Making the switch from conventional antiperspirants to natural deodorants can be a tough journey. Trust me — I’ve been there. But just because it’s a little more complicated than we may anticipate it at first, doesn’t mean that it’s not worth it. So, if you’re currently contemplating whether you should make the switch, here’s everything I’ve learned since giving natural deodorant a try.
What’s the Difference?
Before I start talking about making the switch to natural deodorant, let’s first clarify what the actual difference is. Unlike conventional antiperspirants, which often contain aluminum compounds to block sweat glands and prevent sweating, natural deodorants work by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface without blocking sweat.
This means that while natural deodorants can help control body odor, they won’t prevent sweating in the same way that antiperspirants do. And why is that important? Because we use deodorants every day. Sometimes even multiple times a day. We apply them to sensitive areas of our bodies, which means that we should be very picky when it comes to the ingredients. Which is why natural deodorants are so much better.
The Detox Period
One of the most common challenges people encounter when switching to natural deodorant is the dreaded “detox period.” During this time, your body may need to adjust to the new product. What does that mean? You’ll experience increased sweating and odor. For some people, the detox period lasts only a few days, while for others, it can take weeks or even months. During this time, it’s essential to be patient with your body and give it time to adapt to the new deodorant. I know — it can be so hard. Especially if you’re someone who sweats a lot. However, this is something that doesn’t last forever. So don’t get discouraged right away.
I Switched to Natural Deodorant and It’s Irritating My Skin — Why?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. If you do some research on natural deodorant, you’ll notice how a lot of people claim that natural deodorant formulas irritate their skin and cause redness, itching, and dryness. Especially if those individuals already have sensitive skin. But why? The most common answer — allergies. You’ll have to double-check when it comes to ingredients, and make sure you aren’t allergic to any of them. Especially if you’re sensitive to baking soda or essential oils, which are two of the most common ingredients in natural deodorants. However, just because one specific deodorant causes irritation, doesn’t mean you won’t ever be able to use natural deodorant. Experiment with different formulas and ingredients to find something that works for you.
Patience & Persistence
Last but not least, I want to remind you how important it is to stay patient and persistent. Switching to natural deodorant is not always a smooth transition, and it may take some time to find a product that works well for you. So, don’t be discouraged if the first product you try doesn’t work as expected. There are plenty of other options out there, and it may take some trial and error to find the perfect fit for your body chemistry and lifestyle. If you want to make it a bit easier and bearable, start with your switch during the colder months. This will give your body more time to acclimate and keep body odor at bay.
