Real talk: there can be a transition period when you make the switch from antiperspirant deodorant to aluminum-free deodorant. And with social distancing, there’s never been a more perfect time to make the switch (you know, in case you smell). But what should you expect? And how long does the detox last?
Our friends at female-founded clean deodorant brand Curie shared some information on the subject, which we’ve broken down below.
Antiperspirants are designed to clog your pores, preventing your body’s natural reaction to staying in motion, which is to sweat. During the detox process, your glands release all the old toxins (including aluminum), which can cause irritation, redness, or even a rash.
At the same time, your body is adjusting its pH levels in response to the sweat that it’s allowing itself to release. As a reminder, it’s good to sweat! Sweating allows your body to regulate its temperature and clean itself from the inside out. Once you correct the bacterial imbalances in your armpits, your sweat should smell less unpleasant and your clean deodorant will be much more effective.
If you produce more sweat, your armpits may have higher friction which can cause redness. This is normal and only occurs during the time it takes your sweat glands to adjust to their new, natural perspiration cycle.
Baking soda is a key ingredient in virtually all clean stick deodorants for its antibacterial properties. However, as your pits unclog and detox, your sweat may temporarily become more acidic. As a result, irritation can sometimes occur while you adjust to the baking soda found in natural deodorants. If you’re concerned about the potential for a reaction, get baking soda-free deodorant!
The good news is, it only takes most people 5–10 days to transition and for some no time at all. Every person is different, but you may notice yourself sweating a bit more and not smelling your best during this period. And if you experience irritation from the switch, your healing time can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Hang in there, it's worth it.
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