Why Your Natural Deodorant Isn’t Working?
You made a conscious decision to switch up your deodorant and opt for a natural one. But you’re surprised to find that it doesn’t work and doesn’t produce the results you were hoping for. Here are some tips to make sure your natural deodorant works for you.
Detox Your Armpits
This may be one of the weirdest things you’ll ever do in your life, but in order to get the best results from your natural deodorant, you need to detox your underarms. This can take up to 1-2 weeks. Transitioning from traditional to natural deodorant requires this time to allow the skin to clear out all the chemicals and toxins that were previously trapped in the body. It’s completely normal to notice more sweat and odor initially, and after the detox you’ll find your body naturally balances out. Then you can use your natural deodorant with confidence that it will keep you dry and smelling great!
Use the Right Amount
Goldilocks had it right: not too much, not too little, just right! Since natural deodorants have a slight stigma about not working properly, you may be tempted to use too much product. This can actually have a negative impact on you because the excess product won’t be absorbed well and will remain on the skin, causing the bacteria in your armpits to react and ultimately give off an odor. Follow the instructions on the label regarding the best amount to use and you’ll be totally fine!
Application of Deodorant Cream
Natural deodorants are great, healthy to use, and they work great, but they require more work than just a quick wipe and wipe. After showering, make sure your armpits are completely dry. Residual moisture and damp skin can affect the absorption of the product into your skin, so it won’t work for you in the end! It may be a little irritating, but rubbing the product into your underarms until it’s fully absorbed can also increase the effectiveness of your deodorant! Don’t forget to wash your hands after using the product to prevent bacteria and dirt from getting into the jar!
Rotate
Understandably, it may seem like a waste of time, but switching up your natural deodorant will benefit you in the long run. With natural products like essential oils, your skin will most likely get used to the ingredients, so your natural deodorant won’t work as well anymore. For example, if you use two deodorants with different ingredients, make sure they are effective and that your skin isn’t “used to” the products.
Wear natural fibers
Another reason why deodorant doesn’t work could be the clothes you wear. Maybe you haven’t thought about it, but our armpits are constantly in contact with the fabric of the clothes we wear. Not surprisingly, the natural fibers in your tops can actually cause you to sweat more, so your deodorant won’t work as intended. When you wear natural fibers like cotton, your skin can breathe, so you won’t sweat as much! If you don’t want to wear clothes made of natural fibers, choose loose-fitting tops, especially around your arms and armpits.
Lifestyle
Whether it’s panic before an important meeting or nervousness on a first date, all of these lifestyle factors can cause natural deodorant to not work as well as it should. This is completely normal and can’t be changed or stopped. But there are things you can do to help if you need to. For example, carry deodorant with you and reapply whenever possible. Don’t forget to wash your armpits to best prevent sweating. You can also bring a replacement top or even perfume to mask any odor.
Skin sensitivity
Natural deodorants are undoubtedly the best choice for underarm use, but some people experience skin sensitivity due to the baking soda in the product. This could be because you applied deodorant shortly after shaving and got razor burn! Waiting about 10 minutes after shaving and applying deodorant can prevent this from happening. This gives your skin time to calm down naturally without causing any irritation and skin sensitivity.
Your DNA
You found a natural deodorant that you absolutely love, but you realize that you don’t like it very much. This could be due to the ingredients and essential oils it contains. These are great deodorants, but the problem is that your body doesn’t react well to them. For example, lavender might be one of your favorite scents, but unfortunately it doesn’t work for your body! Instead, try some other products with different essential oils and ingredients. You will undoubtedly find one that works better for your body.
Your Diet
The last reason why deodorant doesn’t work could be a change in your eating habits. Foods like curry and garlic are very strong in smell and can give off a smell after sweating. If you’ve noticed this and you’ve been eating a lot of these foods lately, this could be the reason why your deodorant doesn’t work.
Here are some reasons why natural deodorants don’t work. We hope that some tips and tricks can help you solve any problems you might have.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.