I thought it was an appropriate time to talk about this subject because I myself have only recently decided to transform my deodorant routine and it's now October or Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Yes, we're going to talk about health and cancer today.
My mother has been telling me for a year (maybe even 2?) that I should stop using antiperspirants because they cause cancer. I chose to ignore it, believing she could not even begin to understand how sweaty I can get because of course, society tells us girls that we cannot sweat. (Don't even get me started on "gynecologist-recommended" deodorants for your lady business - There is just so much wrong with that). I can get pretty sweaty and I have to shave my legs basically every day because my hair grows maybe more quickly than others - if I don't complain about how quickly I reach mermaid hair status, can I really complain about the rest of my body? No, I just learn to handle my business accordingly. But we are getting off-topic.
There were times when I would sweat (and maybe even smell) after using my usual antiperspirant deodorants from numerous brands: Lady Stick, Dove, Ban, Arm & Hammer, etc. I sometimes even had to change it up and buy a new one in a different brand or scent because my body must've "gotten used to it." How could I even...? - I don't know.
So, I thought: WHY NOT? Let me take a weekend at home to try Tom's of Maine Deodorant in its great-smelling apricot scent. If it doesn't work, at least I am with peers who have to love me know matter what (i.e. family). Oh and if it does, well I can make the healthy switch!
Guess what? It worked for me! I stopped smelling, I started sweating (which, by the way, is natural) and I am ecstatic and relieved. My clothes don't smell badly in the arm pit region after a long day or even after working out! Bam - that rocks.
(Small side story: Two weeks later, I learned that I was incredibly allergic to essential oils and was one of the unlucky few, So, I decided to treat my rash with coconut oil over night and for a day at home (again, safe with my unconditional loving peers). Well, guess what? Pure extra virgin coconut oil rubbed directly on my underarm officially works as my deodorant. I don't use anything else now. It has something to do with the fact that coconut oil kills bacteria, i.e. odor-causing bacteria. Therefore, I sweat naturally and don't smell. I am pleased! You can also combine it with baking soda, etc. to make a deodorant paste. Check out this article.)
But here's the thing: Maybe you're the kind of person that doesn't smell, but sweats a lot and don't feel like you need to make the switch. You don't want sweat patches on your shirt because it's "embarrassing." Well, let me see if this will convince you. Would you rather have a sweat stain or breast cancer? Oh, I went there.
According to multiple studies, antiperspirant is the leading cause of breast cancer. Why? Well, because by not allowing your body to sweat - which is a means by which the body expels toxins from the inside of your body - you are keeping those toxins in. Oh and what is the ingredient that blocks your sweat ducts? That would be the aluminum-based compound.
Don't believe me? Check out this article. Do your own research, Whatever it is - you should seriously consider making the switch.
Isn't it universally known that aluminum isn't for consumption. We need to realize that the skin absorbs everything, so if you can't eat it, you can't rub it into your skin. Plain and simple.
If we are living in an age where we can acknowledge that society sets a lot of standards we aren't okay with, well then, sweating under your arms should be one of them. It's natural. Embrace it. Why are we more okay with the artificial than the natural? Come on, it doesn't make sense.
But most of all, I would highly recommend a natural deodorant made at home. 1) it's the cheapest option (once you've bought all of the ingredients that will be used again and again) and 2) because fragrances in "natural" deodorants may also have harmful chemicals. You can't always believe the "natural" label. Basically live by: If you can't eat it, you can't use it (as a beauty product, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, etc.)
You can easily search "Natural home-made deodorant" on Google and you'll find numerous options! The most commonly used ingredients are baking soda, corn starch, arrowroot, etc. Lots of times, we already have these at home.
Friends, don't forget that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. Make sure to do your research on both and find out how you can transform your life to prevent one and appreciate the other.
<3
Articles discussed:
WebMD, "Antiperspirant Safety: Should You Sweat It?"
MindBodyGreen Blog: "DIY All-natural Coconut Deodorant"
Links: (natural deodorants)
Tom's of Maine
Primal Pit Paste
LUSH <-- They have a store on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and other locations nationwide. They also have all kinds of organic and natural beauty and healthcare products.
VitaCost <-- great site for all things natural and organic!
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