This year I am focusing on ways you can support your wellbeing – actionable steps you can take right now to impact change. Today we are going to talk toxic overload.
If you are into wellness you are not new to reading labels. Yes, unnecessary additives are found in our packaged foods, but the products we use in our homes and on our bodies are equally as important. How many people do you know who treat their body like a temple…a great diet, exercise often, but then use toxic products on their body or in their home?
I know reading labels can make you crazy but I’ve seen firsthand the impact these chemicals can have on our health. Research has even found a link between increased toxin exposure and the rise in autoimmune conditions.
After cleaning up your pantry, start here
After the first step of cleaning up ones’ pantry, I always tell my clients to go through their medicine cabinets. Too many toxins can overload your liver (your body’s main detoxing organ). Some of the main signs that you may be experiencing toxic overload are skin or digestive problems. This can manifest as acne, eczema, and rashes. Symptoms of digestive distress such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea are also a red flag that things are not functioning properly.
Your body is always trying to eliminate toxins and waste, and one of those ways is through sweating. So put down the antiperspirant because you actually want to sweat!
I realize it can be a big undertaking to swap out all products – so start slow, I think deodorant, being that it is used in such an important part of detoxification and is used near our lymph nodes is key.
Not all all-natural deodorants are the same however, I had to go through about 10 until I found one that worked for me. I love Oars + Alps for their ingredients, and their incredible scents too, seven in all and three for sensitive skin (keep scrolling for a special offer!)
Most of us depend on our deodorant to get us through our sweat sessions and day to day, body-odor free. But most just don’t realize how many health implications wearing deodorant can cause. So news flash! You are supposed to sweat (and need to, for your health). Sweating is our bodies’ way of regulating temperature and releasing toxins. Today I am discussing the reasons you should switch to natural deodorant and more importantly, how to go about it to ensure the best results.
Many of you likely already know about the harmful ingredients, like aluminum, found in antiperspirants, and how they can block pores and prevent sweating (which is important for detoxification!).
There are many scientists who also point to a connection between antiperspirants and breast cancer.
Your body has a skin microbiome. Your skin’s unique microbiome plus your underarm PH has a lot to do with the environment that creates the bacteria causing odor found on the skin. The ingredients found in conventional products can also affect the environment in your armpits that help you regulate sweat and odor naturally! A conventional antiperspirant contains aluminum to clog your sweat glands plus other ingredients that kill all of the bacteria in your underarm area. Without realizing it, you’re disrupting your skin’s microbiome. When I made the switch to using natural deodorant and skin products that help maintain a healthy PH and skin microbiome, I noticed over time that I started sweating less – naturally!
Why you want to go all-natural
Antiperspirants and deodorants are chemical-laden. These chemicals can clog pores and don’t allow the body to properly release the sweat necessary to cool down the body and release toxins (why they’re called anti-antiperspirants). What does create body odor is when sweat comes into contact with the natural bacteria that lives on our skin. Changing this reaction is easily done with natural deodorant.
Why aluminum free is key to solving your tricky deodorant skin issues
Antiperspirants with aluminum are what clog your pores, and create itchiness. Antiperspirants work by closing up the pores to prevent perspiration, but this means that sweat builds up beneath the skin. This can cause bumpy skin and painful irritation. If you have bad razor burns or irritated armpits, definitely consider making the switch. I know for me personally, I have suffered with itchy armpits for a while.
It’s also worth mentioning that the aluminum compounds found in antiperspirants have been linked to health issues. A major concern for me over the last few years has been reducing my toxic load, ie. exposure to chemical compounds. As I have been trying to become pregnant, I slowly started to reduce the exposure in my home and with the products I was using on my skin. Switching to an all natural deodorant has been a key element in this transition.
Not only does the use of only natural ingredients in deodorants limit the skin issues and diseases possible from their non-natural counterparts, but they also provide many benefits themselves. Natural deodorants don’t block pores, so that good bacteria keeps working, meaning less odor even when you’re not wearing any deodorant.
Spend the time finding the right products for you
No two people have the same body chemistry, so what works for someone else may not work for you. If you have tried a natural deodorant and it didn’t work, that may be because the brand or mix of ingredients didn’t work for you specifically, not that all natural deodorant in general doesn’t work. Some contain baking soda which kills the bacteria on the skin, but can cause irritation, so play with other ingredients/portions to find the deodorant that works best for you. I worked through about five different brands until I found one that worked.
What you can do to make the transition to natural deodorant easy
- It’s a good idea to go without deodorant for a few days before switching over. When you stop using deodorants with chemicals and aluminum, your body will start to push these chemicals out, which may cause irritation. If you’re not comfortable going deodorant free, consider dabbing on a combination of tea tree oil, and a lavender or thyme essential oil.
- Exfoliate underarms weekly and wash daily, to assist in the detoxification and prevent body odor.
- Try to stick to fabrics with natural fibers (like cotton, hemp, and silk) during the transition period. Polyester and acrylic fabrics trap moisture and can cause mold to grow on clothing.
- When you look for a natural deodorant that works for you, look for an equal balance of baking soda and essential oils, which is helpful for odor control and irritation for sensitive skin. And steer clear of deodorants with parabens or propylene glycol, which are likely to irritate skin.
- Remember that deodorant is not one-size-fits-all. Try each deodorant for a couple weeks, as it takes your body time to adjust. Know that it might take a few different tries and some time before finding the right natural deodorant for you. But once you do, you’ll never go back.
Here’s what’s worked for me; the brand is called Oars + Alps. I actually love that it’s unisex and my husband and I actually both use it. How awesome is that?
It’s a powerful natural deodorant that uses cornstarch to absorb odors while botanicals nourish the skin and mask body odor. We use the Fresh Ocean Splash scent which is universal, notes of Cedarwood, Lime, and Fresh Greens come together with crisp water notes to leave you smelling cool and sophisticated. There are actually seven scents in all, three for sensitive skin.
Furthermore, Oars + Alps deodorants are:
- Alcohol free, aluminum-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free
- Made in the USA and vegan
- Everything they make is Cruelty free (and I absolutely love their skincare products too!)
- Their featured ingredient is Alpine Caribou Moss which is sourced from Northern Finland in the Arctic Circle. It has antioxidant properties and promotes skin’s elasticity, while helping to reduce inflammation.
- Another featured ingredient is Aloe Leaf Juice. This powerhouse ingredient soothes skin and has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties.
I truly think the Aloe Leaf Juice is what has made this product a game changer for me. After years of annoying irritation, this is truly the first deodorant that has not caused me any skin issues. It’s such a relief to know I am using an all-natural product that treats me skin well!
Here are some other quick tips to reduce your toxic load….
- Personal products Since your skin absorbs everything you put on it, look for non-toxic makeup, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners
- Cleaning Opt for non-toxic cleaners, detergents, and soaps
- Swap perfume and candles for essential oils
- Add plants to your home to purify the air
Special offer!
Visit the Oars + Alps website and use my code to save on your purchase GLOWWELL15. For a limited time get a FREE Aluminum-Free Deodorant with orders $40+ !
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