The Ultimate Guide to Underarm Detox: Benefits, Ingredients, and Recipes

    

Photo by Billie on Unsplash

Your underarms might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to detoxing, but giving this sensitive area a little extra care can make a big difference. Whether you're transitioning to natural deodorants or just looking to rejuvenate your skin, an underarm detox can help remove impurities, reduce odour, and improve overall skin health. 

Let’s dive into the why, how, and what of underarm detoxing, including the benefits of key ingredients like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and essential oils. 

Why Do an Underarm Detox?

 

 Every day, our underarms are exposed to sweat, deodorants, antiperspirants, and bacteria. Over time, this can lead to product buildup, clogged pores, and even discoloration. 

An Underarm Detox: 

                                 

Removes Buildup: Cleanses the skin of product residues and toxins. 

Balances pH Levels: Helps maintain the skin’s natural acidity to prevent odour-causing bacteria from thriving. 

Supports Transition to Natural Deodorants: Minimizes odour and irritation when switching from antiperspirants. 

Improves Skin Tone: Reduces discoloration and promotes smoother, healthier-looking underarms. 

Key Ingredients for Underarm Detox

1. Bentonite Clay Bentonite clay is a powerhouse ingredient in underarm detox products. Known for its strong detoxifying properties, it: Draws out impurities, toxins, and product buildup. Balances the skin’s pH to inhibit odour-causing bacteria. Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin. 

DIY Tip: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of bentonite clay with water or apple cider vinegar to create a smooth paste. Apply to clean underarms, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. 

2. Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal is another star ingredient with deep-cleaning abilities. Its benefits include: Absorbing toxins, sweat, and bacteria from the skin. Neutralizing odour and preventing bacterial growth. Reducing oiliness while unclogging pores. 

DIY Tip: Combine 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal with bentonite clay and water for a detox mask that leaves your underarms fresh and clean. 

3. Lemon Essential Oil Lemon essential oil offers a refreshing scent and powerful antibacterial properties. It: Neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. Helps brighten dark underarms by reducing pigmentation. Acts as a natural deodorizer and astringent. 

Caution: Lemon essential oil is phototoxic, so avoid sun exposure after use. Always dilute it with carrier oil or other ingredients. 

4. Citric Acid This gentle acid is a game-changer for pH balance and exfoliation. Citric acid: Helps lower the pH of underarm detox products to match the skin’s natural acidity. Reduces bacterial growth and odour. Exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter underarms. 

DIY Tip: Add a small pinch of citric acid to your detox mask or deodorant spray for an effective pH-balancing boost. 

How to Do an Underarm Detox

How to Do Underarm Detox- VIdeo

1. Prepare the Area Start with clean, dry underarms. If you’ve recently shaved, wait 24 hours before detoxing to avoid irritation. 

2. Apply a Detox Mask Mix ingredients like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and essential oils into a paste. Apply a thin layer to your underarms and leave it on for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

3. Moisturize After rinsing, apply a natural moisturizer such as coconut oil or aloe vera gel to prevent dryness and soothe the skin. 

4. Repeat Regularly For best results, detox 1–2 times a week, or as needed. 

Simple DIY Recipes Underarm Detox Mask Ingredients: 

MalyNature- Underarm Detox

                        

1 tablespoon bentonite clay 

1 teaspoon activated charcoal 

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or water 2–3 drops lemon essential oil Instructions: 

Mix all ingredients in a non-metal bowl to form a smooth paste. Apply to clean underarms and leave for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. 

Natural Deodorant Spray Ingredients: 

1 cup distilled water 

1/4 teaspoon citric acid 

5–7 drops lemon essential oil 

Optional: 2–3 drops tea tree oil 

Instructions: 

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto clean underarms as a natural deodorant alternative. 

These recipes are quick options to get the job done, however, if you are looking for a more stable, properly formulated product with a long shelf life, consider MalyNature's underarm detox and natural deodorant. 

Cautions and Tips

 

                                              

Patch Test First: Always test new ingredients or recipes on a small area of skin to check for sensitivity. 

Avoid Open Skin: Do not use detox products on freshly shaved or broken skin. Consistency is Key: Underarm detoxing is a process, so be patient and consistent. 

Sun Protection: If using lemon essential oil, avoid sun exposure after application. 

An underarm detox can be a refreshing way to rejuvenate your skin, reduce odor, and prepare your body for natural deodorants. With powerful natural ingredients like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and lemon essential oil, you can create simple yet effective products at home. Give your underarms the care they deserve and enjoy healthier, fresher skin!

Have you ever tried an underarm detox or natural deodorant? Were they effective?

Find the Underarm Detox and Natural Deodorant on MalyNature or on Etsy.

        

   

Liked this blog? Are you ready for the full MalyNature experience? Well, here are some ways you can keep up with us:

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The Benefits and Efffectiveness of Underarm Detox

The Benefits and Effectiveness of Underarm Detox

 

When we think of detoxing, our minds often jump to cleansing diets or liver flushes. However, one area of detoxification that’s gaining popularity is the underarm detox. For those transitioning to natural deodorants, or simply looking to improve their overall skin health, an underarm detox can be an effective and beneficial practice.

What is an Underarm Detox?

An underarm detox is a process designed to draw out impurities, toxins, and residues from conventional deodorants or antiperspirants that might be clogging your sweat glands. Traditional antiperspirants often contain ingredients like aluminum, parabens, and artificial fragrances, which can create a barrier on the skin and potentially disrupt the body’s natural detoxification process.

The idea behind an underarm detox is to reset the armpit area, allowing it to breathe freely and function as intended. This is particularly useful for individuals who are making the switch to natural deodorants, which do not prevent sweating but instead neutralize odor through natural ingredients.

Why Consider an Underarm Detox?

 Easier Transition to Natural Deodorants

Switching from conventional antiperspirants to natural deodorants can sometimes be accompanied by a brief period of increased odour or sweating. This happens because your body is adjusting to the absence of chemicals like aluminum, which block the sweat glands. An underarm detox can help speed up this transition by clearing out built-up toxins and allowing your natural deodorant to work more effectively.

 Reduction in Body Odor

Body odour is often caused by bacteria breaking down sweat on your skin. If your underarms are clogged with toxins and residue from conventional deodorants, it can exacerbate the smell. By detoxing your underarms, you create a cleaner slate, reducing the presence of bacteria and ultimately leading to less odour.

 Improved Skin Health

The skin under your arms is delicate and can easily become irritated, especially if it’s clogged with synthetic ingredients from conventional products. An underarm detox can help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and promote healthier skin overall. The detox process encourages natural exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and impurities that may be trapped under the surface.

                   

 Potential Health Benefits

While the research is ongoing, there is some concern that the regular use of aluminum-based antiperspirants may be linked to health issues like breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Although these connections are not conclusively proven, many people prefer to err on the side of caution. Detoxing your underarms and switching to natural deodorants can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

How to Perform an Underarm Detox

There are several methods to perform an underarm detox, ranging from simple DIY remedies to store-bought detox masks. Here’s a basic DIY approach:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons of water

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar and water until you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply an even layer of the paste to your underarms, ensuring full coverage.
3. Leave the detox mask on for 10-20 minutes. If you feel any discomfort or irritation, rinse it off immediately.
4. Rinse the mask off with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
5. Repeat the process daily or every few days for a week or until you notice improvements.

For a more enhanced armpit detox, order from our website at MalyNature. This armpit detox includes additional ingredients such as manuka honey and lemon essential oil that help with pH balancing, clarifying and keeping the armpits nourished. Check out my YouTube video for a tutorial on the benefits and how to use an underarm detox. 

Click Here

What to Expect During an Underarm Detox

It’s important to note that your body may go through an adjustment period during an underarm detox. Some people experience increased sweating or stronger body odour as their body releases toxins. This is completely normal and usually temporary. After a few days, most people notice a reduction in odour and a more balanced level of sweating.

An underarm detox can be a highly effective way to improve your overall skin health, reduce body odour, and ease the transition to natural deodorants. By removing toxins and impurities, you allow your body to function as it was intended, promoting a healthier and more natural lifestyle. Whether you’re making the switch to natural deodorants or simply looking to refresh your skincare routine, an underarm detox is a simple and beneficial step to consider.

Have you ever tried an underarm detox or natural deodorant? Were they effective?

Liked this blog? Are you ready for the full MalyNature experience? Well, here are some ways you can keep up with us:

- Check out our website for amazing natural hair and self-care products at: MalyNature  

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Amazon Echo Dot- Smart Speaker

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Washcloths

Three Butter Body Cream by MalyNature- A Touch Of Luxury

Body creams are an excellent addition to any skincare routine. Though perfect for normal to oily skin types, they can be equally beneficial and enjoyable for anyone. They are a unique cross between body butters and lotions, in that, they are generally thicker than a regular lotion consistency, yet they absorb into the skin at a much faster rate than body butters. This is attributed to the addition of water soluble ingredients and humectants that are not included in body butters, and still have a higher quantity of butters and oils than lotions.

Image of Body Cream

My first encounter with making a body cream happened one fall when I noticed that with the change in temperature my skin was very dry. I excitedly made a body butter with predominantly cocoa butter and applied it after my shower. To my disappointment, it did not work as I hoped as the oils took a while to penetrate the skin, I did not feel that moisturizing experience I wanted, and it felt a bit greasy. From my experience with making lotions, I had the idea to see if I could make the body butter more conditioning. The thicker consistency was still important to me. I needed something that would retain the moisture in my skin. I sat and wrote a recipe for what I now call our body cream, which included some of the same body butter I had made. The end result was exactly what I hoped to achieve initially. It was a game changer for me! My skin felt renewed and I did not have dry skin issues for the rest of that fall and winter. 

Image by Rodger Shija from Pixabay

I reworked the recipe to make it more official and added it to my line of products on my website. I had about four (4) different types, each as a different recipe. See previous blog here.  However, as my experience with making skincare products developed and I gained more exposure to different ingredients, I have revamped the recipe and since last year, have added the new formulation to the website. The new formulation still has most of the same ingredients and I have essentially merged elements from each of the four recipes to make one formulation with different fragrances. This was a better and more cost and time effective business decision for me. It is by far, a more superior product than before also, so you can just imagine how amazing it is, as the others were pretty good before.  

Did you watch the video on how I make our three (3) butter whipped body cream? Check it out here.

The main ingredient in our body creams is Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera Aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturizer that hydrates the skin without leaving it greasy. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin, as well as some skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis,  accelerate wound healing, and reduce redness. Rich in antioxidants, aloe vera helps improve skin elasticity, diminish wrinkles, and promote collagen production. Aloe vera's antibacterial properties make it effective in treating acne, reducing inflammation, and lightening blemishes. It is very useful for sunburns and certain injuries. Aloe Vera forms part of the water phase in our body creams and is accompanied by humectants, such as glycerine which acts as a powerful humectant, attracting moisture to the skin and helping to maintain hydration levels, which keeps the skin soft and supple. It has soothing properties that calm irritation and inflammation, while also forming a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Glycerin improves skin elasticity and smoothness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It enhances overall skin texture, making it more even-toned and resilient.

Image by Rosina-Schneider from Pixabay

In the oil phase, butters, oils, emulsifiers and other nourishing ingredients are combined. Each ingredient in this phase offer their own element to the feel and effectiveness of this product to moisturize the skin. We made it extra special by including not just one, but three (3) butters. Butters are rich in fatty acids which is key to having healthy looking skin. 

Mango butter hydrates the skin and is rich in Vitamins E & C which aids with collagen production and provides antioxidants to protect the skin from the elements, signs of aging and sun damage. 

The fat in Cocoa Butter is said to provide a protective barrier to the skin that prevents it from drying out. It is said to have the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes from the skin, as well as soothe certain skin irritations related to eczema and dermatitis. It eases itching and speeds up healing after a flare-up. 

In addition to Mango and Cocoa Butters, MalyNature's Body Creams include Coffee Butter which offers a luxurious texture to the cream. It smells amazing, although it does not carry through in the final product. So, not to worry, you won't be walking around the office smelling like you just doused yourself with Coffee perfume- as if that's even a thing! This butter is made up of hydrogenated vegetable oil and coffee oil. It is rich in lecithin and Vitamin E which smoothens and softens the skin by penetrating its top layer. It is very beneficial for those with extremely dry skin. 

Image by Hanna from Pixabay

While these butters play a vital role in the structure of our body creams, we also included oils to balance things out and help make the body cream easier to apply to the skin. Oils are known for their ability to seal in moisture. MalyNature's body creams include coconut oil, grapeseed oil and avocado oil.

Coconut Oil:

• Benefits: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids (such as lauric acid) and vitamin E, making it excellent for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. It has antimicrobial properties that can help protect the skin barrier and soothe irritation.
• In Body Butter: Coconut oil in body butter provides deep hydration, forming a protective layer on the skin that retains moisture. It helps in smoothing and softening rough or dry patches.

Grapeseed Oil:

• Benefits: Grapeseed oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, rich in antioxidants (such as vitamin E) and omega fatty acids. It's known for its astringent properties, making it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.
• In Body Butter: Grapeseed oil contributes to the light texture of body butter while providing moisturizing benefits. It helps balance oil production and can improve skin elasticity.

Avocado Oil:

• Benefits: Avocado oil is deeply penetrating and rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. It's highly moisturizing and soothing, making it ideal for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
• In Body Butter: Avocado oil adds richness and nourishment to body butter, helping to replenish the skin's natural barrier. It promotes skin regeneration and can relieve inflammation or itching.

Image by pau_noia0 from Pixabay

When combined, these oils act as emollients in body butter, which means they soften and smooth the skin by filling in the gaps between skin cells, providing a protective layer that reduces water loss. They deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids directly to the skin, promoting overall skin health and a youthful appearance. Each oil contributes to the texture and feel of body butter, from light and easily absorbed (like grapeseed oil) to richer and more nourishing (like avocado oil).

For water and oil to be combined without separating, which is necessary for cream and lotion concoctions, an emulsifier is required. Emulsifiers play a crucial role in body creams and skincare products by stabilizing the mixture of water and oil-based ingredients, ensuring they blend together smoothly and remain combined. Here's a breakdown of some additional ingredients used and their roles in body creams and skincare:

1. Cetyl Alcohol:

   • Function: Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like coconut or palm oil.
   • Role: It acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to thicken and stabilize the consistency of creams and lotions. Cetyl alcohol also provides a smooth, velvety texture to skincare products without making them greasy.

2. BTMS-50 (Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol):

   • Function: BTMS-50 is a conditioning emulsifier derived from rapeseed oil.
   • Role: It functions as both a conditioning agent and an emulsifier. It helps to soften and detangle hair and can also impart a silky feel to skin. In body creams, BTMS-50 helps to stabilize the formulation while providing conditioning benefits to the skin.

3. Isopropyl Myristate:

   • Function: Isopropyl myristate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
   • Role: It acts as an emollient and lubricant, helping to soften and smooth the skin's surface. Isopropyl myristate also enhances the spreadability of creams and lotions, making them easier to apply.

4. LuxGlide (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride):

   • Function: Caprylic/capric triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin.
   • Role: It is a lightweight emollient that helps to improve the glide and spreadability of skincare products. LuxGlide also moisturizes the skin and enhances the delivery of active ingredients.

5. Silk Amino Acids:

   • Function: Silk amino acids are hydrolyzed proteins derived from silk.
   • Role: They provide moisturizing and conditioning benefits to the skin and hair. In body creams, silk amino acids can help improve the skin's texture, leaving it feeling smooth and soft. They also contribute to a silky, luxurious feel in skincare formulations.

Overall, all of these ingredients play essential roles in body creams by contributing to their texture, stability, and skin-conditioning properties. They help to create products that feel pleasant on the skin, provide moisturization, and deliver active ingredients effectively. 

Do you prefer body butter or body cream?

Liked this blog? Are you ready for the full MalyNature experience? Well, here are some ways you can keep up with us:

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- Read all our blog posts which are full of enlightening information, suggestions and referrals to amazing products that can be found at MalyNature, Amazon and our other affiliates.

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Some Of My Favorite Finds On Amazon:

GuaSha and Jade Roller

Kojic Acid Cleaning Pads

Make-up Remover Cloths

Share your thoughts on this post in the comment section of this blog. 

"Love the skin you are in, and enjoy your glow"

Embrace Luxury and Comfort: Step Into LilySilk

 Hey there, fellow luxury enthusiasts! Let's embark on a delightful journey into the world of LilySilk, where comfort meets elegance in the most charming way possible. If you're all about treating yourself to the finer things in life, you're in for a real treat with LilySilk.

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Picture this: you're enveloped in the softest, most luxurious fabric imaginable—that's the magic of silk, my friend. LilySilk takes this enchanting material to a whole new level. They're all about sourcing the crème de la crème of mulberry silk, ensuring that every piece they create is a celebration of silk's natural lustre, breathability, and hypoallergenic goodness.

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What makes LilySilk truly special? It's their unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and quality. From the intricate weaving of silk strands to the final stitching, each step in the production process is infused with love and attention to detail. The result? Products that not only look divine but also feel like a warm hug every time you use them.

LilySilk

Something for Everyone

Ready to upgrade your lifestyle? LilySilk has got your back (and your bedroom, and your wardrobe)! Whether you're dreaming of sinking into a cloud-like silk bedding set, strutting your stuff in a sleek silk blouse, or drifting off into dreamland with a cozy silk sleep mask, they've got just the thing to make your heart skip a beat.

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Doing Good, Feeling Great

Ethical and sustainable practices? LilySilk is all over it. They're committed to sourcing their silk responsibly, making sure it's not only kind to the environment but also supports the communities involved in silk production. Which is why they are Global Organic Textile Standard Certified (GOTS). This is the gold standard of organic silk certification. So you can indulge in luxury guilt-free, knowing that your choices are making a positive impact.

LilySilk

Because You Deserve the Best

At LilySilk, they're not just about selling products—they're all about creating a delightful experience for you. Their customer support team is like your best friend, always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, and ensure that your LilySilk journey is nothing short of fabulous.

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Treat Yourself, You Deserve It

In a world where everyday luxuries are often overlooked, LilySilk is here to remind you to indulge, pamper, and treat yourself like the VIP you truly are. So go ahead, embrace the luxury, bask in the comfort, and let LilySilk be your ultimate companion on this delightful journey called life. Trust us, you won't regret it.

Are you ready to live in luxury? Get into LilySilk. Here's how:

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Liked this blog? Are you ready for the full MalyNature experience? Well, here are some ways you can keep up with us:

- Check out our website for amazing natural hair and self-care products at: MalyNature  

- Follow us on social media- Instagram & Facebook: @malynature. TikTok & Pinterest: @maly_nature.

- Join our Facebook Community Group- MalyNature Natural Hair, Skin and Self-Care 

- Become a VIP on our website by signing up to our emails at www.malynature.com and get 20% off your first purchase

- Read all our blog posts which are full of enlightening information, suggestions and referrals to amazing products that can be found at MalyNature, Amazon and our other affiliates.

- Subscribe so you don't miss any of our posts.

Some Of My Favorite Finds On Amazon:

LilySilk - LilySilk Extra Long Silk Bonnet Sleep Cap for Women Soft Adjustable Hair Bonnet for Braids,Curly,Long Hair- Soft Elastic Band, Rosy Pink

LILYSILK Silk Sleep Mask 100% Pure Silk, 2 Pack, Natural Silk Filled, Soft Skin-Friendly, Sleeping Eye Mask with Adjustable Strap for Women & Men, Black+ Rosy Pink

LILYSILK 2-Pack Silk Pillowcase On Both Sides Envelope Closure 100% Pure Mulberry Silk 19Momme Hypoallergenic&Silky Prevent Hair Frizz Gift (Standard 20''x30'', Lavender)

Share your thoughts on this post in the comment section of this blog. 

"You set the bar for your standard of luxury."