Transitioning to a Natural Deodorant: A Detox Guide - Mioskincare (2024)

Deodorant is something that we apply to our skin every day without even thinking about it – it’s like brushing your teeth. But, have you ever considered transitioning to a natural deodorant? Take a detox from your aluminum-based antiperspirant!

We know that the process of transitioning to a natural deodorant can leave you feeling a bit, well, smelly. But, the truth is you just have to give it some time for your body to adjust. Interested? Keep scrolling to find out more about the difference between a natural deodorant detox vs antiperspirants, what you can expect from our Mio Skincare Pit Proof Natural Deodorantand how our Clay Away Body Cleanser could help support your underarms on your journey to happy, healthy pits.

All it takes is a little patience…

Transitioning to a Natural Deodorant: A Detox Guide - Mioskincare (1)

What’s The Difference Between Deodorant vs Antiperspirants?

First thing’s first, let’s explain the difference between deodorant vs antiperspirant.

  • Deodorants: These are created to get rid of/mask armpit odor, but not perspiration (sweat). When applied, they create an acidic environment on your skin which is less attractive to bacteria. Mio’s nourishing natural deodorant is made with moisture-controlling minerals and sugar shield technology to create a protective layer on your pits while helping to keep you smelling fresh throughout the day.
  • Antiperspirants: These contain aluminum-based active ingredients that temporarily plug pores, stop sweating and keep you dry. Blocking your sweat pores will ultimately reduce the amount of perspiration on your skin.

According to scientific studies, there are concerns that if the skin absorbs these aluminum compounds, they can potentially affect the estrogen receptors of breast cells, leading to breast cancer or even Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is little evidence to prove this so more research is needed.

What is a Natural Deodorant Detox?

A natural deodorant detox or an armpit detox is the process of ‘detoxifying’ your armpits from the generic sweat-preventing aluminum antiperspirants that your body has become used to.

Do You Sweat With Natural Deodorant?

If you’re wondering whether you sweat with natural deodorant, remember that as humans, we are meant to sweat. It’s completely natural and is your body’s way of regulating temperature and detoxifying. So, why would you want to prevent this from working properly?

The reason why whether or not you sweat with natural deodorant shouldn’t be a primary cause for concern is that sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. It is the bacteria that grows on the sweat that causes this odor – sounds gross right? Therefore, when you remove aluminum, your body will release what has been blocked which causes this brief time period of body odor. It’s known as a detox when switching to a natural deodorant. So, when making the switch, don’t be surprised when your body will go into overdrive as it will want to release waste and sweat out the aluminum!

The truth is, it’s not that your natural deodorant isn’t working, your body is working harder. Isn’t that cool?

How Long Does it Take for a Natural Deodorant to Work?

So, what should you expect during your transition to a natural deodorant? Well, how long it takes for a natural deodorant to feel as though it is working differs from person to person. it can take up to 30-days for your body to learn to sweat naturally and regulate itself again.

You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks. This is because your sweat glands are purging and getting rid of all of the built-up bacteria and chemicals that have been trapped whilst you’ve been using antiperspirants. The first 2 weeks are the stage when most people begin to second guess transitioning to a natural deodorant.

But don’t give up! By the third week, you might notice that you’re sweating a little more as your body is working harder to get rid of the last of the bacteria and chemicals. If you’re noticing random patterns during the final 2-weeks of your detox such as not smelling for a whole week and then smelling a little funky for one day, this is completely normal and it is just your body’s way of regulating itself.

Just know that it won’t be like this forever. Although how long it takes for a natural deodorant to work varies, by the 4th week of your of your armpit detox you will start to feel normal again. In fact, you’ll soon notice that you’ll have no odor at all!

How To Make Transitioning to a Natural Deodorant a Little Less… Funky?

Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to make transitioning to a natural deodorant a little less intimidating.

  • Taking Hot Baths:Having a long, hot soak in the tub can speed up the purging phase and will open your pores, encouraging your body to sweat.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothes:During your natural deodorant detox, avoid wearing tight, synthetic clothing as this can trap moisture in your pits and feel uncomfortable. Instead, wear cotton or bamboo clothing with loose sleeves to allow your pits to breathe.
  • Diet: That’s right, your diet, exercise routine, and even stress levels can affect your 30-day armpit detox. Eating foods high in sulfur, red meat and processed foods can make you smell more stinky. Make sure to drink lots of water and consider increasing your workouts which can accelerate your natural deodorant detox.

Products such as clay-based masks can help remove the build-up of antiperspirant and help unplug the pores, draw out impurities in your armpits, and hydrate and soothe any irritated skin, making the adjustment a lot easier.

Transitioning to a Natural Deodorant: A Detox Guide - Mioskincare (2)

Our Clay Away Body Cleanser is a clever 2-in-1 purifying daily body wash that also doubles as a full body mask. Supercharged with plant-based actives including Green Clay, Matcha Tea Extract, Black Willow Bark Extract, and an invigorating fragrance of Eucalyptus essential oil.

As part of your natural deodorant detox, use the mask 1-2 times per week and apply it to your armpits. Leave on for a few minutes, indulge in the reviving fragrance and then rinse off in the shower. Your pits will be left feeling refreshed, purified and deeply cleansed.

There you have it! Give your pits the break they deserve and join the natural crowd- transition to a natural deodorant today!

Your Purifying Bodycare Routine

Want to achieve a radiant, Summer glow? Read everything you need to know about the importance of body exfoliation for silky smooth skin here.

Josie Wilkins

Writer and expert

Josie is an Online Beauty Editor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Her passions involve all things skincare and beauty and in her free time she likes to travel, read and get her beauty sleep.

Transitioning to a Natural Deodorant: A Detox Guide - Mioskincare (2024)

FAQs

Do armpits detox when switching to natural deodorant? ›

What most people don't realize is that your body has to go through a detox period when you give up mainstream deodorants. Yep, you read that right – you have to detox from your deodorant. But it's not as bad as it sounds – we promise!

How long does it take your body to adjust to natural deodorant? ›

Dr. Giuseppe suggests giving your body time to adjust. "It usually takes around three to four weeks for the body to regulate itself post-transition; however, for some people this may be shorter. I would give yourself about a month to experience the symptoms such as excess sweating and bodily moisture," he says.

How do you know when your armpits are detoxing? ›

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.

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 to detox before switching to natural deodorant? ›

Tips to Prepare for Natural Deodorant
  1. Don't Be Afraid to Sweat. The aluminum in our deodorants clogs pores, blocking sweat. ...
  2. Prepare with an Underarm Mask. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Stay Hydrated. ...
  5. Keep Your Clothing Light. ...
  6. Freshen Up with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  7. Be Patient.
Jul 22, 2019

What happens to your body when you switch to natural deodorant? ›

When you switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, your body needs a little detox time. You might sweat a bit more at first, but don't worry! Keep going and soon your armpits will be clean and balanced. After a few weeks, the smell will go away and you won't have to think about the bad stuff in antiperspirants.

Do you smell when detoxing? ›

Body odor from alcohol detox is common. First, someone who is in withdrawal from alcohol will often experience profuse sweating. Sweating naturally leads to body odor, but the profuse sweating for days can produce a more potent odor.

Why did I stop using natural deodorant? ›

Skin Irritation: Ingredients in natural deodorants, particularly high levels of baking soda, can sometimes lead to skin irritation or discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies to specific natural components.

Is it worth switching to natural deodorant? ›

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, conventional antiperspirant deodorants are safe — so there's no need to worry or switch to a natural deodorant on account of your overall health. However, personal preference or ingredient sensitivity may lead you to consider switching to a natural deodorant.

How can I speed up my armpit detox? ›

Antiperspirants may prevent sweating, but they do so by clogging pores and blocking sweat glands with aluminum salts in the process2. A little exercise to break a sweat, and maybe a some time in a sauna, will help speed up the detoxification process as your body re-learns how to control bacteria on its own.

How to draw toxins out of your armpits? ›

To do an underarm detox, use 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay (a natural, detoxifying clay) mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, which has cleansing properties, and 1 teaspoon of water. Apply the paste to your underarms for around 10 minutes daily for a week or more until your underarm odor subsides.

How do you know if your body is in detox mode? ›

5 Signs Your Body is Detoxing
  1. Body Pain. Often felt as physical muscle pain, your body sends signals to your brain to let it know that it needs more of the substance to combat the pain. ...
  2. Anxiety. ...
  3. Fatigue. ...
  4. Cravings. ...
  5. Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea.

How do you wean off aluminum deodorant? ›

Here are some helpful tips from our team to get through the adjustment period and reduce underarm sweat and odor:
  1. Choose a cooler, less humid time of year. ...
  2. Keep it clean. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Wear natural fibers. ...
  5. Drink water. ...
  6. Apply more than once. ...
  7. Give it time.

Do you smell when switching to aluminum free deodorant? ›

You might hear a lot of people say they have to “detox” their armpits when they switch to a natural deodorant. Many of our customers do report experiencing an adjustment period when they switch. During this period, many of them report they smell and / or sweat more than usual.

How long does it take to detox from aluminum deodorant? ›

If you've been using conventional deodorant or antiperspirant for years, it can take 2-4 weeks to detox and release all of the aluminum in your pits that's been preventing you from sweating. During this time, you might notice that you're a little more stinky than usual.

Can detoxing make your armpits smell? ›

It can affect the amount and type of bacteria you'll find under your arms, so you may notice a stronger body odor at first. Many who transition from aluminum deodorant to a natural deodorant turn to a detox to help with the shift, claiming it can help natural deodorant work better.

How many days should you detox your armpits? ›

If you are new to natural deodorant try doing an armpit detox mask a total of 10 times (2-3 times a week). Everyone is different though, and while some people make the transition easily, others can take months or even years to fully detox their armpits since there are so many individual factors involved.

Does not wearing deodorant help detox? ›

Our bodies need to sweat. We sweat to flush out toxins, so if we prevent our bodies from sweating, you can bet our body is having a hard time filtering out all of the toxins. Deodorant use can also lead to issues with the hormone and immune system.

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