We are supposed to sweat! Sweating is our bodies natural way to cool us down and bring our body temperature as close to 98.6 degrees as possible. Even if it's not hot out or you didn't just finish a workout, your body should still sweat as it burns food and creates heat. I know this is all well and good but in our culture, none of us want to run around with smelly, wet arm pits! What a girl (or guy) to do?
The sweat that the body produces in the under arm area is made up of fats, water, and salt. It has an odor of it's own which is made even more unpleasant as it breaks down and is attacked by bacteria naturally present on the skin. Over the years, in our quest to smell fresh, antiperspirants and deodorants were created with a host of chemicals to block or mask this natural function. Some of those chemicals may be downright dangerous:
1. Aluminum: Antiperspirants rely on aluminum salts (mainly aluminum chloride and aluminum zirconium) to stop sweat. What actually happens is that the aluminum is absorbed into the cells that line the sweat ducts. According to dermatologist Dr. Eric Hanson of the University of North Carolina's Department of Dermatology, "the aluminum ions are taken into the cells that line the eccrine-gland ducts at the opening of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, when the aluminum ions are drawn into the cells, water passes in with them. As more water flows in, the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts closed so that sweat can't get out." Aluminum, one of the most common elements on earth, is a known neurotoxin. Deodorants containing aluminum may get into the blood stream and then into the brain. Although more research is needed, there is a suspected link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. There is also a suspected link between breast cancer and aluminum because these compounds can mimic estrogen hormones.
2. Triclosan: Triclosan is an antimicrobial that is present in many deodorants to kill the bacteria that causes odor. The problems with this ingredient are that it's a suspected endocrine disruptor and carcinogen that accumulates in the body over time. It's also a hazard in the environment as it forms new carcinogenic compounds (including chlorinated dioxins and chloroform) when it gets together with chlorine found in treated water and waste water. The concerns over triclosan have caused the EPA to register it as a pesticide.
3. TEA, DEA and BHT: TEA and DEA adjust PH and BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. They are known hormone disruptors, estrogen mimickers and are either known to cause cancer or create free radicals when the body metabolizes them. TEA and DEA are restricted in Europe because of their cancer-causing effects. The EWG database gives TEA and BHT are a "5" and DEA a "7" for a safety score (with 0 being the lowest risk and 10 being the highest risk).
Other chemicals that should be avoided are talc, propylene glycol, SD alcohol 40 and FD&C colors.
So back to what to look for in a safe deodorant. I think that the best source is to take a look at the deodorants listed on the Environmental Working Groups website. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/antiperspirant;;deodorant/ Here you can look up your current brand and search for ones with a lower hazard score. It's helpful to look for natural and organic brands but beware because even Tom's of Maine has propylene glycol as a main ingredient. Look for these ingredients in safer products: cornstarch, arrowroot, coconut oil, pure essential oils, vodka and baking soda. For a homemade concoction, try swapping apple cider vinegar in your pits to prevent odor. If you do decide to buy a new deodorant I recommend buying the smallest size to make sure it works for you. Deodorants react differently with different body chemistry and one size definitely does not fit all. I've been using Be Green Bath and Body Natural Deodorant for 2 years and it works great for me. It comes in a stick and in warmer weather is more like a putty as some of the ingredients soften. It can be used softened or refrigerated to maintain the harder consistency. You can purchase it at www.begreenbathandbody.com.
Happy odor -free summer!
"Nourish your skin safely." ™
