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.

        

   

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The Benefits and Efffectiveness of Underarm Detox

The Wonders of Ayurvedic and African Herbs in Hair & Skin Care

With modern technologies and various chemical based products that have been created to treat skin and hair conditions, many have lost sight of the fact that, in the past, our fore-parents relied upon and successfully used "bush- medicine"  to heal and treat a plethora of symptoms. 

The use of Ayurvedic herbs in hair and skin care is an ancient Indian tradition, that dates back to more than 3,000 years ago and has surpassed the test of time. The word Ayurveda is comprised of two (2) parts, ayur  (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Therefore Ayurveda means The Science of Life.  It is the belief that diseases arise based on an imbalance or stressors in a person's mind.  With adjustments to certain lifestyle practices and the use of natural remedies, the practice of Ayurveda seeks to strike a balance between the body, mind, soul and the environment that we live in.   

Ayurveda starts with a purification process within the body and offers suggestions for a unique diet complemented by natural remedies and incorporates wellness aspects such as massage therapy, yoga and meditation. It is based on a connection with the universe. The terms prakriti-  how the body is made up, and dosha- our way of life are the foundations upon which ayurvedic medicine are formulated.

Much like other health based practices, such as homeopathic, naturopathic, Western, Chinese medicine and others, Ayurveda is another type of medical care that is recognized and regulated by the state. Ayurveda comprises of herbs, minerals and other substances that can be harmful if misused or if there are underlying ailments or illnesses that do not support this practice. Hence, it is encouraged that you consult your physician prior to use, if you are at risk, pregnant, nursing, or intend to use on a child.

In addition to Ayurvedic herbs, MalyNature also incorporates traditional and ancient African herbs into a variety of their products for hair and skin. There are many historical tribes and cultures within various parts of Africa, where medicine came directly from the earth. In fact, it is said that the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra's glow is attributed to the use of a combination of herbs and botanicals that are indigenous to the Mother Land. From dark to light, it is undeniable that the melanin of people of African lineage, surpasses time and is to be coveted. The statement, "black don't crack", is a popular quote that is used to describe an African's ability to disguise their age. With an oil combination or herbal infusion for every crease of the body, every strand of hair and every ailment, the secret to flawless appearance has been discovered, thanks to our fore-parents passing down this wealth of knowledge, in the way they cared for us from generation to generation. 

When you look at practices from the women of Chad in their hair care routine with Chebe, the dark chocolatey hue of the Sudanese skin and the radiant glow of the people of Morocco, just to highlight a few, it raises curiosity as to what these cultures all have in common. They have a rich history built on the use of natural remedies to care for and treat their hair, skin and illnesses.  Historically, prior to the invasion of the Europeans to African continents, the use of botanicals and herbs in their natural form was the way of life to heal many ailments, irritations and inflammations. Many of these traditional herbs are incorporated and processed into prescription and other forms of medication, that we are accustomed to in the modern world. 

In many African cultures, the practice of using traditional herbal medicine as a form of healing is still in effect today for various reasons, such as, a lack of access to Western medicine, grounded belief in cultural practices and/or affordability.  Over recent times, we see the practice of infusing herbs and botanicals, of African origin, on the rise in the use of skin and hair care. As many people of African decent, from all over the world, are embracing their natural attributes in hair and skin. As a people, we are beginning to understand that we can have long, beautiful healthy hair too, and the color of our skin is to be treasured and nurtured. As a result, we are going back to our roots to find out what our ancestors, who maintained these qualities for centuries, have been doing. Those with hair loss and thinning issues, such as alopecia and other concerns, as well as those with skin conditions such as eczema have used African herb and botanical infused products with great success. Cosmetic skincare products made with herbs and botanicals, native to Africa, have been formulated and used due to the barrier they form on the skin to help protect it from the elements, enhance and preserve the skin in it's healthiest form. 

MalyNature has embraced elements from both Ayurvedic and African traditions by creating a fusion of various types of herbs and botanicals, blended with oils and other ingredients, to form effective hair, skin and self-care products that can be used and enjoyed by the entire family. While we do not make any medical claims on our products, history and research show that these ingredients, when used correctly, offer noticeable benefits to the hair and skin. 

An interesting point to note, is that, many of the herbs and botanicals that we use are also safe for consumption and are often used in teas and the preparation of a variety delicious ethnic dishes. This, in my opinion, explains why most people of similar cultures share such a marked resemblance in their attributes, for example, the women of Chad, as referenced earlier, are depicted to have extremely long, natural hair. 

Our brand strives to produce high quality, natural products that serve to enrich the lives of our customers and to provide information on why we use the ingredients that we include in our products. By doing so, you leave our website not only with the expectation of receiving great and effective products, but also useful references to draw from, about the purpose of the product, recommended usage and the explicit list of ingredients, as we believe knowledge is power and we aim to be transparent, so you can indulge confidently. 

Amongst so many options to choose from in the world of cosmetics, MalyNature proudly offers a unique collection of products, locally made in Calgary AB, Canada, infused with natural herbs and botanicals, used centuries ago by Indian and African cultures, that transcends the test of time. Many of these ingredients can be found in small portions in commercial cosmetic products and medicines. However, MalyNature has made these ingredients the star of its formulations, for healthy looking and feeling, beautiful, radiant hair and skin.

Are you ready for your glow up?

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Our Picks For You: 

Ayurvedic Hair Repair Growth Oil

Goat's Milk & Clay Body Wash

Botanical Body & Hair Oil- Radiance

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Use code SHOP22 for $5 OFF $20 or more purchase.

References: 

John Hopkins Medicine. Health. Ayurveda. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda#

Ncoza C. Dlova MBChB, FCDerm, PhD; Moses A. Ollengo BED, MSc, PhD (Version of Record 13 June 2018). 

Traditional and ethnobotanical dermatology practices in Africa. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X18300452

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"Love the skin you wear, and wear your skin with love."