3 Reasons Why You Should Incorporate a Natural Armpit Detox in Your Skincare Routine

“Detoxing your armpits” has become a popular trend in recent years. The idea behind armpit detoxing is that the pores in your underarms can become clogged with toxins from antiperspirants, deodorants, and other personal care products. This can lead to body odor, excessive sweating, as well as other health problems. Detoxing your armpits typically involves using a combination of natural products, such as apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay, and essential oils, to cleanse your underarms. However, it’s important to understand that even though there haven’t been any funded research to support these claims, chemical build-up in the body and clogged pores are enough known reasons, which can have long term side effects.

They itch. They smell. They sweat. What exactly is the point of the armpit?

Let’s be honest- Nobody likes armpits. In Western cultures, we spend a weird amount of time shaving, waxing, deodorizing, and tending to a seemingly useless part of the body. But no, the armpit actually does some critical stuff — the least of which includes being hairless and pretty. The underarm, or axilla, performs its most important function as home to tons of lymph nodes called the axillary lymph nodes . The axillary lymph nodes oversee the regulation and filtration of lymph through the upper limbs and back. Lymph transports oxygen, hormones and nutrients throughout the body while removing metabolic waste from cells. This could lead to less-smelly sweat and less sweat overall, according to armpit detox advocates.

Drip drip can fill a bucket

There’s a popular saying where I come from in the Caribbean: Drip Drip Can Fill Bucket. It simply means that the tiniest, but constant accumulation of something, in this case water droplets, would eventually fill a bucket. It might take a long time but, it eventually will. Some experts argue that while it’s true that some personal care products can contain chemicals that are potentially harmful, the amount that you absorb through your skin is typically very small. Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and there is a stat that states that before a woman leaves her home she has applied at least 10 products to her skin.  Overtime, these so-called ‘very small’ amount of chemicals can accumulate in the body over time, leading to a variety of health problems.

Chemical build-up in the body

Our bodies’ are exposed to harmful chemicals through food, water, air, personal care products or other sources on a daily basis.   Here are a few potential health effects of chemical build-up in the body:
1. Toxicity: Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause damage to organs and tissues, leading to a variety of health problems.
2. Hormone disruption: Certain chemicals can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to a variety of health problems, including reproductive issues and thyroid problems.
3. Immune system dysfunction: Chemical build-up in the body can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and illnesses.
4. Cancer: Some chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Yes, our body’s has its own natural detoxification mechanisms, including your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, which are responsible for removing toxins from your body. However, side effects of chemical build-up often causes our system to be sluggish, and requires extra help at times.

Here are three reasons to get on a natural armpit detox routine:

1. Reduces body odor

It’s important to note that some degree of body odor is natural and normal. First off, it increase the effectiveness of natural deodorant by rebalancing the body’s natural bacterial flora faster. An armpit detox prevents the odor-triggering bacteria from forming. But often, factor’s like- stress/ anxiety, menstrual cycle, menopause can elevate your BO.

2. Control sweating

Remember that sweating is a natural and important bodily function that helps to regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins. It’s important to find a balance between controlling excessive sweating and allowing the body to function properly. That’s why we a never encourage stopping sweat all together. Additionally, some early research also shows that underarm detox paired with a gluten-free diet, might be helpful for people who suffer from bromhidrosis or hyperhidrosis.

3. Discourage lumps and bumps

An armpit detox helps to unclog and purify pores. Skin conditions can range from folliculitis, to underarm cysts, to swollen lymph nodes. Underarm cysts, also known as epidermal cysts or sebaceous cysts, are non-cancerous, fluid-filled bumps that can develop in the skin of the underarm. They can vary in size and often feel firm to the touch. Underarm cysts are usually caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that is found in skin cells. When a hair follicle or sweat gland becomes blocked, the keratin can accumulate and form a cyst. Other causes may include skin injuries or infections. Underarm cysts are generally harmless and don’t require treatment, but they can sometimes become infected or inflamed, causing pain, redness, and tenderness. In these cases, treatment may involve antibiotics or surgical drainage of the cyst

Swollen underarm lymph nodes can be a sign of several conditions, including infections, inflammation, and cancer. If you have swollen underarm lymph nodes it can be a sign of a serious medical condition, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing this symptom. Here are a few potential causes of swollen underarm lymph nodes. Here are a few potential causes:

– Infection: Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign of an infection, such as a cold, flu, or bacterial infection. Infections can           cause the lymph nodes to produce more immune cells, leading to swelling and inflammation.

– Injury: A cut or injury to the hand, arm, or breast can cause the lymph nodes in the underarm to swell.

– Cancer: In some cases, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer, such as lymphoma or breast cancer.

The use of a natural armpit detox has significant benefits to the body. This along with practicing good hygiene, such as washing your armpits regularly and changing your clothes frequently, is the best way to maintain healthy and fresh-smelling underarms. And the best thing is that you can make it yourself. Here’s a simple armpit detox mask recipe you can make at home.