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Detox Your Armpits
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Rebecca Smith
If you've used natural deodorant, its like nothing will work if you switch back to conventional deodorant. You need to detox your armpits. There is science to this though, I promise! In a nutshell, there is a significant microbiome shift, with staphy...
Sections
5
 
The Detox
 
Preventing Stank, Step 1: In-Shower
 
Preventing Stank, Step 2: Post-Shower
 
Preventing Stank, Step 3a: Anti-Perspirant
 
Preventing Stank, Step 3b: Deodorant

The Detox

You can either make a paste with Aztect Secret Indian Healing Clay, or use a pre-made paste like the Pacifica Underarm Detox Scrub. Apply to armpits and leave for 20-30 minutes, then rinse. The rinse works great in the shower, and then you can move o...

 
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Mix with water to make a paste, then apply to armpits.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing Face & Body Mask, Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay - 15.5oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
No mixing needed, apply directly to armpits.
Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub - Pacifica | Ulta Beauty
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Preventing Stank, Step 1: In-Shower

Now that you've addressed the microbiome overgrowth, we move to Preventing Stank, Step 1. The genesis of stank is bacteria, so to rid yourself of stank you have to rid yourself of bacteria. This process starts in the shower with an anti-bac soap to p... 

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
Clean those pits and bits in the shower, using an antibac soap.
Dial Advanced Clean Gold Antibacterial Deodorant Bar Soap - 4oz/3ct
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Dove is also a great option for the pits/bits.
Dove Beauty White Deep Moisture Beauty Bar Soap - 4pk - 3.75oz Each: Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Normal to Dry Skin
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Another great option is benzoyl peroxide, which can also help with bacne, buttne, etc.
PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Foaming Wash - 5.5oz
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Preventing Stank, Step 2: Post-Shower

Preventing Stank, Step 2 (in addition to anti-bac soap in the shower) is to apply an acid of some sort when you get out of the shower. Heads up though, if you're applying to a freshly shaved area, its got a half second of burn with application!

 
Rebecca Smith profile picture
My favorite! Its a big bottle that lasts forever.
T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Liquid - 16 fl oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Another cheap option, available pretty much everywhere!
8.0 oz Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
Glycolic acid in stick form for easy application!
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick - The INKEY List | Ulta Beauty
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Preventing Stank, Step 3a: Anti-Perspirant

Preventing Stank, Step 3 is using a good anti-perspirant. Don't even start about the aluminum causing armpit cancer, because it doesn't. Those tales are nothing but charming little internet nightmare fuel. Do yourself (and everyone else around you) a...

 
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My long-standing fave.
Dove Beauty Advanced Care Caring Coconut 72-Hour Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick - 2.6oz
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
A deodorant workhorse.
Mitchum Women's Triple Odor Protection Antiperspirant & Deodorant Gel - Shower Fresh - 3.4oz/2pk: Paraben-Free, Normal Skin Type
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Rebecca Smith profile picture
The golden retriever of deodorants!
Vanicream Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 2.25oz
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Preventing Stank, Step 3b: Deodorant

If you insist on avoiding anti-perspirant regardless of the evidence, do it for skin sensitivity, preference, or reduced staining on clothes. Here are some deodorant-only options, if you insist. I'm looking at you Mom…

 
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The golden retriver at it again, deodorant style.
Vanicream Aluminum-Free Gel Deodorant 2oz
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Bougie but so so nice…
Salt & Stone Aluminum Free Deodorant - Extra Strength 48H
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The counterpart to my favorite anti-perspirant!
Dove Beauty Aluminum-Free Mini Deodorant Stick - Coconut and Pink Jasmine - Travel Size - 0.5oz: Underarm, Invisible Solid, Normal Skin
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