About Natural Underarm Deodorants
With more widespread education about the potential dangers of artificial chemicals in cosmetics and hygiene products, the use of natural underarm deodorant has become more popular. Unlike antiperspirants and chemical deodorants, natural deodorizing works on the basis that sweating is natural, and that the scent of sweat can be changed or masked through whole-body treatment along with sweet-smelling natural products. Does this Spark an idea?
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Significance
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Most deodorants use a chemical reaction to kill off the bacteria that produce body odor, while antiperspirants clog pores and prevent bacteria from forming. Pore blocking is unhealthy, as the body becomes unable to cool, and the chemicals used to kill bacteria can have harmful effects in the long run. Many are known or suspected carcinogens. Those that are turning back to living a more natural lifestyle have moved away from these products, and have engaged in changing the foods they eat and the clothes they wear in addition to changing their deodorant.
Function
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Topical natural underarm deodorants work by slowing down bacterial growth, most often through the use of ammonium alum, a safe compound that the skin is not capable of absorbing. In addition to topical products, natural deodorizing is also enacted through regular bathing, a change in diet and the wearing of natural fabrics like cotton. The body puts out what it takes in, so those with poor diets heavy in processed food often have stronger, more foul-smelling body odors. Diets high in fruits and vegetables and low in meat make for weaker body odor, and many natural deodorant enthusiasts also cut their alcohol intake to further cleanse the system.
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Types
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Natural deodorants can come as roll-ons, powders, oils, washes, sprays and herbal teas that are either applied topically or drunk. Teas are made with mints, sage, rosemary and coriander, sometimes with added essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for topical application. Washes are made from witch hazel and willow bark infusions, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, radish juice and turnip juice. The most common type of natural underarm deodorant, however, is powder made from a variety of herbal combinations.
Features
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Free of potentially dangerous chemicals, natural underarm deodorants are hypoallergenic, stain-free and long-lasting. They can be bought commercially or, as many prefer, made at home using ingredients tailored to individual taste and needs. Some people mix common baking soda and cornstarch, or craft their own special recipes from powdered roots, peels, flowers and natural talcum powder. Orris root, orange peel, lemon peel, licorice root, sandalwood, violet flowers, calamus root, marigold and rose are all popular ingredients. Some even use powdered eggshells to create deodorant.
Considerations
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Synthetic deodorants are usually criticized for long-term effects like breast cancer and fetal abnormalities, and short-term problems like allergic reactions due to the use of hexachlorophene. While natural deodorants avoid blame for the larger health problems, they, too, can cause allergic reactions and skin abnormalities in some people. Although the products may be advertised as safe, every person's body is different and reactions may vary with each ingredient. Some have complained of itching, rashes, acne breakouts and peeling skin with the use of commercial natural deodorants, and allergic reactions to natural substances are always possible.
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