Now that summer has come to an end, now is as good a time as ever to make the switch to a natural deodorant but first YOU MUST do a pit detox. Why you ask, when you decide it’s time to go all in, it’s smart to start off on the right foot to give yourself a good chance at a successful transition.
A pit detox works to naturally attract and absorb toxins such as heavy metals, helping to unblock sweat glands and reduce the chances of redness, rashes, and armpit odour, leaving your underarms fresh and clean.
You’ll only need 2 ingredients:
Bentonite Clay - draws away moisture and pulls toxins from the skin. Formed from volcanic ash bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and dirt from the skin. As the clay leaves the body, it takes the toxins with it. In this recipe i use bentonite clay power to adsorb oils and bacteria - ultimately detoxifying the skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar - has been used traditionally for centuries as a remedy for many skin conditions. Apple cider vinegar can help kill pathogens, including the bacteria that makes your sweat smelly. It boosts your skin health and helps balance the natural pH of your skin which is naturally acidic. This can help to improve the protective barrier that deodorants breakdown.
Before I share this recipe, you should know that switching to a natural deodorant is not an easy task, it takes a big commitment as over time your body has become accustomed to the antiperspirant sprayed onto it daily so if you feel sweaty and smelly, freshen yourself up and reapply. Prepare to do this for up to 7-10 days, it might be a good idea to start on a Friday evening so you get the first few days at home to navigate how your body will respond.
Bentonite Clay & Apple Cider Vinegar Pit Detox
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon Bentonite Clay
1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
Method
- Wash and exfoliate your armpits, pay dry thoroughly.
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Then using a plastic or ceramic bowl, mix the clay and vinegar with a teaspoon of water (if required) to achieve a paste-like consistency.
IMPORTANT: Bentonite is very unusual in the fact that once it becomes hydrated, the electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly change and produce an ‘electrical charge’. When it is mixed with liquid it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. From here the toxins are drawn into the ‘sponge’ through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound.
It is for this reason that bentonite clay should never be stored in a metal container or stirred with a metal spoon, since the clay absorbs the metals and becomes less effective.
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Spread a thin layer of mixture on each armpit, allowing it to dry for 10-20 minutes.
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Rinse it off with warm water using a soft washcloth, then pat your arm pits dry.
It’s important to note that you may feel a tingling or warm sensation as blood flow increases to the area. This is perfectly normal. Your pits will also go pink this means that the detox has worked!
Do a pit detox every second day for up to 10 days. Repeating the detox will increase your chances of sticking with a natural deodorant.
You could also add 1-2 drops of essential oil if you really want a punchy detox. I like to add the essential oils to leave my pits smelling fresh and less like apple cider vinegar but there are of course benefits as well. Essential oil recommendations are Rosemary and/or Cilantro for their detoxifying properties and ability to cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals.
