Natural deodorants manage odor and wetness, without blocking pores. If you’ve been using an aluminum-based antiperspirant or a deodorant that has a synthetic fragrance, allow up to 30 days or four weeks for pores to clear and bacteria levels under your arms to re-balance before reaching a verdict on the effectiveness of an aluminum-free formula! Your body needs time to detox. Find out what to expect as you make the switch to natural deodorant.
1st Week Using Natural Deodorant
You may not notice significant difference in odor or sweat production during the first few days of using a natural formula. Products that contain aluminum plug pores to stop sweating. As skin cells turn over, levels of odor-causing bacteria will temporarily increase. Promote renewal by gently rubbing underarms with a body sponge or washcloth while bathing. A gentle clay mask or skin detox treatment can also be helpful for unclogging pores. Pat yourself on the back for taking the first step toward using natural self care products.
2nd Week In
Former antiperspirant users will probably experience a temporary spike in the level of odor-causing bacteria in the second week after starting to use a natural deodorant. Hug Me is formulated with probiotics to balance bacteria levels. Continue applying natural deodorant every day, as you’re already halfway through the detoxification process. You got this!
3rd Week Going Strong
By the third week, your underarm microbiome should be more balanced. If you’re used to complete dryness from antiperspirant, this is a good opportunity to get accustomed to the presence of some moisture under arms as part of your body’s natural cooling mechanism. It may be helpful to wear clothing made of breathable fibers. A natural deodorant containing non-talc powder absorbs sweat. The blend of baking soda and cornstarch in Hug Me work together to keep you dry.
4th Week: You Made It!
After a full month of use, your skin cells should have turned over. Congrats! The duration and intensity of this transitional period depends on whether you were using aluminum-based antiperspirant. Once the detoxification process is complete, a few swipes of natural deodorant should be sufficient to control odors all day long. If you shave your armpits, do so in the evening and apply deodorant in the morning to avoid any irritation.
Helpful Tips During the Detox
Support skin cell turnover by drinking plenty of water. Eat green, leafy vegetables and foods that contain healthy fats and high levels of fiber. If you struggle with odor, consider limiting your intake of alcohol, fatty foods and red meat during the second and third weeks. You may also want to temporarily eat fewer sulfurous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic and onions to make switching to a fragrance-free product easier.
Using a natural product in place of an aluminum-based antiperspirant or deodorant containing artificial fragrances enables your body to normalize odor and moisture levels. Keep in mind that the increase in odor-causing bacteria during the second to third week indicates that detoxification is underway. By the fourth week, you should have a better sense of the effectiveness of natural deodorant. Hugs from us to you!
