By Melissa Breyer, Producer, Care2 Green Living http://www.care2.com/
In ancient Egypt, long before the cosmetics industry hijacked personal care, Body Odor was disguised with citrus oils and Spices. By the twentieth century marketers had convinced the population that social success was a stretch unless Body Odor was quashed. The problem is that the products promoted in this scheme may not be the best for our health. Find out the risks associated with deodorants and antiperspirants, and learn about homemade and natural alternatives.
The Issues
Body Odor is the result of bacteria (naturally found on skin) which feeds on Sweat. Antiperspirants work by plugging your pores with aluminum salts, blocking the route for Sweat to exit your body. Deodorants don’t reduce the amount of Sweat, but make the skin acidic and thus unfavorable for the odor-generating bacteria.
The problems with non-natural, commercial products start with aluminium compounds (particularly Aluminium chlorohydrate) which are easily absorbed through the skin. Aluminum compounds can accumulate in the brain and have been linked to Alzheimer’s.
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