. But did you know that body odour isn't actually caused by sweat? Forget everything you thought you knew about body odour, sweat, and deodorant because we're about to break it down for you. Your daily detox rituals and morning routines just got a whole lot better. 

Here, we explain why so many people are switching to natural deodorant, and what you can expect when you make the switch yourself.

What causes body odour?

The purpose of deodorants is to reduce body odour. Antiperspirants are a subclass of deodorants, and they typically contain aluminium, which works to plug your sweat glands and reduce sweating. Less sweat means less smell, right? Not quite.

Body odour isn't caused by sweat, but by the bacteria on the surface of your skin. And when bacteria encounters sweat, it breaks down the molecules in sweat and turns it into acids, which are what cause the unpleasant smell. It also goes into a breeding frenzy. Remember, bacteria thrives in dampness.

Then there are those claims that aluminium-based antiperspirants increase the risk of cancer and Alzheimer's, which have been turning people towards natural alternatives for years now. The idea was that the aluminium that prevents sweating also traps toxins in the lymph nodes around the armpits (causing breast cancer) and also affects the blood-brain barrier  (causing Alzheimer's). These claims have since been debunked, with multiple studies showing no correlation between aluminium and disease.

Other kinds of deodorant (that aren't antiperspirants) tend to be alcohol based, which work to turn your skin acidic and repel bacteria. These kinds of deodorants usually also contain perfume to cover up any residual odour left behind from any straggling bacterium on your skin. These kinds of deodorants tend to irritate and dry skin, and even cause allergic reactions.

Whichever way you slice it, traditional deodorants and antiperspirants are generally designed to interfere with one of the body's natural detoxification processes. Sweat (which itself is virtually odourless) is one of the ways the the body disposes of waste.

With more awareness about what we're actually putting on and in our bodies, many people are choosing to say goodbye to traditional antiperspirants and deodorants in favour of natural alternatives, which is why we are delighted to be offering Salt & Stone's Natural Deodorant In Lavender & Sage as part of our bath and beauty range. Packed with powerful natural ingredients, such as shea butter, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and sunflower seed oil, this is the natural deodorant you will want to make the switch to.

What happens when you switch to natural deodorant

Making the switch to natural deodorant means you're opting for plant-based and naturally occurring ingredients in your quest to smell good and feel fresh from dawn right through until dawn the next morning. But when you switch to natural deodorant, you're likely to go through a detox period, so it's good to be aware of the side effects. Here's what you need to know about switching to natural deodorant.

1. You will smell—but it's temporary

When you make the switch to natural deodorant, your body may begin producing more of that odour-causing bacteria in the underarm area. This is temporary, but still bothersome. Luckily, since so many people are making the switch you'll likely go unnoticed.

2. You will sweat—but sweating is good

Sweat is one of the ways we eliminate waste through the skin. If you're switching from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, you will probably start sweating much more. This is your body flushing out toxins, and it won't last forever. It's just part of the detox process, and typically lasts just a few weeks. 

3. You may want to mitigate these side-effects...

Even knowing the detox is only temporary, it can be helpful to give yourself the best chance of going to the natural side for good. Giving your underarms a clay mask treatment can help to "unplug" your pores and remove some of the buildup from your previous deodorant, which may help to reduce any unpleasant smell that comes about after you make the switch. 

Wearing natural fibres (like 100% linen) will help the situation, since it's naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, meaning sweat and bacteria can more easily evaporate from its fibres.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Shop Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant In Lavender & Sage now.

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