After doing a lot of reading and research I decided to change a few staple products in our home. Just as we are making a natural transition in our food options we are making that transition in other areas of our life as well.
How many of you are familiar with the ingredients of your toothpaste and deodorants? How many of you know and understand the side effects of these toxic ingredients? How many of you just don’t care and use what you can afford? I’ve been there, the buying what I could afford because it was inexpensive and familiar. Well, peeps, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the things that are familiar and inexpensive are causing damage to your overall health.
For as long as I’ve been allowed to wear deodorant or antiperspirant I’ve basically used one brand, Suave. I’d been using it because it was familiar, inexpensive, and it just worked best for me. I’ve never really had an issue with underarm odor but this particular brand had a light powder scent, didn’t clump much, and lasted. Maybe 4 years ago, I experienced lumps under my arms and I googled what the issue could have been, and I discovered that we have lymph nodes in our armpits. At that time I didn’t think anything of it, I just assumed I was getting sick and just like the lymph nodes located under the jaw bones, they would swell to help fight off infection.
Fast forward to two weeks ago, I saw an article that explained that the ingredients in deodorant and antiperspirant products clog the pores of the armpit and cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to swell. The ingredient is aluminum chlorohydrate which makes up 20 percent of the deodorant/antiperspirant ingredients. According to WebMD, studies suggest that the chemicals are absorbed into the skin, most easily after a shave, and interfere with the estrogen which is known to influence the growth of cancerous cells.
It’s definitely the main ingredient in the Suave brand. I immediately made the decision to switch and for the last two weeks, I’ve been using an all natural deodorant brand, Desert Essence. It is non-GMO, aluminum and propylene glycol free. It’s made with Tea Tree Oil, a natural bacteria, and fungus fighter, and scented with Lavender. The best part is, although it is a natural product it is still affordable, I found mine at my local grocer for $3.95. The top unnatural brands are the same price so it doesn’t feel like a jab to your wallet. Think of it this way, would you rather pay $4 for something that could cost you more in the long run? OR pay the same price and reduce the chance?
Of course, more studies need to be completed to solidify the connection between antiperspirant use and cancer, but there’s definitely enough information out there to convince you to take the natural route. All natural brands aren’t for everyone, you have to test and see what works best for your body and your needs. This is the first natural deodorant I’ve used and the only complaint I have is that some days I have to reapply, but that’s minor.
If you’ve experienced any antiperspirant issues or use natural or make your own deodorant let me know down in the comments below, I’d love to hear your story.
Thanks for stopping by!
