Does our sweat actually stink?
Sweat has got a pretty bad name but remember that our sweat by itself doesn’t stink. It is the combination of bacteria and sweat that creates the problem.
Enough with the technicalities,
How do I solve it?
By using a deodorant and not an antiperspirant.
What’s the difference?
Antiperspirants contain an active ingredient - aluminium salts. These salts produce an insoluble substance that blocks the sweat secretion.
It is good if I don’t sweat, no?
Evaporation of sweat is important for body temperature regulation. Sweat glands also have an excretory function of getting rid of metabolic waste and toxic compounds.
So, how do I make a balanced choice which is eco-friendly, solves my body odour and also doesn’t interfere with my natural processes like sweating in my body?
Spray-on deodorants are a big no no - Believe it or not, they do contribute to air pollution and respiratory disorders. Sounds extreme, but when you use a spray-on deodorant you are releasing toxic chemicals (volatile organic compounds) into the air which are also harmful to human health. The spray on deodorants also contain alcohol which dehydrates the skin and also lead to darkening the skin.
To make a better choice we need to know how deodorants work - Deodorants mask the funky smell with perfume or eliminate them with antimicrobial agents. As we already know, it is the bacteria which is the problem. These antimicrobial agents can be synthetic, like most deodorants in the market. However, plant oils and extracts, essential oils also have antimicrobial activity and do not interfere with your natural sweating process.
Look out for these potentially toxic ingredients in your deodorants:
Triclosan - It is an antimicrobial agent to prevent odour causing bacterial growth. Triclosan can cause skin irritation and disrupt the functioning of our hormone systems and thyroid gland. It also pollutes the water when washed away from our body.
Alcohol - It is used as propellants in aerosol deodorants. It dehydrates the skin and leads to pigmentation and darkening of the skin, specially of the soft thin skin of underarms. It may also cause itching and redness.
Synthetic Fragrances & Phthalates - They are usually undisclosed compounds with numerous potentially toxic ingredients. Synthetic fragrances may cause respiratory disorders and reproductive disorders. Exposure to phthalates and synthetic fragrances may not cause an immediate effect but body may develop allergies and inflammation in long run.
Aluminum & its Salts - It is commonly used ingredient in antiperspirants. Aluminum plugs the sweat glands to stop sweating. It interferes with natural bodily process of sweating and may lead to tumor growth.
Next thing to keep in mind is the packaging - Packaging might seem a trivial issue but is the most essential aspect. An average person uses between 10 - 30 deodorant cans every year, estimating to 9 billion total cans a year. How are these going to be disposed of? They can be recycled but only half of them are being recycled, the remaining 4.5 billion cans end up in a landfill. Opt for recyclable cans and environment-friendly packaging.
Check out our Gingerange and Pepperine organic deodorants which provide you with vegetable butters and oils that keeps you odour free by inhibiting the growth of odour causing bacteria without interfering with bodily functions. It is enriched with vitamin E which keeps the skin nourished along with other oils and butters. The minimal fragrance of the product does not interact in case you wear perfumes later. The long term use of rustic art deodorant balm will help even tone the skin and keep it healthy. It is safe for even teenagers to use.
Do you put your blood, sweat and tears towards achieving your dreams? Now put in your blood, sweat and tears without any odour with Rustic Art's organic deodorants!
