Bhubaneswar: Have you ever felt embarrassed about smelly armpits? Even after you had a long shower? Do commercial deodorants irritate your skin?
First, why do our pits smell?
Our underarms are a warm hangout spot for bacteria. When we sweat, the moisture is what they consume and their waste is what creates the smell. Our sweat itself doesn’t have a smell, Medical News Today explains.
There are two types of deodorants. Normal sprays use anti-microbial agents or alcohol to kill the bacteria. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, have aluminium-based salts that plug up sweat glands and stop sweating.
However, this can lead to more problems such as disturbing the balance of the skin ecosystem.
Here are a few natural options for keeping your armpits from smelling:
- Alum
Yes, the same used as an aftershave in salons. Applying Potash Alum on underarms can inhibit the growth of bacteria. This is a popular natural deodorant and is quite economical. It is known as ‘Phitkiri‘ in Odia.
- Make your own deodorant
You can make your own deodorants by using household products. Mix 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Add 1/3 cup coconut oil and blend it. Add few drops of essential oils as desired. Tea tree oil works as an anti-bacterial agent. Dab a little on your fingers and rub it so that it becomes a liquid. Then apply it to your armpits.
- Commercially available natural deodorants
If DIY is not your thing, you can easily buy one off the shelf. Most of these are alum-based.
