2 Easy DIY Deodorants For Healthy Happy Pits!
~ Jodie Lea Cleave
Dear Armpits,
Why must you smell?
Have you seen the commercial where women are writing love letters to their armpits? At first I rolled my eyes and tut, tut, tutted, but then I got to thinking how we do kind of forget the armpits and treat them as though they’re the embarrassing Uncle of the body. 😉
The truth is, your armpits, like all the parts of your body, have an important role to play in your health and vitality. You should be showing them some lovin’! Keep reading to discover the why and the how of it.
Why Do My Armpits Smell?
Your pits are a powerhouse of activity and perform vital functions. Housing more than 20 lymph nodes, your pits are a major link to your immune system. Â Your sweat glands emit pheromones and hormones that work like a dating service, helping you to locate a mate that has a different genetic profile, ensuring a good blend for robust and strong offspring.
Recent skin mapping research is discovering the diversity of complex microbiome communities that populate different areas of our skin and have found that the pits are an oasis of friendly bacteria. Just as you’re aware of the microbiome in your gut, it’s important for you to understand you also have a system on your skin performing all sorts of functions to keep you healthy.
Well, that’s until you started to wash it all off and plug it all up with antiperspirants, filled with all sorts of crazy carcinogenic chemicals. You may have heard that the sweat and pheromones you emit are virtually odorless. It’s only when the bacteria on your skin start feasting that you notice a bit of an odor. I won’t tell you what you’re really smelling. I’ll just say that all organisms consume and eliminate!
It’s not my intention to get you all bent out of shape and freaking about those little pooping machines. We would be in a pickle without them. And I don’t mean for you to go all sanitation mode and wage war on your pits. That’s exactly what got you stuck in the merry-go-round of spray, stink, more spray, more stink conundrum you find yourselves in today.
How Do I Stop My Armpits From Smelling?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again because it’s the truth, skin care has been made way over complicated. I’m here to make it simple again. So with that in mind, let’s get to the pantry and cook up a batch or two of DIY deodorant. There are loads of resources online for how to make up your own homemade, natural deodorant, and this website lists about 15 natural deodorant recipes you can try.
The quickest and easiest way to sort your pits is to simply apply a puff of baking soda or a swipe of coconut oil but for those of you who want more, these recipes are fantastic!
Wellness Mamma Deodorant Recipe 1
Ingredients
- 3 T Coconut Oil
- 3 T Baking Soda
- 2 T Shea Butter
- 2 T Arrowroot (optional)
- Essential Oils (optional)
Directions:
- Combine the coconut oil and Shea butter in a quart size glass mason jar with a lid
- Place the jar in a small saucepan of water and heat until melted.
- Remove from heat and add baking soda and arrowroot (If you don’t have arrowroot, use more baking soda)
- Mix well
- Add essential oils and let cool. It doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge.
And here’s a version you don’t have to cook:
Natural Deodorant Recipe #2
Ingredients:
- 6 T coconut oil
- 1/4 cup (4 T) baking soda
- 1/4 cup (4 T) arrowroot or cornstarch
- essential oils (optional)
Directions:
- Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a medium sized bowl.
- Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed.
- Add oils if desired.
Store in a small glass jar or old deodorant container for easy use.
Here’s to happy, healthy pits!!!
Smooch! x
***
Jodie Lea Cleave is our Authentic Beauty Director, inspiring women to step away from conventional, chemical-drenched notions of beauty and remember that the most beautiful thing you can be, is YOU!
She shares regular recipes, interviews and inspiration to support your adventures in simple, natural and empowering self-care. She can’t wait to see your gorgeous face on the Authentic Beauty Facebook Page!