By now you have read my blog about the importance of using a safe deodorant (if you have not, go back and read: http://getnontoxic.com/whats-the-stink-about-deodorant/ ) and you are ready to make the transition.
Hurrah! Let’s do it!!!
Some people (lucky, lucky people), will transition with zero issue while others will experience a few bumps on the road (all worth it in the end, I promise you). My goal with this blog is to give you tips that will minimize any undesirable effects so you can simply enjoy the fact that you made a HUGE step in cleaning up your body burden by switching to a clean deodorant. Because you are worth it!
Tip #1 The sweat:
This is particularly notable if you are transitioning from an antiperspirant…. Sweat we already discussed in the previous blog, is your body’s natural way of getting rid of toxins. Antiperspirants prevent this from happening so, when you stop using your antiperspirant, try to give your body some time to detox and get rid of those toxins that were stored in there. If you can, go without any deodorant or antiperspirant for a week or two. This might be easier said than done but if you can swing it, go for it.
Tip #2 Irritation:
If you switch to a natural deodorant and notice an irritation, first thing to do is make sure you do not press so hard to apply it that you are causing the irritation. Leave the deodorant against your skin for a few seconds so it warms up, before swiping. Also, try not applying the deodorant right after you shave. Another suggestion is to rinse it off with a warm cloth before bed time for a few weeks so that your skin is not in constant contact with the deodorant. Simply re-apply in the morning. If your deodorant contains baking soda, a rash is usually indicative of a sensitivity to baking soda so, after a few weeks of washing off your deodorant every night, many people report that the rash has disappeared and they have no other issue.
Tip #3 Stains on your clothes:
Go easy on the application. A little goes a long way. You do not need 10 swipes on each side (true story). One or 2 swipes on each side is sufficient.
Tip #4 This is the mother of all tips!!!
It will help all of the above plus any remaining “stink” you might experience. We call it, “The Armpit Detox”. Yes, there is such a thing as “armpit detox”. Go ahead, try it, you’ll thank me! If you cannot go without deodorant for a week or two while transitioning, or if you want to hurry things along, or even if you have transitioned and you suddenly notice that your previously effective natural deodorant is not doing the trick anymore, this is for you!
What you will need:
• 1 Tablespoon of Bentonite Clay (or Pure Haven’s Charcoal Detox Mask at www.GetNonToxic.com)
• 1 teaspoon of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoon(s) of water, to get the desired consistency
Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl (avoid metal) and apply to your underarms in one even layer.
Leave on for 5-20 minutes (I suggest starting with a shorter application and working your way up).
If it hurts in any way, rinse off immediately.
After 5 to 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. Note that the area might get red but, that is only because of the increased blood flow and it will disappear after a few minutes.
Do this every day or every second day until you notice that your natural deodorant is effective.
People who have tried this reported that:
• They noticed less odor, even without wearing any deo afterward
• Nobody who tried the detox noticed a rash when using the natural deodorant
• Most people said they noticed less sweat
What will this do?
This will speed the adjustment period you might experience when switching to a natural deodorant and help pull some of the toxins out. Do it! I’m serious. It’s totally worth it.
There you have it! Tips and tricks for an easier adjustment to natural deodorant. Your health is worth a week or two to know that you are now using a deodorant that is completely safe for you.
Congratulations, I’m proud of you!