Our Step-by-Step Guide to Switching to Natural Deodorant
Having trouble quitting your antiperspirant habit? We feel you. While some people are able to make the switch to natural deodorant easy-peasy, there are others who make the transition only to start using antiperspirant again a week or two later. And it’s totally understandable! They get rashes, they get smelly, they have important events and they just don’t want to spend them worrying about sweat. Unfortunately, every time you dig out that stick of antiperspirant from the back of your medicine cabinet, you’re undoing all the progress you’ve made and making it harder to detox your deodorant once and for all.
It’s time to make a plan and stick with it. You’re going to do it this time! Here’s our step-by-step, no-fail guide to transitioning to natural deodorant.
1. Plan Wisely
It takes about 3 to 4 weeks for your body to get in a good groove with natural deodorant and the path to get you to that point…well, it’s kind of damp and rank. It will be worth it, but you should plan accordingly. If you’re going to be the maid of honor in your BFF’s wedding ceremony next weekend, maybe now isn’t the best time to switch to natural deodorant. Check your calendar and make sure you don’t have any big plans coming up that will make you feel tempted to grab your old antiperspirant.
2. Detox
Antiperspirant works by clogging the pores in your armpits, preventing them from sweating. Naturally, when you first start using non-toxic deodorant, your body goes into overdrive because it can finally sweat again like nature intended! A detox mask (we love Megababe Happy Pits Underarm Mask) will pull out all those toxins and impurities to help your body find balance faster.
3. Choose the Right Natural Deodorant
Depending on your perspective, this is either the hardest part or the best part! There are so many options out there these days, with different active ingredients, benefits, and scents. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to steer clear of natural deodorants that contain baking soda, as it can cause irritation and rashes. Check out our favorite non-toxic deodorants.
4. Clean Well
Use a dry brush to gently exfoliate your underarm area and cleanse with a charcoal bar soap, which will continue where your detox mask left off and help draw out impurities from your pores. When you get out of the shower, dry your armpits well before applying natural deodorant. Remember, natural deodorants are usually oil-based and oil and water don’t mix! If you apply it to wet skin, it’s not going to do you much good.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s going to get worse before it gets better. Expect to sweat and have some BO during the detox period. While a detox mask will help speed up the process, it’s still a journey! Your pits have been clogged with aluminum for years, so be patient with them as they purge. It might not be pretty, but it is necessary.
6. Troubleshoot
If you switch to a deodorant that contains baking soda and notice redness or dryness, spray a little apple cider vinegar on your armpits before you apply your deodorant each morning to balance your skin’s pH. Still experiencing irritation? Switch to a different type of deodorant. Never continue to use a natural deodorant that is causing a painful rash—broken skin leaves you susceptible to infection. For many people, it takes a few purchases to find the right product for their needs. Remember, every body has its own unique microbiome, so that deodorant your sister swears by might do absolutely nothing for you.
Your pits have been clogged with aluminum for years, so be patient with them as they purge. It might not be pretty, but it is necessary.
More About Switching to Natural Deodorant
We’re here to help you succeed in transitioning to non-toxic deodorant! Read our frequently asked questions about natural deodorant and take a look at our list of natural deodorants that actually work. Do you have a trick that helped you make the switch? Tag us on Instagram and let us know so we can share with the Maed community.
