Transitioning to Natural Deodorant (and Why Quarantine is the Perfect Time to Make the Switch)

As the formulator of a nontoxic deodorant, you could say I'm something of a natural deodorant evangelist. The reasons for switching are many, and if you're reading this - you're probably already familiar. My favorite reason, though, is that using low pH skincare products like PRIMARY Mineral Deodorant can help balance the delicate underarm ecosystem and keep it functioning properly - so that over time, you might not need to wear deodorant at all - natural or otherwise. For real.

Still, I'll be the first to admit that the transition isn't always as smooth as we might hope. The truth is, when making the shift from antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, you may go through what is commonly referred to as a 'detox' period, where you smell, well, worse for just a little while, before you smell better. What better a time to transition than now? No one can smell you at six feet's distance or on Zoom calls, praise be. 

To appreciate why this transitional period happens, it’s helpful to understand a little bit about sweating, what causes body odor, and how antiperspirants work.  

Why do we stink?

Sweat itself is virtually odorless. It's only when naturally-occurring bacteria start to break down the sweat that we may find ourselves a little…malodorous.

How do antiperspirants work?

The way antiperspirants confront this issue is by stopping sweat from ever making it to the skin. No sweat, nothing for the bacteria to feed on. But in order to block sweat from flowing to the surface of the skin, antiperspirants use aluminum to create a superficial plug in the sweat glands. The sweat is still in there, the antiperspirant just restricts access to the upper part of the sweat gland so it can't come to the surface. Those plugs can stay in place for days - even through showers.

Effects of antiperspirant use on the microbiome

So, let’s say you want to stop using an antiperspirant. Good idea! Your body’s sweat glands are likely to try and overcompensate from being clogged up, potentially making you sweat more than you typically would. Add to that any of the particles that may have been trapped inside your bod also finally making an exit. While that purge is happening, the normal collection of bacteria that lives on the skin’s surface starts to shift back into balance. This is a good thing!

Restoring natural armpit flora

Depending on factors like how long you've been using antiperspirants, stress levels, hormones, and diet, the process of reestablishing the skin's natural microbiome can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But don't worry, the stinky-est part of the process will likely be within the first week. 

Tips for making the switch

Okay! — so now you know what to expect, here are a few tips to help power through this transitional phase and encouraging skin renewal…

Dry brushing:

The lymph nodes in the underarm area are responsible for draining excess waste and play a vital role in the body’s immune system (which needs some tlc now more than ever). Using a dry brush with natural bristle can help drain the lymph nodes to unclog pores. The best time to dry brush is in the morning right when you wake up before you shower. Starting at your fingertips, work upward using slow, gentle strokes on both the upper and lower sides of the hands and arms. When you reach your shoulder, begin stroking toward the chest/heart. One side of the body and then the other. Note: you're brushing here, not scrubbing. Be gentle with yourself. Note: If you've had breast cancer, consult with your doctor before dry brushing.

Cleanse + Exfoliate:

Wash with a skin-friendly soap: Lather up those armpits with soap *everyday*!  Most commercial bar soaps (dial, ivory, nivea, dove) are super alkaline which can disrupt the skin's acid mantle -- the opposite of what we want to accomplish! Liquid soaps are typically (but not always) a better option. The best skin-friendly soap bars I’ve found are from AHAVA, Asepxia, Eucerin, and pHisoderm. A body wash with 2% Salicylic Acid could be beneficial for balancing pH. Just avoid using additional chemical exfoliants the same day to avoid irritation. Be gentle with yourself.

(Gently) Manually Exfoliate: Bacteria love dead skin cells. Exfoliation promotes cell turnover - allowing dead skin cells clogging the skin to shed, uncovering new healthy skin cells below. When sudsing up, use a washcloth (rather than just your hands) to help exfoliate dead skin cells, which bacteria love. This is especially key for those of us who choose not to shave or wax. But don't overdo it - no harsh scrubs are needed - a washcloth should do the trick. Just make sure to use a clean washcloth everyday - washcloths left to air dry in the shower create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

Dry off well: 

Speaking of bacteria and moist environments - when you step out of the shower, make sure you fully dry your underarms with a clean, dry towel. Every time you towel off, you transfer skin bacteria onto your towel and when you hang it to air-dry, bacteria is likely to grow in that damp, warm environment.

Chemically Exfoliate:

Once a week, a swipe of an AHA or BHA toner can dissolve dead skin and help rebalance the skin flora. But again, just be sure not to over do it - listen to your skin. The goal is to help the skin’s barrier function, not compromise it. Be gentle with yourself!

Wear natural fibers: 

With the understanding that you will likely be sweating more than you’re accustomed to, it helps to choose natural linen or 100% cotton tops that breathe, rather than polyester or other synthetic blends which can harbor bacteria and trap body odor in the fibers. 

Supportive Supplements:

Researchers have studied chlorophyll for its potential as a deodorant for decades and while there is only one (outdated) scientific study to back it up, chlorophyll is known to support the process of detoxification and stimulate the immune system.  It’s also high in magnesium which is the key ingredient in Primary Mineral Deodorant. And of course lots of water, exercise, good sleep hygiene and avoiding overdoing it on caffeine and alcohol will help. You know the drill.

Don’t switch back and forth:

I know it can be tempting but you aren’t making it any easier on yourself when you reach for that Clinical Strength antiperspirant. Each time you do, your skin has to readjust.  

My hope is that the comfort of knowing you are transitioning into a healthier life choice every day will make the transition feel a little less daunting. You've got this - just stay the course and trust that your underarms (and body) will definitely appreciate your efforts.