What to expect when switching to natural deodorant balm?

People reading this article are probably considering switching from a conventional deodorant to a natural deodorant balm. Aesthetically pleasing packaging in adverts, along with the promises of manufacturers, are a temptation to give it a go. However, it may not be enough to be sure whether it’s the right decision.

Why switch to natural deodorant?

Many may already be aware of how traditional deodorants can be bad for the skin, as well as the environment. Although some people may think they are a great way to deal with excess sweat and bad odour, this is really not the case in the long run.

Traditional deodorants contain lots of ingredients that can be harmful to the skin, such as fragrance, mineral oil, aluminium, phthalates and talc. They can lead to chronic health conditions over time like cancer, allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances and respiratory irritation.

Another thing to note is that conventional deodorants contain aluminium, which can leave a yellowish stain on your clothes. It’s a common misconception that sweat itself is the main cause of such stains.

Natural deodorant balm contains organic ingredients that are actually really healthy for the skin. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the skin may take two to four weeks to adapt. Instead of assuming that natural deodorant is not working, it’s important to be patient and trust the process.

What should be expected when switching to a natural deodorant balm?

When switching from a conventional deodorant to a natural one, you should expect the following:

Expect to sweat

As conventional antiperspirant deodorants contain aluminium, they can block the pores and hold in all the harmful toxins in the body to prevent it from sweating.

Once you switch to a natural deodorant balm, you may feel like you’re excessively sweating – but you should keep in mind that this is only your body’s way of detoxifying it from all the harmful toxins that might have accumulated over the years.

However, within three weeks, you should feel that your body has started producing minimal sweat without the aid of harmful ingredients. During this time period, you can also wear natural and breathable clothing like cotton and linen which can help you get through the process.

You should also look for natural deodorant balms that contain arrowroot powder or cornstarch, as they can also help with sweating.

Expect to smell

As natural deodorant balms aren’t formulated with aluminium to help you deal with sweat right away, this may give rise to bacteria and you may worry your armpits are smelly.

However, this will also subside after around three weeks. Till then, you can use a natural antibacterial soap or a travel-sized deodorant to ease the impact of detoxification. Hot baths can also help by opening up your pores and speeding up the process.

Expect to get an allergic reaction

Natural deodorants usually contain baking soda to help with bad odour. As baking soda has a high PH level, it may leave a rash or cause redness on your skin.

However, this is not something that occurs with everyone: while some may get an allergic reaction, others may not. Generally, an allergic reaction is more likely to happen when a deodorant contains high levels of baking soda.

Therefore, it’s better to opt for a balm that has a lower levels of baking soda.

Expect a change in texture during application

If you are used to the smooth application of conventional deodorants, the application of natural deodorant balm may feel extra dry and rough by comparison. This is becuase it usually contains beeswax.

In order to improve the application, you can try dampening your armpits first, or you can apply it on your skin slowly to allow your body heat to soften it so it glides more smoothly onto your skin.

Final advice – do not stop using it 

Even if someone feels natural deodorant balm is not working for them anymore, or they still are sweating and think that they smell in the first few weeks, they should not stop using it.

People should remember that all the toxins that have accumulated in the body over an extended period of time due to using conventional deodorants will take time to detoxify.

Once the natural deodorant balm helps detoxify the body, it will then be possible to start reaping all the long-term benefits to the skin. The natural ingredients present in natural deodorant such as shea butter, pure essential oils, mineral salt and coconut oil will not only make the armpits smell fresh over time but also protect them from any further damage. Therefore, patience is key.

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