references
International Hyperhidrosis Society: “Antiperspirant Basics”
National Cancer Institute: “Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer”
PeerJ: “The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome”
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
It's a myth that switching to natural deodorant requires an "armpit detox."
Image Credit: Prostock-Studio/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: Prostock-Studio/iStock/GettyImages
There’s no reason to try an armpit detox — aka using an underarm clay mask — unless you find it particularly soothing, Dr. Allawh says. The aluminum in traditional antiperspirant does plug sweat glands, but it gradually washes out of skin after 24 hours, so it’s not like your skin is holding in a bunch of “stuff” that it’s just waiting to release.
The aluminum in traditional antiperspirant does plug sweat glands, but it gradually washes out of skin after 24 hours, so it’s not like your skin is holding in a bunch of “stuff” that it’s just waiting to release.
"Natural" can mean a lot of different things, so make sure to read ingredient labels on any products before trying them.
Image Credit: ShotShare/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: ShotShare/iStock/GettyImages
If you have major issues with sweating that deodorant or antiperspirant can’t address, talk to your dermatologist. “There are oral medications, as well as Botox, that can be helpful for excessive sweating,” Dr. Allawh says.
International Hyperhidrosis Society: “Antiperspirant Basics”
National Cancer Institute: “Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer”
PeerJ: “The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome”
