Summer is for playtime and not worrying about underarm sweat and B.O. – or worse, about the chemicals you are exposing yourself to when using many standard deodorants that line the shelves even today! Luckily, we’ve compiled some natural alternatives to avoid these harmful substances while not compromising on your favorite outdoor activities.
First, a quick rundown on the source of body odor. Our bodies have two types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands have little odor and are concentrated in our foreheads, palms, underarms and soles. Apocrine glands, the glands that secrete waste, however, are the major culprits of unappealing body odor (B.O.). Though the sweat secreted by the apocrine glands also has little odor, the bacteria on our skin feeds on it, creating the disagreeable smell we all recognize. Usually, we run to the store to grab the nearest stick of deodorant, but the fragrance and consistency of drugstore deodorants is often compromised by carcinogenic and rash inducing ingredients. In order to retain shelf life and effectiveness, deodorant and antiperspirants often contain toxic ingredients such as parabens or aluminum (Learn more about harmful chemicals in our cosmetics here)
Armed with this understanding, let’s take these chemicals head-on with the help of these efficacious natural antiperspirants!
Bring out your creative side with a DIY natural deodorant made from coconut oil, corn starch, baking soda and arrowroot powder. After mixing the arrowroot powder, cornstarch and baking soda, simply mash in the coconut oil and store. More baking soda or coconut soil can be added to adjust to your desired consistency. Mixing witch hazel, aloe vera and baking soda is also an alternate option. You can add a dash of essential oils (pick an essential oil that works for you right here) to both for an added boost!
If you don’t have sensitive skin, you could try swiping a lemon across your underarms to get rid of odor-inducing bacteria. Remember not to use it right after shaving, or if you’re wearing a sleeveless garment that exposes your underarm skin to the sun (lemon tends to be slightly photo-toxic and cause sun sensitivity). Organic alcohol with a few drops of essential oils is another option. Simply fill a spray bottle and spritz away! A few drops of safely diluted lavender essential oil on your underarms, or a few drops of tea tree essential oil in your bath can also make the odor dissipate.
And let’s not forget lifestyle options. As is often the case, what comes out of our bodies often reflects what goes into them. Certain dietary and lifestyle habits can induce more sweating and a stronger B.O. Foods and beverages such as garlic, onion, caffeinated beverages, alcoholic beverages, processed foods and spicy foods are some of the notorious culprits. These aromatic foods contain volatile organic compounds, which are released as the food is metabolized. The compounds make their way into your bloodstream and eventually find a way out via urine, breath or sweat. We know that our taste buds have a strong sense of attachment to these delicacies, so giving them up entirely could be a trying endeavor. Instead, drink lots of water and eat water-rich foods to flush out toxins. Check out these creative tips to stay hydrated all summer long! Cook with olive oil and try eating the cooked form of food, like roasted garlic instead of eating garlic raw. You can also drink cold sage tea to reduce the production of excess sweat!
For an organic (and aromatically addictive!) alternative to your current perfume you also could try our captivating Gorgeous for Good blend. Packed with seductive aromatic essential oils like Rose, Sandalwood and Jasmine, this beautiful blend also boost energy and confidence, while you take breaths (and hearts!) away with its exquisite all-natural aroma. For a more subtle & natural scent, try our Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil ensured to not only moisturize your skin but also emit naturally luxurious scent with everyone movement of your body.
