Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…Literally by Tara Troge

Now that summer is in full swing, many are taking extra measures to ensure their underarms are sweat and odor free. However, if you are like many people and believe that deodorant and antiperspirants are one in the same, please read on.

Antiperspirants are designed to keep you from sweating. They typically contain aluminum salts which clog, close or block pores so sweat can’t be released. With continued use, aluminum accumulates in the brain and has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

On the other hand, deodorants work to kill the bacteria that actually causes body odor. Deodorants allow the body to cool itself through the natural process of sweating. While deodorant is always the preferred choice, what can you do to prevent the embarrassing underarm sweat patches?

Call me lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it!), but I’m one of those people who rarely has underarm odor; however, regardless of the outside temperature, I seem to sweat like I’m continuously running a marathon. Why my body feels the need to continually cool itself is an entirely different matter, but I’ve tried many different concoctions to fight underarm wetness and here are a few of my favorites:

1. Tea Tree Powder: It’s naturally talc-free and keeps me very dry. Just lightly wet your underarms, put some tea tree powder in your palm and pat on to your underarms. The only problem I’ve had with this is when I put on a dark-colored shirt. If you end up getting the powder on your shirt, just dampen a wash cloth and rub it gently over the spot.
2. Baking soda: follow the same instructions as above.
3. Make your own deodorant:
• Powder
o ½ cup cornstarch
o ½ cup baking soda
o 5 drops organic peppermint essential oil
o 5 drops organic lavender essential oil

Place all ingredients in a glass jar with a secure lid. Apply a liberal amount daily (or as needed) with a powder puff, blush brush or your hands. You can also play around with the essential oils – try cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, etc.

• You can also visit http://www.theexpress.com/express%20351/bodyline.htm for other easy, inexpensive homemade deodorant recipes.

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