SWEAT, BABY, SWEAT

Where does body odor come from?

Just as we take in food, we put out waste – same goes for our skin that sweats to excrete waste. Sweat contains bacterial activity and when it dries on the skin it can produce body odor.

Body odor doesn’t always indicate poor hygiene, it can also result from systemic deficiencies within the body. In women, menstruation and stress often dramatically increases the degree of body odor. When body odor is indicative of a problem from within, detoxifying your body is the answer. People who live a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, sauna, healthy fresh food, plenty of water intake and good nights sleep have tendency to smell better. 

A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior, confirmed that human axillary sweat may provide important information on health status and genetics. The results of this given study showed that a healthy diet produces, overall, more pleasant smelling sweat. Higher levels of carotenoids in sweat, produced by eating more fruits and vegetables, was described as “floral, fruity, sweet or having medicinal qualities.”

 

But if this is not enough..

While most people use the terms antiperspirant and deodorant interchangeably, the two are in fact not the same. Antiperspirants plug the sweat ducts and prevent you from perspiring. Deodorants allow perspiration but block odor by killing the bacteria that cause smell. Sweating is a natural like any other elimination process in our body, so it makes more sense for us to use deodorants.

 

Aluminum – worry or not?

If not producing axillary sweat at all is not weird/scary enough for you, some research analysts say that antiperspirants have impact on the risk of diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. They argue that long-term exposure to aluminium chloride can trigger the development of tumours in breasts, Alzheimer’s Disease, bone disorders, kidney problems.

‘Aluminum-free’ alone may not be enough though, as some aluminum-free deodorants contain chemicals like triclosan and propylene glycol and synthetic fragrancies which are endocrine disruptors and can mess with your hormones.

Aluminium or not, the increasing use of synthetic products on ourselves, around the home and in our wider environment is almost certainly causing some harmful effects and we should try to reduce them wherever possible. 

 

Solution?

If aluminium, perfumes, and other intimidating substances in deodorant are worrisome ingredients for you, look for formulas that consist of essential oils and all natural ingredients. 

Different nut butters, plant oils and sodium bicarbonate have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that keep you smelling fresh for longer without blocking your sweat glands. Starches and clays in natural deodorants can absorb the excess moisture by leaving you feel dry. 

 

You can also try out a simple recipe at home:

• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 4-5 tablespoons coconut oil

Optional: 3-5 drops essential oil(s)

On the stovetop over low heat, melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan. Then add both powder ingredients. After removing from heat, add drops of essential oil(s) to your mixture, continuing to stir. Finally, spoon your mix into a small glass container and allow to cool. 

Use it very little at a time – a pea sized amount for both underarms is enough. Don’t get dressed right away, let it absorb for a few minutes. It will last you long and really works!

 

PS! WE JUST LAUNCED A LIMITED EDITION ‘SENSITIVE DEO’ WITHOUT SODIUM BICARBONATE AND ESSENTIAL OILS. WONDERFUL ALTERNATIVE FOR SENSITIVE SKINS, PREGNANT OR LACTATING WOMEN!