Let’s talk about the armpit detox, one of the latest wellness trends. What exactly does it entail, and what you can you expect?
In this post, we'll show you how to do an armpit detox at home, plus helpful tips to get you through the process.
Learn more: Your Guide to Armpit Sweat
What is an Armpit Detox?
An armpit detox is a way to help your body transition tonatural deodorant usage more efficiently. During an armpit detox, you'll clear clogged pores from prior years ofantiperspirant use.
While there are a lot of claims surrounding the benefits of armpit detoxing, many are unsubstantiated.
First, an armpit detox isn’t so much an actual detox, but a deep cleansing treatment. It helps clear pores and remove the sticky buildup of antiperspirant or deodorant from your armpits.
When switching from antiperspirants to natural alternatives, you’ll probably sweat more than usual because your body is adjusting to the lack of active ingredients from antiperspirants.
Long-term use of antiperspirants changes your body’s bacteria, which is why you stink more once you stop using them. You may also experience rashes and excessive odor while transitioning, which is totally normal.
What Are the Benefits to Armpit Detoxing?
Undergoing an armpit detox can help:
- Eliminate odor-causing bacteria
- Make your armpit skin softer and smoother
- Increase the effectiveness of natural deodorant by rebalancing the body’s natural bacterial flora faster
- Be helpful for people who havebromhidrosis or excessive body odor
- Reduce irritation from ingredients in natural deodorants like baking soda and cornstarch.
Armpit Detox False Claims
Tread carefully, and don’t believe everything you see or hear about armpit detoxing. Here are a couple of claims that don’t stand up to closer scrutiny.
“Armpit detoxing pulls toxins from the skin, sweat glands and lymph nodes.” This is false. Only your liver, kidneys and natural elimination processes detox your body from toxins. An armpit detox may help remove surface product buildup in the underarms but will not leach toxins from other parts of the body.
“Avoiding antiperspirant use reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.” This is also false. Research at the National Cancer Institute has found no conclusive evidence linking antiperspirants or deodorants to breast cancer.
How to Detox Your Armpits
Here’s a simple armpit detox mask recipe you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay (available at health food stores or online)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- 1-2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Mix the bentonite clay and water until you reach a yogurt-like consistency.
- Spread an even layer on your armpits and let it sit for 5-15 minutes.
- Wash off the mask in the shower or with a warm, wet washcloth.
Note: Both ACV and bentonite clay can irritate sensitive skin. If you experience severe stinging, burning or redness, remove the mask immediately.
Apply the mask daily or as needed during the armpit detox process.
Other Armpit Detox Tips
In addition to using an armpit detox mask, try these tips to reduce underarm sweat and odor. Your new deodorant will be even more effective, and you’ll feel comfortable and confident too.
- Wash and exfoliate with all-natural antibacterial soap and look for odor- and bacteria-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil, oregano, peppermint and eucalyptus.
- Dry off thoroughly after bathing to keep bacteria at bay and eliminate excess moisture from your body, especially your armpits.
- Wear the right clothes and opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool or silk to keep you cool and comfortable. For extra protection against sweat stains and odor, add a sweat proof Thompson Tee for an instant confidence boost.
- Keep your clothes clean - being diligent about getting the sweat smell out of your clothes will help you feel good through the detox process.
- Drink plenty of water or green tea, and eat mindfully. Opt for foods that ease digestion and stress, such as fruits and non-sulfurous vegetables. Avoid spicy foods, processed foods, sulfurous veggies, and caffeine and alcohol.
To best ease the transition to natural deodorant or mitigate the amount of chemicals you’re applying to your underarms, wear a sweat proof undershirt, like a Thompson Tee.
Thompson Tee’s patented underarm Hydro-Shield technology traps heat and moisture, so sweat evaporates rather than seeping through your clothes and staining your outer layers. Thompson Tees offer a natural line of defense against heavy sweating and stains.
Don’t sweat it! Try a Thompson Tee for men or women risk-free today.
FAQs
“Armpit detoxing pulls toxins from the skin, sweat glands and lymph nodes.” This is false. Only your liver, kidneys and natural elimination processes detox your body from toxins. An armpit detox may help remove surface product buildup in the underarms but will not leach toxins from other parts of the body.
How to do an armpit detox DIY? ›
For example, one tablespoon bentonite clay, activated charcoal or baking soda, as each help detox the armpit — or one teaspoon of all three. Then add one to two teaspoons water and one teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Mix all ingredients together into a paste, then apply the mask to your pits generously.
How to reset armpit bacteria? ›
The following suggestions may help:
- Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
- Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
- Try relaxation techniques. ...
- Change your diet.
Underarm odour can be an embarrassing problem, but there are natural remedies that can help to combat it. By keeping your underarms clean, using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice, wearing natural fibers, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet, you can get rid of underarm odour naturally.
Is detoxing your armpits a real thing? ›
A person's body does not “detox” via the armpits. The liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, and spleen filter toxins that enter the body. Sweat, urine, and feces eliminate toxins as well. The skin does not typically filter toxins, as armpit detox proponents claim.
How long does it take to fully detox your armpits? ›
Well, how long it takes for a natural deodorant to feel as though it is working differs from person to person. it can take up to 30-days for your body to learn to sweat naturally and regulate itself again. You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks.
What is the best natural detox for armpits? ›
Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.
Does baking soda detox armpits? ›
Baking soda is a natural deodourizer that can help to neutralize underarm odour. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to your underarms and let it sit for a few minutes before you rinse off. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria that cause underarm odour.
Does apple cider vinegar help with smelly armpits? ›
"Apple cider vinegar is a great natural underarm deodorant," says Georgianna Donadio, PhD. She suggests applying it directly to your armpits to kill body odor.
What kills armpit bacteria? ›
Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. The acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria. Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
Improper cleaning of your body — especially in the underarm area — when showering could lead to lingering bacteria, which leads to the smelly sweat even after you could've sworn you lathered up sufficiently.
How do you know if you have a bacterial infection in armpits? ›
Trichomycosis axillaris is a superficial bacterial infection of underarm hair. The disease is characterised by yellow, black or red granular nodules or concretions that stick to the hair shaft.
How do I know if I smell bad? ›
Go take a shower, watch TV, read a book for a while. Then, collect the clothes and give them the sniff test, especially around the pit area and anywhere you sweat profusely. If you find an odor that is unpleasant, that might be an indicator that you have a body odor problem that is leaching into your clothing.
Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene? ›
Stress, certain medications, and alcohol use can also cause you to sweat more than usual. If you're still looking for a cause, look at your diet. Certain foods can change the way you smell. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower produce gas.
Can I leave apple cider vinegar on my armpits overnight? ›
Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits. The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight.
Should I use armpit detox before or after shaving? ›
It is best to avoid shaving directly before applying The Armpit Detox. If possible, it would also be advisable to avoid shaving during the course of the 7-14 days you may also be using to minimise the chance of any additional irritation as well.
What happens when you switch to aluminum free deodorant? ›
Your body odor is probably going to smell different, and potentially stronger, than what you're used to. That's because your body is simultaneously purging its sweat glands and recalibrating the balance of microscopic organisms that live on your skin. It's establishing a new normal.
Why do my armpits stink even after I shower? ›
Interestingly, sweat is not the cause of body odor. Bacteria is. So, smelly armpits can occur with and without sweat. The odor occurs due to the action of specific bacteria that are optimized in damp skin folds and from perturbations in the skin barrier function often linked to skin pH imbalance.
Why do I still smell of bo after a shower? ›
If you still smell a strong body odor after a shower, consider shaving the hair in your armpits, groin, and chest. The hair's surface is a perfect place for bacteria to call home, and it's harder to eliminate them from the hair than your bare skin.
