No one enjoys the smell of body odour. Humans have struggled for years to deal with the perspiration of others, as well as find ways to prevent their own. While it’s common to see people running to the nearest drugstore when seeking solutions for their sweat, it’s equally important – if not more – to be made aware of the dangers of this quick fix. Instead of turning to commercial antiperspirants, research shows that when it comes to controlling our body odour, DIY is the way to go.
Why Use Homemade Deodorant?
The case against antiperspirants continues to grow. The fact that antiperspirants contain several toxic ingredients that cause side effects, such as skin irritation only scratches the surface in this argument. By digging a bit deeper, we’re able to find several other reasons to support this case:
- Commercial antiperspirants work by preventing the release of perspiration and clog pores.
- The aluminium found in antiperspirants is acidic and it’s this acidity that turns your white shirts yellow (not very attractive).
- Certain ingredients in antiperspirants have been linked to Alzheimer’s, cancer and infertility.
Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients
Baking Soda – Neutralizes odor, absorbs sweat
Essential Oils – Come from plants and have antibacterial properties, preventing odor and growth of sweat-digesting skin bacteria
To reap the benefits of an all-natural deodorant, try the recipe below.
Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorant Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 T coconut oil*
- 1/4 cup (4 T) baking soda
- 1/4 cup (4 T) arrowroot or organic cornstarch
- essential oils (optional)
*Coconut oil can be substituted with 1/4 cup of almond oil (or other liquid oil).
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a medium sized bowl.
- Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed.
- Add oils if desired.
- Store in small glass jar or old deodorant container for easy use.
Switching to a natural deodorant will help keep your skin fresh and your health in check. However, nothing is perfect and homemade deodorants do come with their own set of precautions. Not everyone will react the same to the ingredients found in homemade deodorants. Therefore, if you do find yourself experiencing any negative reactions, stop using it immediately until the issue is resolved.
Sources:
http://womenslifestyle.com/antiperspirant-pit-falls-reasons-to-change-to-natural-deodorant/
Image Source
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