Why You Should Detox Your Armpits (And How To Detox Them)

Deodorant use is a part of our daily lives. The variety of deodorant and antiperspirant brands and scents available makes them alluring and enticing, so much so that one can find deodorants and antiperspirants in most people’s homes.

However, it has long since been a subject of debate whether or not people even need deodorants and antiperspirants, to begin with.

Usage of deodorants and antiperspirants has been linked to several skin conditions and issues, including axillary dermatitis (1). Also, since deodorants are used to mask body odor, while antiperspirants are used to ‘close up’ the sweat ducts in the armpits, it’s sometimes debated whether people using these products even have much of an issue with odor and sweat to warrant the use of such products.

Studies have also been conducted to research the correlation between antiperspirants/deodorants and the incidence of breast cancer (2). The alleged ‘estrogenic’ properties of the parabens found in underarm cosmetics have given rise to speculation about their connection with the incidence of breast cancer (3).

Although there has been no conclusive study that establishes a connection specifically between the use of underarm cosmetics and the incidence of breast cancer, the existing research certainly points towards there being a cause for concern.

Here are a few symptoms that you should be concerned about if you’re a user of antiperspirants and deodorants:

• Skin rashes.
• Persistent body odor despite product usage.
• Incidence of dermatitis.
• Allergic reactions.

So, if you’re a user of underarm cosmetics such as deodorants and antiperspirants, it is probably in your best interests to limit your exposure to them as much as possible and to perform a detox on your armpits to ensure that the harmful effects of these products, if any, remain at bay.

A detox can help get rid of the buildup of harmful chemicals and toxins in your armpits caused by the usage of artificial products.

The detoxifying process also benefits blocked sweat glands and helps get rid of any odor or foul smell that emanates from the bacterial buildup in your armpits when a deodorant isn’t used.

Here’s the recipe for the homemade detox that will help you address all these issues!

Ingredients:

• Bentonite clay x 1 tbsp.
• Apple cider vinegar x 2 tsps.
• Aloe vera spray.

Directions:

• Mix the bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar in a glass bowl. Avoid the usage of any metals in the mixing process as the bentonite clay might get affected chemically.
• Continue mixing for a few minutes until the mixture looks like a paste. Don’t add water or any other substances to this mixture.
• Apply the mixture on your armpits and leave it in place for 10-15 minutes. For first-time users of this detox, it is recommended only to apply the mixture for 5 minutes. Observe the effects, then increase the treatment duration next time as needed.
• Keep the armpits outstretched. You can lie down or lean your arms against another surface. Always remember to remove the mixture from your armpits immediately with water if there’s any burning sensation or allergic reaction.
• Once the time is up, remove the mixture from your armpits in the shower. You can also use a damp towel or cloth, but showering is recommended.
• After removing the mixture and drying things out, you can use the aloe vera spray to help your skin heal and recover from the detox.

Make sure you drink plenty of water both before and after the detox process so that all the harmful chemicals and toxins are flushed out properly.

Frequency:

The detox must be carried out at least three times a week until the bacterial buildup in your armpits goes down and they’re not emanating odor any longer. There is no harm in doing the detox daily either, but it depends from person to person.

The healing, antibacterial properties of bentonite clay have been a subject of much scientific discussion (4). On the other hand, apple cider vinegar’s health benefits, although scientifically under-researched, have been proven on several occasions as well (5).

Since this detox contains both bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, it will help:

• Reduce the odor and bacterial buildup in your armpits.
• Bring down any allergic reactions that you might be having as a result of underarm cosmetics.
• Help with skin conditions caused by the usage of underarm cosmetics.

We hope this detox helps you reduce and reverse all the ill-effects of using strong cosmetics on your underarms. It should be understood that not everyone needs antiperspirants and deodorants as most people don’t smell foul or perspire beyond acceptable levels, to begin with.

If you are still looking to use these products, do so in moderation and also make sure that you continue to detox frequently!

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