DEODORANT FAQ
Just started using a natural deodorant?
If you've just started using a natural deodorant, congratulations! You're on the right track. You were designed to sweat. Sweating regulates your body temperature and removes toxins from your bloodstream. Aluminum compounds in anti-perspirants either plug or drastically shrink your pores to prevent you from sweating, thereby keeping you "dry". This is not good for your body. Even worse, aluminum build-up in your body has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and in some studies has raised the concern over its potential contribution to breast cancer. Given the proximity of your underarms to your breast tissue, its not such a big stretch of the imagination to consider this prospect.
If you are just transitioning from an anti-perspirant, or even a chemical-laden "natural" deodorant, your underarms will likely go through what is best described as a detox period. This is fairly common. Aluminum compounds plug your pores and sweat glands, so there's going to be some build-up there that your body needs to shed. You may notice you sweat more the first few days, and/or that your sweat is thicker or somewhat stickier than you remember. Your body is opening and unclogging the pores plugged or shrunken by your old anti-perspirant. You are also releasing built-up toxins from your underarm area. Be patient. This "clean-out" phase is temporary and when its over, your sweat will be lighter and cleaner feeling. You should give your new natural deodorant 7-10 days before you decide whether or not it is for you. This gives your body time to do some major spring cleaning and adjust to the new bodycare routine. Many people say that the longer they use their natural deodorant, the better they like it. Just give your body and your deodorant time to do their respective jobs.
Why do I stink anyway?
First, you need to know there are different types of glands on the skin under your arms than there is on, say, the top of your forearm. Both have sweat glands, but different kinds. Here's why: It starts in the sweat glands, which are coiled tubes unique to mammals (like you) that release fluids from the blood supply of the dermis layer of the skin. There are two different kinds of sweat glands: the Eccrine and the Apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are much more common, they are responsible for producing actual water-based sweat. Apocrine sweat glands are found only in select locations such as the scalp, armpits, and the genital areas. Apocrine glands produce a thicker, slightly yellowish, sweat. Sweat produced by Apocrine glands contains both fatty acids and proteins. (Anti-perspirants react with these fatty acids and proteins from the apocrine glands to produce the classic yellow underarm stains on clothing.)
Sweat itself is actually odorless. No matter how obsessively hygienic you may be, you still have invisible bacteria that live on your skin. These bacteria break down the sweat and waste material contained in your sweat. It is the decomposition of your sweat products by these bacteria that make you smell! Other lifestyle factors can contribute to either making your sweat sweeter or smellier.
Exercise! Not only is it good for you heart, it's good for your body odor too. Sweating more pushes out bacteria and toxic build-up faster, thereby "cleaning out" your underarms. Using a sauna or taking hot showers can also help open up your sweat glands too.
Drink up! All of your body functions require ample fluid intake to function properly. Your sweat glands are no exception. Drink plenty of de-caffinated, sugar-free fluids throughout the day. A good way to tell if you are getting sufficient fluids is to check the color of your urine, it should be nearly colorless. (Note that extra B-vitamin supplements can make your urine bright yellow)
Go green! Green leafy vegetables that is. The higher your intake of animal proteins, such as beef, milk and dairy products, the more stink-producing proteins and fatty acids that your apocrine glands have to push out. Vegetarians produce less of this in their apocrine glands that their meat-eating counterparts. Red meats tend to be especially stinky when broken down by those ever-present bacteria. Green leafy veggies, on the other hand, make your body secretions very alkaline, effectively starving the bacteria. If you don't like eating your veggies, try incorporating a couple of sweet-tasting green smoothies into your daily diet. (see the Recipes on our Blog for some yummy green smoothies to try)
How do I apply it?
Our natural deodorants are easy to apply. Always start with clean, freshly washed underarms. Classic Stick Deodorants: Only turn the dial up about 1/8 inch. Gently apply a thin layer or two to underarms. There’s no need to twist it back down each time. Gently rub the deodorant into your underarms with your fingers. You can apply as much or as little as you wish. It may take a few days of experimenting to find the right amount to use for you. Everyone is different and everyone uses different amounts. Cream Deodorants: use clean fingers to scoop up desired amount of deodorant and apply evenly into underarms. Cream deodorants can also be used to "refresh" after a workout or between showers. This deodorant type is very good for anyone with dry skin or sensitive, easily irritated underarms.
I left my deodorant in the heat and it melted, can I still use it?
Yes. Stick Deodorants: Pack as much of it as you can back into the tube and pop it into the refrigerator for a few minutes. It will firm right back up. Cream Deodorants: Stir gently with a clean spoon to re-incorporate ingredients. Place jar in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. It will be ready to use again immediately. In the intense heat of summer months, you may actually prefer the cooler sensation of leaving your deodorant in the refrigerator and using it as needed.
My deodorant tube won't turn, what should I do?
Natural botanical oils, like the ones in your deodorant, are prone to solidifying if the temperatures where you live are extremely cold. Mixed with the arrowroot powder and baking soda, it can make your deodorant very hard. In most cases, simply warming the tube for a couple of minutes will allow the product to be dispensed as it should. You can use a heating pad or even a blow dryer on the outside of the tube for a minute or two. It will cause the coconut oil to melt slightly, allowing the deodorant to glide up the tube. If the bottom of a new tube turns freely, but no deodorant is dispensed, your turn mechanism may be stripped out and you should contact Customer Support for a replacement.
I see dark specks in my deodorant, what is this?
Arrowroot powder is a natural root starch. Occasionally, small dark flecks of the ground root are still visible in the powder. You may see this in your deodorant. It is a normal occurrence and should be expected from time to time. It will not affect the performance of your deodorant.
I don't think this deodorant works for me, can I exchange it?
We want you to be perfectly happy with your face naturals deodorant purchase. Everyone has a different body chemistry. Certain essential oil blends will work better for some people than for others. Contact us and we will send you a different deodorant, you may find a different blend works best for your unique body chemistry. If we can't find a current blend that works for you, we will custom blend a deodorant specifically for you! Contact Customer Support at support@facenaturals.com
