You’re probably thinking what on Earth is she talking about, “healthy unstinking option” and what does this have to do with exercise. Well, let me tell you. When you exercise, you sweat. When you sweat, sometimes you stink, sometimes you don’t. We try to mask the sweat smell by using deodorant and/or we want to stop sweating all together and use an antiperspirant. There is a difference between the two and some things you might want to know about each of them. I’m all about your health in general and your underarms are included!
Our bodies naturally sweat to detox and regulate our temperature. We cool down when we sweat. Our bodies want to maintain homeostasis (a balanced internal environment within our body), so it’s necessary to sweat to keep your insides from overheating. If you don’t sweat under your arms because of antiperspirant then your body will sweat in other areas (upper lip, chest, back, etc.) to maintain homeostasis. In general, deodorants mask any odor and antiperspirants stop sweating all together. We have natural bacteria under our arms – it’s just there hanging out. Your sweat contains nutrients for this bacteria to feed on. When you sweat, the bacteria eat the nutrients in the sweat, and the bacteria give off an odor during this process. Kinda gross to think about bacteria having a meal under your arms, but they do! Deodorants typically contain an antibacterial agent to minimize the amount of bacteria under your arms and a fragrance to blunt the odor. Antiperspirants prevent you from sweating by constricting your pores and plugging them up so the sweat never reaches the surface. Thus, no sweat, no food for the bacteria, no odor. No odor, but what’s in these products?
Before I bash ingredients and put the fear of “whatever” into you, I will have to say that nothing has been proven by the FDA. However, that’s not to say that adverse reports of the ingredients haven’t been linked to some pretty horrific conditions – they are. Also, I want to remind you that the beauty industry (which deodorants fall into) is a huge money maker for companies and the FDA isn’t totally legit when it comes to making decisions based on people’s health vs based on profit. So, with that said . . . you make your own decisions. I just want to provide you with information that is readily available about the harmful ingredients in personal care products; in this case, your deodorant.
- Triclosan: commonly found in deodorants, although it is listed as a pesticide with the FDA. It’s purpose is to reduce bacteria population under your arms. It has been linked to disruptions in thyroid hormones, can cause natural bacteria to become antibiotic resistant, is an endocrine disruptor, and has been linked to skin & breast cancer. The FDA has banned the use of triclosan in hand soaps, but it’s permitted for use in other personal care products.
- Aluminum: commonly found in antiperspirants. Aluminum is effective at preventing sweating, which disrupts the body’s natural sweat production. It has been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, & Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum can also increase your cell’s ability to mutate, which can increase risk of tumor growth. In other countries, aluminum is considered not safe for use in personal care products.
- Phthalates: This is a common ingredient in a lot of personal care products, including antiperspirant and deodorant. It’s a chemical that helps plastics be more “flexible.” They are endocrine disruptors (especially in males), can cause early onset of puberty, and have been associated with breast cancer.
- Fragrance: Fragrance is a protected trade secret of companies so it does not have to be disclosed on the ingredient list. If your product doesn’t list the ingredients of the fragrance, then you have no idea what it is made of. Synthetic fragrances have been linked to hormone disruption and may contain allergens. More often than not, fragrances contain phthalates.
- Parabens: These are primarily used as a preservative. They mimic estrogen in the body, disrupt hormone balance, and have been linked to breast cancer.
This is not an inclusive list of all harmful ingredients. It’s a list of the most common ones found in deodorants and antiperspirants. The reports on possible side effects are controversial and each side has an opinion. I will tell you that other countries (i.e. Japan, Europe) have banned and/or significantly regulated these ingredients because of the harmful side effects. Just because our FDA has not regulated them, doesn’t inherently mean they’re safe. It’s totally up to you to make a decision. Again, I’m aiming to make you aware of the ingredients you put under your arms vs scaring you. I also want to give you healthy options. (You all know I love options!). When choosing a healthy option for not stinking (haha), try this:
- Avoid products with an undisclosed fragrance list. If they don’t list the fragrances, you have no idea what you’re putting on your skin.
- Choose products whose fragrance comes from essential oils vs synthetic scents.
- Read the label of your “unstinker”. Does it contain any of the above harmful ingredients?
- Choose products with natural antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil or clove.
On a personal note, I didn’t think natural deodorants “worked” until I found one that did! As I’m getting older, my pH is changing (as it does with every human) and I find that I STINK like my European grandfather when I sweat. TMI, but you all know I tell you this to be open, honest and to share. I found a natural deodorant that works for me! Literally, 24 hours of not stinking and no chemicals! I’d let you smell my under arms if you’d like, but that’s kinda weird so I’m going to let you find your own natural deodorant and smell your own armpits. Go ahead, get natural, and unstink yourself!