When you start using natural deodorant for the first time, your pits may need some time to adjust. Just like any big life change – give your body time to grieve the loss of conventional deodorant (we know you loved that shower fresh scent) but then, it’s time to move on and get ready for even better things to come – no smell, less sweat and safe ingredients. This adjustment period (aka detox phase) can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and, in some cases, can come with a few irritating side effects. If you’ve experienced an underarm rash or irritation from natural deodorant, here’s some reasons why and what you can do about it.
RASH REASON #1. PERSPIRATION
Now that you’ve switched from an antiperspirant that stops your sweat glands from actually doing what they’re supposed to do, you’ll most likely start to feel a bit more sweaty.Remember, that’s a GOOD thing since sweating helps to expel toxins + regulate our body temperature. And once your body becomes acclimated to natural deodorant, you’ll find you actually sweat even less! But the excess perspiration can potentially get trapped in your pits and cause itchiness, inflammation or irritation.
Thankfully, there are a few simple solutions. Everyday (especially in the heat of the summer, after a hard workout or a seriously stressful day) it’s important to make sure you properly cleanse your pits to keep skin clear of trapped sweat and bacteria buildup. Be sure to use a gentle body bar that effectively cleanses + lightly exfoliates. Then spritz our Everything Spray after showering (and throughout the day as a refresher!) to keep pores clear and calm inflammation with organic essential oils of tea tree and lavender, along with magnesium oil and raw apple cider vinegar. For even more perspiration protection, you can apply our talc-free baby powder to absorb excess moisture and help reduce friction + irritation.
RASH REASON #2. BAKING SODA
Baking soda may be to blame because of its alkaline pH. If there’s too much baking soda in a deodorant, it can feel abrasive and possibly cause a reaction. Our expertly formulated natural deodorant contains lower doses of odor-blocking baking soda to help prevent BO while protecting sensitive skin. Plus, our formula is fortified with skin-soothing + detoxifying ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide and kaolin clay.
Still suffering from baking soda sensitivities? You may be extra sensitive to baking soda if your skin’s protective outer layer, the acid mantle (aka moisture barrier), has been impaired. One culprit could be your body wash. Take a look at the bottle in your shower – is your skin being stripped with harsh sulfates and cleansing chemicals? Washing your skin with these kinds of ingredients on the daily can break down your acid mantle, making your skin even more vulnerable to irritation.
Try this 3 step system to maintain your skin’s strength, soothe skin conditions and prevent irritation.
- Wash pits (and all of your delicate places!) with a mild soap that safely cleanses without stripping skin and actually helps to repair skin tissue.
- Bring your pH levels back into balance and help eliminate odor-causing bacteria with our Everything Spray. Already red and inflamed? Spritz generously on your skin to reduce redness and calm inflammation.
- Rebuild your moisture barrier with a body butter rich in essential fatty acids and healing oils.
