Your deodorant.... making you smell worse? (washing, ingredients, scent, look)

[nezlie]

So now we find out that the smelly-loving bacteria in the armpits are going gaga over the antiperspirants we've been using. Who would have ever thought? Actually, I stopped using ap's some time ago and I haven't noticed any worse effect? And you?

New research published in the Archives of Dermatological Research suggests antiperspirants actually increase the levels of the odorous bacteria populating the armpit, which “could lead toward an altered, more unpleasant, underarm odor,” lead author Chris Callewaert of Belgium’s Ghent University told The Washington Post in an e-mail.

Antiperspirants may actually make you smell worse - The Washington Post

[Adi from the Brunswicks]

This is why I use all natural powders for fragrances and sweat prevention . My underarms are sensitive to synthetic fragrances and deodorants.

[Zelpha]

I've started using coconut oil as a deodorant. Can use straight-up coconut oil or make a concoction including other ingredients, or buy a ready-made version at health food stores, the brand name "Dad's" deodorant comes to mind.

Natural deodorants are much healthier. Many benefits. Deodorant effect of coconut oil lasts 24 hours.

This type of deodorant also follows a rule of thumb: Only put it on your body if it's edible

[Zelpha]

Hahaha! A quote from the Washington Post article OP linked above

"There are more bacteria in your armpits than there are humans on this planet. So you should never feel alone.”"

[Hedgehog_Mom]

That article says the study only included 9 people. That's not really a large enough study to convince me to quit using antiperspirants.

I think the results could vary a lot depending on how often someone showers too.

[Adi from the Brunswicks]

I also think the way one maintains their body overall plays a role. Most of the people shown seem to be living a sedentary lifestyle, IMO. An active lifestyle is a part of the equation for good looks. Once your body looks better, its easier to find ways to look attractive.

[Zelpha]

Also diet affects the odors our bodies put out. Try it & experiment. Go without any processed foods & sugar & meat for a week or so. What to eat? Veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, berries. Body & breath will smell so good even without bathing, deodorant, or brushing teeth!

[Adi from the Brunswicks]

Originally Posted by Zelpha

Also diet affects the odors our bodies put out. Try it & experiment. Go without any processed foods & sugar & meat for a week or so. What to eat? Veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, berries. Body & breath will smell so good even without bathing, deodorant, or brushing teeth!

Not so sure about the without bathing part, but otherwise you are spot on . Fresh foods do impact looks. I used to eat lots of processed stuff a few years ago, and was fat & stinky (regardless of what deo I used ). After toning up and cleaning up my diet, the disgusting body odor completely vanished.

Upper arm flab rubbing against each other generates the heat causing perspiration and dark patches. Getting rid of it through excercise and a healthy diet has helped .

[fitzy24]

Organic coconut oil and baking soda. It cuts the smell completely. By the end of the day, your underarms will have just a hint of coconut scent. It's great.

[Kings Gambit]

Originally Posted by nezlie

So now we find out that the smelly-loving bacteria in the armpits are going gaga over the antiperspirants we've been using. Who would have ever thought? Actually, I stopped using ap's some time ago and I haven't noticed any worse effect? And you?

I HATE antiperspirants. Hate that companies no longer sell antiperspirants and deodorants separately. Everything is antiperspirant/deodorant. Always a weird smell from antiperspirants.