How to Detox and Switch to a Natural Deodorant

May 30, 2018
by Andi Murphy

So you're ready to make the big switch. You found reasons to make the move to natural deodorants and now you're ready to give up the deodorants with strange, potentially toxic and/or dangerous ingredients.

You want to be confident in your underarms. We know the feeling. So we'll start with the hard part: Sweat is good. There, we said it. You can disagree because it's uncomfortable and maybe embarrassing. But sweat helps remove toxins from your body. Particularly, it pushes heavy metals out of your system (Journal of Environmental and Public Health), and those can do some serious damage if they build up in your blood stream. So sweat is good. Antiperspirants block sweat. That's antiperspirant 101 for you.

The most common ingredients found in antiperspirants are the following:

Aluminum chloride
Aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine
Aluminum chlorohydrate
Aluminum hydroxybromide

Your cells in your sweat-producing ducts absorb the aluminum ions, pulling water in with them. The cells then swell, effectively blocking the ducts so that sweat can't get out. You're then left with your sweat and the toxins they carry still in your system. And what's more? Your body is overproducing sweat because sweat serves a purpose and blocking it keeps it from serving its purpose so your body fights back. No bueno.

But now you've decided to stop using the deodorants with those ingredients, right? So what now?

When you stop cold turkey with aluminum antiperspirants, your body is still overproducing sweat. That first 1-2 weeks after stopping using aluminum antiperspirants can be a sweaty time, and a bit smelly, too.

Even if you're using our natural deodorants, your body will still be overproducing for a bit. You have to go through this detox period while your body adjusts back to a natural rhythm. It doesn't have to be miserable, and there are ways you can try to speed up the process.

Here is how to properly detox from toxic and harmful deodorants:

1. Drink lots of water

Water helps flush the system of toxins. Water also is the lubricant for all of your body's systems, helping them function optimally. Get your body functioning properly to reset itself back to its proper state.

2. Dry Brush those underarms

Dry brushing is actually a new discovery of mine, and I love it. It's so simple. Take a natural bristle brush before showering and step into your shower, but don't turn on the water yet. Brush the area with a gentle circular motion, exfoliating the skin gently.

3. Exfoliate with coffee grounds

Most scrubs will do, but we recommend using a coffee scrub -- specifically, our Coffee Salt Body Scrub (I know, I know, of course we're selling you on how awesome our stuff is, but hear us out) will help draw out toxins and coffee acts as a deodorizer. That will give you a little extra help during that smelly detox period.

4. Use our natural deodorants

I know, here we go selling you on our stuff again. But we make great stuff and this is what we make it for. We're here to help you feel confident in your skin. So we just ask that you trust us. ;) Our deodorants contain a small, balanced proportion of baking soda which has drawing power to pull out bacteria and toxins. Oh, and it deodorizes. You want both of those things during detoxing, so don't be afraid to use our deodorants during this period. If you are fighting the smell during the detox time, don't be afraid to keep the stick with you for reapplication through the day.

5. Sweat it Out

Your body is probably telling you that it needs to get rid of some stuff that has built up in the system. A good workout will help work out your body's issues a little quicker. And just hold tight. It can be a rough 1-2 weeks, but it's worth it. Your health is always worth it.

If you're ready to start your natural deodorant journey, check out our essential oil-scented deodorants. Note: We're not doctors; don't take this article as medical advice. Please talk to a doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms.