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Fall is just around the corner, but the weather is warm enough for you to work-up a sweat. So, whether you are working out at the gym or riding in a crowded subway car you want your armpits to stay as fresh as possible.
If you are like many people, you purchase deodorants or antiperspirants at your local supermarket or drug store without paying too much attention to what they are made of. But these traditional products, according to Healthline, could actually be harmful for you because they can be irritating and could change the pH balance of your armpits to make them very attractive to bacteria.
The odor that you smell when you sweat is caused by bacteria on the surface of your pits eating the moisture. But the products you are using to dry up sweat and eliminate odor may be doing the opposite.
How do Deodorants and Antiperspirants Work?
So, what’s the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants? Commercial deodorants are designed to eliminate odor and usually contain antimicrobial agents or ethanol that can kill odor producing bacteria.
Antiperspirants are designed to reduce sweat. These products use aluminum-based salts to plug your sweat glands so that there is no moisture for bacteria to consume.
Most products are combination deodorants and antiperspirants which you would think is a good thing but could actually kill off good bacteria that lives on your skin and that could cause a stronger underarm odor. So, what can you use instead?
All Natural Deodorants
Today, there are a myriad of deodorants available that use all natural ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils. But these products usually cost a premium price, and some do not work as well as others.
But there is a better way, according to Treehugger. With some planning and creativity, you can have an all-natural deodorant that really works. Here are three low-budget recipes that are easy for you to DIY your own deodorant.
3 Ingredient All-Natural Deodorant: This coconut oil recipe from the Cadry’s Kitchen blog uses just three ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry; coconut oil, baking soda, and cornstarch. You can substitute arrowroot powder for the cornstarch. Just mix the ingredients in a bowl and store it in a clean jar. You can add a few drops of essential oils if you want a different fragrance. A tiny amount goes a long way.
Soothing Lavender Baking Soda Deodorant: This DIY recipe from Treehugger uses all natural ingredients that are moisturizing for your skin and have antimicrobial properties. One of the main ingredients is baking soda because of its ability to absorb odor but other products can be substituted if baking soda dries your skin too much.
You will need baking powder, arrowroot starch, shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, lavender essential oil, and tea tree oil to make this soothing fragrant homemade deodorant.
Refreshing Lemongrass Deodorant Spray: For people who prefer sprays, this recipe from Treehugger is for you. This spray combines apple cider vinegar – or witch hazel, distilled water, and lemongrass, lavender, and tea tree essential oils. The spray kills bacteria, deodorizes, and gives you a fresh scent.
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