As the weather warms up you might be starting to notice that your underarms are a bit more smelly than usual? Maybe your natural deodorant isn’t cutting it or maybe it’s time for an armpit detox.
A what? Yep, it’s time to detox your arm pits. I can hear you laughing… but hear me out.
Sweating is good and a necessary function for your body. It is one process in which our bodies eliminate toxins, but no one likes to stink. Chances are good that for many years you have layered on deodorant that not only blocks the toxins from being released, it actually adds more toxins! Aluminium, Parabens, Talc, Triclosan, and synthetic fragrance to name just a few.
Are anti-perspirants really THAT bad?
Anti-perspirants are the worst because they contain Aluminium salts (e.g. aluminium chlorohydrate). They are metallic elements, used as ingredients in perspiration-inhibiting products (e.g. deodorants). When applied to the skin, aluminium salts close the pores thus suppressing the formation of sweat. That means that the skin’s natural decontamination process is hampered.
Aluminium penetrates through the skin into the bloodstream. Aluminium is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. So why would you want to put that stuff anywhere near your breasts?
The body care and cosmetics industries argue that the amounts of these chemicals used in common skincare and cosmetic products are very small. That’s true. But, the issue is continuous overexposure to toxins can overload the body’s natural detoxification system and may lead to a build-up of these chemicals. This is known as bioaccumulation.
If you’ve been using these anti-perspirant deodorants, this is your warning sign to stop! Yes, the transition to more natural options can sometimes be a little challenging, but an armpit detox can help.
Why do an armpit detox?
It’s well-known that your skin is the largest organ in your body. Your skin is responsible for one of the most important detoxification processes each day, making it one of the most important elimination organs.
Unnatural chemicals are added to our foods, personal care products, and cleaners. Highly processed foods are one of biggest culprits as they contain artificial ingredients such as preservatives, additives, and flavourings.
The amount of unnatural chemicals in our soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and detergents; dishwashing liquids; air fresheners and scented candles is too comprehensive to list in this blog post, but you can learn more in my blog What is the Dirty Dozen. The problem is, all those chemicals are entering your body and so your lymphatic system is working overtime trying to keep up.
The amount of toxins our bodies are trying to eliminate on a daily basis is unprecedented. It becomes more and more challenging for the lymphatic system, and other detoxification organs to effectively filter out so many toxins.
Toxicity can gather beneath the skins’ surface from such influences as improper pH levels, body soaps and creams. Antiperspirants, as well as synthetic fabrics that have been next to the skin, can contribute to both a variety and severity of skin problems and conditions.
These toxins enter the lymphatic system and accumulate daily. Each one of us is holding a bio-burden of the hundreds of pollutant toxic chemicals we have taken in. These are impacting your health!
When the lymphatic system is congested and unable to filter out the toxins effectively, it is no longer as effective at its other jobs creating a list of possible symptoms.
Eliminating, or greatly decreasing, the amount of unnatural chemicals that enter your body, through the digestive system, your skin, or even your nose, is the best way to ensure your lymphatic system is not overtaxed!
Why do an armpit detox?
To get rid of odour causing bacteria. I also like to do it regularly to support my lymphatic system. Did you know that the lymph system is made up of Lymph nodes (or lymph glands). These are small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells, which fight infection. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, including under the armpits, neck, groin, around the gut, and between the lungs. I like to stimulate the lymph nodes under my armpits when I am applying the armpit detox recipe. Google ‘lymphatic massage’ to learn more about this.
Armpit Detox Recipe
Here is the armpit detox recipe I use:
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tbs bentonite clay
- 1 tps of coconut oil
- 1 tsp water
- 1-2 drops of your favourite Young Living essential oil (I use any of the following Patchouli essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Geranium essential oil or Ylang Ylang essential oil.
Directions
Mix and apply to underarms until dry! Keep your arms raised while it dries. This should take around 15 minutes.
Wash off in the shower or with a warm, wet washer.
Apply daily for 7-14 days.
Not into DIY recipes?
That’s okay! Try using this cool and super-effective hack instead – Young Living Dentarome Plus Toothpaste. Not sure? Check out Viv’s video about it here.
Subscribe to Hot Oily Mumma
