Do you remember my post “Are You Weakening Your Immune System By Showering Everyday? dated September 6, 2017?
Please re-read it. A dear friend’s son read it and his comment was: “No Way”. Never the less, washing with chemical filled soaps and shampoos are very bad for your immune system.
Here are a few alternatives to prevent body odor.
Sweating is a natural process that serves to protect our bodies from overheating but since it leaves a bad odor we use antiperspirants and deodorants to mask the unpleasant smell.
However, sweat itself doesn’t smell bad. The bad odor is actually caused by the bacteria and fungi that normally reside on our skin and tend to multiply and grow in our armpit.
Again, I urge you to read the above post, to understand the role of our microbiome regarding immunity, and even preventing bad skin odors.
Here are some ingredients that are safer than commercial products and which can help you get rid of the bad odors, until your body adjusts to “not showering” every say.
- Lime
Lime has no side effects and is more effective than artificial antiperspirants. Take a fresh lime and cut it in half. Rub one half into your armpits and let it dry before putting on your clothes. This will give the citric acid time to act and will keep you fresh for a couple of hours.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has the ability to control the sweating. It balances the pH levels in your body and kills harmful bacteria. Soak a cotton ball in the ACV and apply to your armpits before you go to bed. Let it act overnight and wash it in the morning. Repeat this on a regular basis. In case you experience irritation, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is an alkaline ingredient, which regulates the pH level in those areas that are most prone to sweat.
Prepare a mixture of baking soda and water and clean your underarms beforehand. Apply the mixture and let it stay for half an hour. Then, rise with water. If you want better results, you can add your favorite essential oil as well.
I use to prepare the mixture in a spray bottle and squirt it under my arms, in the crotch area and on my feet after showering. I’ve stopped now that the body odor is gone.
- Coconut Oil
Do to the lauric acid in coconut oil, harmful bacteria are eliminated. You’ll feel fresh since it has a light fragrance.
Note that it may stain your clothes.
Prepare a paste by mixing a cup of coconut oil and 10 g of crushed camphor. Apply the paste to the underarms and massage for about an hour. Then rinse off.
- Black Tea
Black tea has antiperspirant and astringent properties due to the tannic acid it contains. It is especially useful if you suffer from excessive sweating. It acts by constricting the sweat glands and controls the sweat flow to your skin.
Put 2 black tea bags into hot water and let it seep for 15 minutes. Place the wet tea bags in your armpits and hold for a few minutes.
That’s it for now; see you all the next time.
