How To Do An Armpit Detox To Reduce Body Odor Naturally

If you have made the switch to natural deodorant and feel like you smell worse than you ever have, you need to learn how to do an armpit detox to reduce body odor naturally!

Since switching to natural deodorant, I feel like my under-armpit odor has gotten progressively worse. I did a poll on Instagram to see if I was alone. It turns out so many of you have experienced smelling worse as a result of switching to a natural deodorant. Just look at the below results.

Fed up with not feeling my best, I have made it my mission to find some solutions. After reading this blog post you will understand why your body odor has gotten worse, learn how to do an armpit detox, and also learn some excellent tips for reducing body odor naturally.

Let’s get into it!

Why Does Body Odor Get Worse As A Result Of Switching To A Natural Deodorant?

Many people have been using mainstream deodorant for years. In my case, since middle school. What mainstream deodorants do is prevent the body from sweating using ingredients such as aluminum salts and propylene glycol.

For reference, body odor is created when the bacteria on our skin break down acids in sweat. So, if you have no sweat for years and then switch to a natural deodorant, you will notice major changes. Many describe the first few weeks of switching to natural deodorant as the worst smelling time of their lives. Since your body is adjusting, it is recommended to do an armpit detox. This prepares you for success when using natural deodorants.

Many people try an aluminum-free deodorant and do not stick with it long enough to work for them. Everyone can use natural deodorant without smelling like they have been on a stranded island for weeks. It just takes some time to adjust. This is where the armpit detox comes into play, helping the body to make the switch.

Before we go further it is important to remember why we want to avoid aluminum in the first place.

Recent research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that frequent use of antiperspirants can cause aluminum to accumulate in breast tissue, but this doesn’t prove that aluminum salts can cause breast cancer. “Aluminum might be of greater concern if you have kidney problems, especially if your kidney function is about 30 percent or less.” – Dr. Benjamin Chan DO
-Penn Medicine

How To Do An Armpit Detox

1.) Switch to a natural deodorant free of aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, and sulfates.

2.) Allow your body at least a month to adjust to the new deodorant. Do not give up! Your body odor will get worse before it gets better.

3.) To help progress the process of detoxing, use a bentonite clay mask on the underarms. Mix 1 TBSP bentonite clay to 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar together in a glass bowl. This mask has antibacterial properties that will help combat body odor.

4.) Use a 2% salicylic acid body wash on your underarms daily in the shower to fight bacteria build-up. This helps to remove any buildup of deodorant on your armpits.

5.) Repeat this process as needed.

What If Months Have Gone By And I Am Still Stinkier Than I Want To Be?

If you have been using natural deodorant for months and still are not satisfied with the results, you are not alone. I am right there with you. My tip for you is to repeat the above step for armpit detoxing 1-2 times a week. Also, continue to use a 2% salicylic body wash daily. Below I have outlined other essential tips for preventing body odor naturally that have helped me to stick with natural deodorants.

Tips For Reducing Body Odor Naturally:

1.) Wear natural fabrics.

Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk have breathability and airflow that reduces body odor and bacteria build-up. Fabrics like polyester and acetate are essentially plastic. Your skin can not breathe through these fabrics leading to increased odor and bacteria build up on the skin and fabric.

2.) Minimize your alcohol consumption.

Alcohol makes you smell worse. It’s backed by science, don’t shoot the messenger.

“The more you drink, the more acetate your body is going to produce. This contributes to greater body odor. People can breathe out the odor and it also gets secreted into sweat.”
Wexner Medical Center Ohio State University

If you are drinking alcohol make sure to drink tons of water while doing so and keep consumption to a minimum.

3.) Make sure your clothes are washed well.

If your clothes are not washed properly, then the bacteria left on them will make you continue to smell worse. Try smaller load sizes and add baking soda to your laundry for a more effective wash.

4.) Shower (effectively) every day.

Shower every day and give your armpits T.L.C. Try doing a double cleanse for your armpits. I recommend washing with your body wash first. Then use a 2% salicylic acid body wash. You can also exfoliate the armpit and keep them shaved to further prevent bacteria and product buildup.

5.) NEVER apply deodorant over already stinky armpits!

Make sure to apply deodorant to clean underarms! Adding deodorant on top of old deodorant and already stinky armpits is like putting a bouquet of flowers on a stinky trashcan. The odor-causing bacteria is already there and needs to be dealt with first. You have two options. 1.) Apply deodorant immediately after you shower. 2.) Use the below body wipes if you are in a pinch and need to apply/reapply deodorant quickly!

PRO TIP: Keep a couple of these body wipes and a mini natural deodorant in your purse/gym bag at all times so you are never left feeling stinky.

I hope you found this blog post helpful and that you get back to smelling fresh, naturally, with these tips! Please let me know in the comments if you were able to try out the armpit detox mask or any of the tips mentioned. I love to hear from you!

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Thank you for reading,

Jordana