There are no mistakes in nature and all things serve a purpose; and sometimes multi options of goodness. The bright yellow ball of vitamin C has been a great alternative to deodorant, especially in the hot summer months of Houston. When the need for freshness is at it's peak, I tend to use lemons more often my normal baking soda mix. The tank tops and sundresses of the hotter months require a non-residual form of confidence and a swipe of a lemon under your arms provide just that. Now more than ever, people care about the ingredients in the products they use on their skin—and armpits are no exception.
You may not know that conventional deodorants are filled with toxins like parabens (preservatives), formaldehyde, and aluminum. There has been research that reveals how using these products for prolonged periods so near to our breasts poses many dangers, including creating estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. Estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, so some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer.
Ellen Marmur, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, confirmed that lemon juice can, in fact, be useful as a natural deodorant because the citric acid in it kills bacteria and odor. To be clear, it won't really help when it comes to keeping you dry, though. "Antiperspirants, even natural ones, physically block sweat glands a bit. You don't get that from lemon juice," says Marmur.
Lemon is 100% natural and rich in vitamins and minerals like pectin, bioflavonoids, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, and citric acid. Because it is also antibacterial, this natural deodorant leaves you lemony fresh. It’s not an antiperspirant, however, meaning it’s not going to stop you from sweating, but to think about sweating — an important, natural, and healthy mechanism of the body — it seems strange that we ever got it into our heads that we should prevent our bodies from doing it.
To use lemon as a deodorant, simply cut a slice of lemon and gently rub it on your armpit. If you shave your pits, I would highly advise against doing this immediately after, as it could be painful and cause extreme irritation. Otherwise, apply in the morning and you should be good for the rest of the day. Another benefit to using lemons as a deodorant is that the lemon juice acts as an exfoliant, lightening discolorations and making shaving a much easier process. Lemons will keep you fresh and light. Try it!
Comments