Making the switch to natural deodorant

Have you been wanting to switch to a natural deodorant but don’t know where to start? If so, this blog post is for you! I will walk you through the process of switching from your regular store-bought deodorant and teach you how easy it can be.  In the end, making the switch will not only make your body healthier by getting rid of toxins in your system, but it also saves money and helps our environment too!

Now, I know that when it comes to personal care making switches can be a little daunting at first. We get stuck on our favourites, but I’m here to reassure you that switching to natural, toxin-free deodorants is one best switches you can make for your body and overall good health!

This is one switch I promise you’ll never regret!

Here’s the dirt on why we sweat, and what chemicals are used to stop this process, and make you smell sweet!

Our anatomy is designed to naturally produce sweat, as annoying as this is, it’s a natural part of who we are, BUT did you know that our sweat isn’t smelly? 

The smell is caused by bacteria on our skin, which act to break down the sweat secretions from our sweat glands, thus producing odours. 

So which part of our body is prone to doing this the most?

That’s right, our armpits! 

And this is because our armpits have apocrine glands that release oily sweat containing lipids and proteins, which skin bacteria feed on, hence, our armpits are the main source of these unpleasant odours.

The cosmetic industry has developed countless types of deodorants and antiperspirants to combat this smell.

Even worse, block the derma glands completely, so that we don’t release any sweat at all from these glands. 

In doing so, commercial deodorants contain a multitude of different chemicals, the most notable being Aluminium.

Aluminium is a very common active antiperspirant that aims to keep our underarms dry and sweat-free.

Whether in the form of Aluminium Chloride, Zirconium, Chloralhydrate or Hydroxybromide, Aluminium Salts will act to stop the sweating process. 

To get technical on you, Aluminium ions are attracted to sweat duct cells, which then causes these ducts to swell. Swollen cells press these ducts, therefore making them close and blocking the sweat from being released. And that’s not natural.

Despite not being definitive, early studies indicate that Aluminium is the chemical acting as a neurotoxin in diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

When these toxins accumulate they tend to cause cellular changes which increase the risk of cancer.

Other studies also link Aluminium to Kidney disease and Liver damage (according to a study conducted by Saint Louis University).

Unfortunately, the chemicals don’t end there.

Conventional deodorants contain a group of chemicals, known collectively as parabens.

Whilst research is in the early stages, there is a correlation between parabens and breast cancer, due to parabens estrogen-like effects.

All this, even before we start to discuss the massive amount of synthetic ingredients which are hiding under the label of ‘fragrance’! 

It’ pretty scary stuff!

I know it’s a lot to unpack, but making the switch to all-natural deodorants seems to be the only alternative, especially for teenagers. 

I don’t want to think about the years I spent blocking my sweat glands with antiperspirant and chemical-laden deodorants! 

Did you know, it only takes 26 seconds for a deodorant to enter the bloodstream via our armpits? Doing this daily is doing more harm than good!

But as I learnt, it’s never too late to make a switch, and change a life-long habit!

So, what are the benefits of making conventional deodorants history, and switching to a more natural, chemical-free approach? 

Here are 5 good reasons why you should:

1. Natural Deodorants are just that, 100% natural, they contain no nasty chemicals, so they are completely safe for you and your family to use every day. No Aluminum, No parabens, No artificial fragrances.
2. Natural deodorants have no ‘pore plugging’ ingredients, most are made with natural absorption products, such as bi-Carb Soda, Corn Starch or Arrowroot.
3. Natural Deodorants use essential oils that work in harmony with your body to neutralize odours, and are completely plant-derived, making them safe to use (and they smell great).
4. Natural Deodorants contain ingredients that are actually good for you, as well as being safe.
5. Natural deodorants allow good bacteria on your skin to work, helping to reduce odours, even when you aren’t wearing deodorant.

 So, if you are ready for natural, healthy armpits, and want to limit the number of toxins in your body, Hummingbird Sings stock a variety of all-natural, chemical-free deodorants, which are safe for you and your family!