Making the switch to natural deodorant can be a game-changer in your personal care routine. However, many individuals find themselves puzzled when their new, Aluminium-Free deodorant doesn't seem to work as expected. If you're wondering why this happens, you're not alone. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon, the detox process, and why choosing premium quality a natural deodorant like The Bearded Chap's Aluminium-Free Natural Deodorants can be beneficial for your long-term health.

The main complaints about natural deodorants not working;

• Challenging Transition Phase: The shift to natural deodorant often leads to a period where the body must reacclimate to its natural sweating process, resulting in increased sweating and more noticeable body odour during this adjustment phase.
• Don’t last/Effectiveness Concerns: A common issue with some natural deodorants is their inability to provide sustained odour protection, which might necessitate more frequent applications throughout the day to maintain effectiveness.
• Increased Sweat Sensation: Natural deodorants do not contain aluminium-based compounds that block sweat glands, unlike antiperspirants. This absence means users may experience a greater sense of sweating, as the natural deodorants focus on odour control rather than sweat prevention.
• Skin Irritation: Ingredients in natural deodorants, particularly high levels of baking soda, can sometimes lead to skin irritation or discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies to specific natural components.
• Staining Clothes: The oils used in some natural deodorants can potentially leave stains on clothing, as these oils may transfer to fabric during wear, especially if not fully absorbed by the skin or if applied in excess. This occurs mainly in deodorant pastes.

Understanding the Transition Phase:

When you switch from an aluminium-based antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, your body undergoes a transition phase. Antiperspirants containing aluminium compounds work by temporarily blocking sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat released. As a result, when you stop using them, your body needs time to readjust to sweating naturally.

The Science Behind It:

According to research, aluminium-based compounds in antiperspirants can alter your underarm microbiome, the community of microorganisms on your skin. This alteration can affect how your body responds to a natural deodorant. The study "The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome," published in the journal PeerJ in 2016, investigated how the use of deodorants and antiperspirants influences the skin microbiome, particularly in the armpit area. The study found that when individuals stopped using these products, particularly antiperspirants, the density of culturable bacteria in their armpits increased, which aligns with the typical experience during the transition to natural deodorants. It also observed that long-term use of antiperspirants and deodorants can significantly impact the composition and richness of bacterial communities in the armpits. These findings help explain why switching to natural deodorants might initially lead to increased odour or sweat initially, as the body's microbiome adjusts to the absence of aluminium-based compounds found in traditional antiperspirants When you switch, your body's microbiome needs time to rebalance, which can temporarily affect odour and sweat production.

Detoxing Your Underarms:

Detoxing is a crucial step in the transition to natural deodorants. Here's how to facilitate this process:

1. Clean Regularly: Wash your underarms thoroughly to remove buildup and bacteria.

2. Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body.

These steps aid in expediting the adjustment period, allowing your body to adapt more quickly to the natural deodorant.

Long-Term Health Benefits of Switching to a GOOD natural deodorant:

Not all natural deodorant's are equal. Make sure you look for quality natural deodorants that use quality ingredients, as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for! Switching to an aluminium-free deodorant like The Bearded Chap's Natural Deodorants has several long-term health benefits. Not only do they perform by effectively killing bacteria that causes bad odour, but also include ingredients that ensure the skin is healthy and reduces the chance of irritation.  Studies suggest that reducing exposure to aluminium might be beneficial also for other health factors, as some researchers have raised concerns about its potential links to health issues (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2011). While the evidence is not conclusive, many people choose to err on the side of caution.

Switching to natural deodorant is a positive step towards embracing a healthier lifestyle. Understanding the transition phase and how to effectively detox your underarms can make this change more manageable. By choosing quality aluminium free natural deodorants like The Bearded Chap's Aluminium-Free Natural Herbal, Spice or Tobacco & Vanilla Deodorants, you're not only taking care of your immediate hygiene needs but also investing in your long-term health.

Remember, patience is key during this transition. If you're experiencing challenges after making the switch, give it time ( up to two weeks) and follow the detox tips mentioned. Your body will thank you in the long run. If you'd like to learn more about our deodorant range, click here

References:

1. Urban J, Fergus DJ, Savage AM, Ehlers M, Menninger HL, Dunn RR, Horvath JE. The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome. PeerJ. 2016 Feb 2;4:e1605. doi: 10.7717/peerj.1605. PMID: 26855863; PMCID: PMC4741080.
2. Walton, J.R. ‘Aluminum Involvement in the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease’. 1 Jan. 2013 : 7 – 43.