Sweating is a natural part of life, and it is a necessary bodily function. It is the body’s way of regulating core temperature. The unfortunate reality is that with sweating comes a certain type of stink. This is where deodorant enters the equation. Everybody needs deodorant, even if some people don’t want to admit it. Deodorant is an everyday hygiene product that keeps you smelling fresh.
Interestingly enough, though, sweat isn’t the main cause of body odor. When sweat combines with the bacteria that already exist on the skin, you smell an unpleasant aroma. The body has two primary sweat glands: eccrine sweat glands and apocrine sweat glands. Eccrine glands secrete fluid onto the skin’s surface, while apocrine glands, which develop in areas with hair follicles, secrete fluid that is odorless until it mixes with bacteria on the skin. How do you stop the stench, especially with natural deodorant? Continue reading to find out.
Baking Soda
Baking soda works to absorb odors, which is why people leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge if there’s a bad smell. Due to the ability to absorb odors, baking soda has become a popular ingredient in homemade deodorants and other beauty products. The reported benefits of baking soda as a deodorant are merely anecdotal, though. One study, however, suggests that the antimicrobial benefits of baking soda may be the reason it fights off odors and bacteria in the armpits. The pros of using a homemade deodorant with baking soda is that it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that are in most deodorants. Some of these chemicals include parabens, aluminum, artificial colors, and triclosan. Not all of these are endocrine disruptors, but some of them are.
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
The beauty of this essential oil is that it smells like a milder version of citronella. Not only does it make you smell amazing, but it may also help you repel mosquitos! That last part may not be true, by the way. You get the sweet, enchanting aroma of eucalyptus and the refreshing natural citrus scent from the lemon. It helps to leave your skin cool and fresh, and the great part is that it is gender neutral. Should you want a different scent, though, you can change the essential oil to one that you prefer.
Coconut Oil
It seems that coconut oil ends up in all sorts of DIY beauty products, and for good reason. The theory behind adding coconut oil to this DIY deodorant is that it has antibacterial properties, which may fight off odor-causing bacteria. Now, if you go to a spin class, coconut oil alone will not protect you from odor. Some experts argue that coconut oil may not be the best ingredient for homemade deodorant. The reason for this is because it is a thicker oil, which may not allow your sweat glands to breathe. Additionally, it may melt down your armpits because it has a low viscosity at body temperature.
DIY Deodorant For Summer
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients, except the essential oil, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is melted and well-combined.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat source and allow it to cool off four about a minute.
- Carefully pour the melted mixture into a glass jar and then add the essential oils. Stir with a wooden utensil to combine.
- Allow it to cool completely until it forms a creamy consistency, and then you can screw the top of the jar on. Store in a cool, dark place and it will last for up to three months.
- To use, scoop a pea-sized amount with your fingertip and apply under your armpit. Make sure your fingers are dry.
