Let’s talk about the armpit detox, one of the latest wellness trends. What exactly does it entail, and what you can you expect?
In this post, we'll show you how to do an armpit detox at home, plus helpful tips to get you through the process.
Learn more: Your Guide to Armpit Sweat
What is an Armpit Detox?
An armpit detox is a way to help your body transition tonatural deodorant usage more efficiently. During an armpit detox, you'll clear clogged pores from prior years ofantiperspirant use.
While there are a lot of claims surrounding the benefits of armpit detoxing, many are unsubstantiated.
First, an armpit detox isn’t so much an actual detox, but a deep cleansing treatment. It helps clear pores and remove the sticky buildup of antiperspirant or deodorant from your armpits.
When switching from antiperspirants to natural alternatives, you’ll probably sweat more than usual because your body is adjusting to the lack of active ingredients from antiperspirants.
Long-term use of antiperspirants changes your body’s bacteria, which is why you stink more once you stop using them. You may also experience rashes and excessive odor while transitioning, which is totally normal.
What Are the Benefits to Armpit Detoxing?
Undergoing an armpit detox can help:
- Eliminate odor-causing bacteria
- Make your armpit skin softer and smoother
- Increase the effectiveness of natural deodorant by rebalancing the body’s natural bacterial flora faster
- Be helpful for people who havebromhidrosis or excessive body odor
- Reduce irritation from ingredients in natural deodorants like baking soda and cornstarch.
Armpit Detox False Claims
Tread carefully, and don’t believe everything you see or hear about armpit detoxing. Here are a couple of claims that don’t stand up to closer scrutiny.
“Armpit detoxing pulls toxins from the skin, sweat glands and lymph nodes.” This is false. Only your liver, kidneys and natural elimination processes detox your body from toxins. An armpit detox may help remove surface product buildup in the underarms but will not leach toxins from other parts of the body.
“Avoiding antiperspirant use reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.” This is also false. Research at the National Cancer Institute has found no conclusive evidence linking antiperspirants or deodorants to breast cancer.
How to Detox Your Armpits
Here’s a simple armpit detox mask recipe you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay (available at health food stores or online)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- 1-2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Mix the bentonite clay and water until you reach a yogurt-like consistency.
- Spread an even layer on your armpits and let it sit for 5-15 minutes.
- Wash off the mask in the shower or with a warm, wet washcloth.
Note: Both ACV and bentonite clay can irritate sensitive skin. If you experience severe stinging, burning or redness, remove the mask immediately.
Apply the mask daily or as needed during the armpit detox process.
Other Armpit Detox Tips
In addition to using an armpit detox mask, try these tips to reduce underarm sweat and odor. Your new deodorant will be even more effective, and you’ll feel comfortable and confident too.
- Wash and exfoliate with all-natural antibacterial soap and look for odor- and bacteria-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil, oregano, peppermint and eucalyptus.
- Dry off thoroughly after bathing to keep bacteria at bay and eliminate excess moisture from your body, especially your armpits.
- Wear the right clothes and opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool or silk to keep you cool and comfortable. For extra protection against sweat stains and odor, add a sweat proof Thompson Tee for an instant confidence boost.
- Keep your clothes clean - being diligent about getting the sweat smell out of your clothes will help you feel good through the detox process.
- Drink plenty of water or green tea, and eat mindfully. Opt for foods that ease digestion and stress, such as fruits and non-sulfurous vegetables. Avoid spicy foods, processed foods, sulfurous veggies, and caffeine and alcohol.
To best ease the transition to natural deodorant or mitigate the amount of chemicals you’re applying to your underarms, wear a sweat proof undershirt, like a Thompson Tee.
Thompson Tee’s patented underarm Hydro-Shield technology traps heat and moisture, so sweat evaporates rather than seeping through your clothes and staining your outer layers. Thompson Tees offer a natural line of defense against heavy sweating and stains.
Don’t sweat it! Try a Thompson Tee for men or women risk-free today.
FAQs
An armpit detox is a way to help your body transition to natural deodorant usage more efficiently. During an armpit detox, you'll clear clogged pores from prior years of antiperspirant use. While there are a lot of claims surrounding the benefits of armpit detoxing, many are unsubstantiated.
How does armpit detox work? ›
Most often it's performed by applying a mask to your armpits, letting it dry, and then removing it with soap and water. This gives the ingredients time to “soak up” unwanted bacteria and other ingredients from your armpits, potentially leaving behind smoother, less odor-producing skin.
Should I use armpit detox before or after shaving? ›
It is best to avoid shaving directly before applying The Armpit Detox. If possible, it would also be advisable to avoid shaving during the course of the 7-14 days you may also be using to minimise the chance of any additional irritation as well.
How to reset armpit bacteria? ›
Personal hygiene and lifestyle
- Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. ...
- Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. ...
- Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton.
Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits. The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight.
Is the armpit detox legit? ›
From removing “cancer-causing toxins” to draining lymph nodes, some armpit detox articles make bold, unproven claims. But can you actually remove toxins through the skin? “All of these clay products and things that are trying to pull out toxins are really just a myth,” says dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal.
Why do I still smell of bo after a shower? ›
The odor occurs due to the action of specific bacteria that are optimized in damp skin folds and from perturbations in the skin barrier function often linked to skin pH imbalance.
How do you unclog underarm pores? ›
"You can use apple cider vinegar, water, and baking soda," says Burnes. ACV and charcoal: To soak up even more of the gunk in your armpit pores, Burnes says you can use the three ingredients above with some charcoal.
How many days does it take to detox from deodorant? ›
A deodorant detox phase typically lasts anywhere from a week up to a month, and during that time period you may experience: Increased armpit sweating. Increased body odor. Rash-like bumps in your armpits.
How to remove underarm odor permanently naturally? ›
By keeping your underarms clean, using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice, wearing natural fibers, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet, you can get rid of underarm odour naturally. Give these natural remedies a try and see what works best for you.
When the sweat from your glands meets the bacteria on your skin, it breaks down into products called thioalcohols. The thioalcohols give off a strong, often sulfurous scent that can also be comparable to onions or meat. Genetics plays a role in how many thioalcohols your body produces.
How to stop bo smell? ›
Do
- wash your armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap and dry thoroughly.
- shave your armpits regularly.
- use antiperspirants and deodorants.
- change and wash your clothes regularly.
- wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk.
- wear antibacterial socks.
The bottom line. Due to its odor-fighting properties, baking soda may be able to combat underarm odor. However, baking soda isn't designed for the skin. It's much more alkaline than your skin, which could disrupt your skin's natural pH balance.
What diseases can cause bad body odor? ›
You may need to call your doctor if an odd odor sticks around. A urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder inflammation, and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can trigger unusual smells. So can metabolic disorders, diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes), and gastrointestinal-bladder fistulas.
How to deep clean your armpits? ›
How to detox your armpit in 3 steps
- Step 1: Gather what you need. Grab a bowl, your apple cider vinegar, and water. ...
- Step 2: Mix it up. Add a tablespoon of the powder, 1/2 teaspoon of water, and 1/2 teaspoon ACV. ...
- Step 3: Wait, then wash. After 4–6 minutes, gently wash the paste off with warm water and a washcloth.
ACV's antibacterial properties will prevent bacteria from growing on your skin and will neutralize any odor-causing bacteria, keeping you smelling clean and fresh. If you're doing an armpit detox or are naturally a smellier person, try using apple cider vinegar to get rid of body odor in your shower routine.
What happens when you switch to aluminum free deodorant? ›
Your body odor is probably going to smell different, and potentially stronger, than what you're used to. That's because your body is simultaneously purging its sweat glands and recalibrating the balance of microscopic organisms that live on your skin. It's establishing a new normal.
How does armpit smell work? ›
When the sweat from your glands meets the bacteria on your skin, it breaks down into products called thioalcohols. The thioalcohols give off a strong, often sulfurous scent that can also be comparable to onions or meat. Genetics plays a role in how many thioalcohols your body produces.
How do you drain armpit fat? ›
Cardio and Weights to Tone Underarms
- Pushup.
- Cat-cow.
- Downward-facing dog.
- Triceps press.
- Triceps extension.
- Chest press.
- Bicep curl.
- Bench dip.
Futher suggests applying soap to each armpit for at least 30 seconds to ensure it's truly eliminating any odor-causing bacteria. For those with underarm hair, be sure to really work the product into the skin to ensure it's penetrating properly, as hair is particularly prone to trapping bacteria.
