Why Use A Natural Deodorant
Do you have a desire to switch to natural deodorant? That is understandable! The various controversies linked to potentially dangerous ingredients in conventional deodorants encourage us more than ever to take an interest in natural deodorants. We want to know what we apply to our armpits every day. Why use a natural deodorant, what are the benefits of natural active ingredients and are they as effective as chemical components? We take stock of all these questions.
Why do we sweat?
Let’s first clarify one important thing: sweating is natural, and it is even an absolutely essential process for the proper functioning of the body. Sweating allows the body to regulate its temperature and eliminate toxins. Physical effort, extreme heat outside, increased stress, clothes that are too hot, the causes of sweating can be multiple.
In our body, around three million sweat glands have the function of producing sweat. They are mainly located on the face, feet, hands and under the armpits. But contrary to popular belief, the small drops that come out of the pores of the skin are not odorous, it is the bacteria present in sweat which are the cause of the sometimes annoying odorsβ¦
Fight against bad odors
To reduce unwanted odors linked to perspiration, good daily personal hygiene is essential! Choose cleansing treatments with neutral pH, which are more respectful of the skin. But daily hygiene may not be enough when the temperature starts to rise.
Food can also play a role in excess sweating. Dishes that are too spicy or too fatty require a lot of energy to digest and can increase sweating. It’s better to eat light and opt for foods rich in fiber.
Finally, the choice of clothing is essential. Synthetic materials, for example, prevent the skin from breathing properly and encourage the proliferation of smelly bacteria. Natural materials such as linen or cotton have thermoregulating properties and will be your best allies. In case of profuse sweating, loose clothing and light-colored fabrics are preferred.
A deodorant with ingredients of natural origin to control perspiration
As with all cosmetic products, the choice of a deodorant against bad odors must be made based on its composition. Deodorants that contain as many ingredients of natural origin as possible are obviously preferred. As their name suggests, they are composed of ingredients of natural origin carefully selected for their softening and refreshing properties. Thanks to these active ingredients of natural origin, bad odors are avoided but the sweating process can be done healthily and normally.
So-called βnaturalβ deodorants, like classic deodorants, can come in the form of a spray, stick or roll-on. It’s up to you to choose the format that suits you best.
Among so-called βnaturalβ deodorants, alum stone is particularly popular. Composed of aluminum and potassium sulfate, it is applied like a stick under the armpits. Please note, alum stone can sometimes be synthetic with controversial chemicals.
What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
Deodorants and antiperspirants have a common goal β to help us feel fresh, but they have a difference in how they work. The antiperspirant blocks perspiration using active ingredients, generally aluminum salts. The antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat and at the same time the bacteria that cause bad odors.
Deodorant is made up of antibacterial or anti-odor agents. Their scent covers unwanted odors. As for so-called βnaturalβ deodorants, they are composed mainly of ingredients of natural origin.
what are the effective natural active ingredients to combat bad odors and take care of your skin?
–Prebiotics, effective components in fighting bacteria responsible for sweat odors
You may have heard of probiotics before, but do you know about prebiotics? Present in certain natural deodorants, prebiotics help promote βgood bacteriaβ by creating a protective film and a positive environment for them.
In fact, only certain bacteria, when they come into contact with perspiration, form these perspiration odors. However, sweating is good for your health, and not all bacteria need to be βkilledβ! Prebiotics therefore have a double advantage: they nourish the good bacteria, those which protect the skin, and fight those which are responsible for odors by reducing the pH of the armpits or by modifying their activity.
Prebiotics can thus replace the aluminum salts present in classic deodorants to combat bad odors, without having an antiperspirant action which would clog your pores.
–Mineral powder: a guaranteed boost of freshness!
In classic deodorants, denatured alcohol ensures a feeling of freshness all day long, but it could eliminate the skin’s protective barrier and thus dry it out.
Dry and sensitive skin will therefore prefer a natural and much gentler alternative: mineral powder. In fact, the mineral powder absorbs perspiration, for an immediate feeling of freshness. For example, diatomaceous earth, a sedimentary rock rich in silica, fulfills this function perfectly thanks to its absorbent structure and its antibacterial action, and a little extra: it leaves the skin very soft!
–The zinc derivative, ideal for neutralizing odors
Respectful of the skin flora but no less effective against perspiration odors, the zinc derivative gently neutralizes bad odors. In fact, it absorbs the compounds that cause these odors and without hindering the natural perspiration process, you can be calm throughout your day!
–Vegetable oils, the moisturizing and softening benefit of natural deodorants
Vegetable oils are ideal for taking care of the most sensitive, dry skin and also scars. They nourish and protect the skin, the result: you have very soft skin! Coconut oil, for example, is very appreciated by the skin for its nourishing, softening and protective benefits. A natural deodorant therefore also acts as real care for your armpits.
-a healthy alternative to aluminum salts: Baking Soda
Baking soda can be an interesting alternative to the presence of aluminum salts in deodorants, which is why a good number of natural deodorants now include it among their ingredients. Baking soda comes in the form of a white powder, resulting from a chemical reaction between natural elements (water, chalk, etc.), which has many virtues, including absorbent and anti-odor properties, 2 essential qualities for an effective natural deodorant! In addition, baking soda does not block perspiration but fights the bacteria that causes the development of bad odors.
–Essential oils
Essential oils are also effective and widely used in natural deodorants to fight against bacteria causing sweat odors, reduce sweating, capture odors, etc. and thus allow us to feel fresh. Among them, you can opt for the essential oils of Palmarosa, Sage, Lavender, Tea Tree⦠In addition to their action on perspiration odors, they naturally perfume natural deodorants! They are particularly powerful and some are not compatible with certain pathologies or for sensitive skin.
So to summarize, a deodorant that combats bad odors, yes! But choose a deodorant containing a maximum of ingredients of natural origin and hypoallergenic to best respect the skin and keep it healthy and fresh!
For more body care tips, click here.
There you go, I hope you now know the reasons why use a natural deodorant and you are convinced to go natural! Donβt hesitate to ask any questions you have in the comments, or better yet share with your favorite natural deodorants!
Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!