No deodorant? Here’s how your body changes
Benefits and harms of deodorants (Photo: Freepik)
Almost everyone starts their day with deodorant. But what happens if you completely stop using it for even a few days or weeks?
You can read the full answer in the article by RBC-Ukraine.
How the body reacts
After stopping deodorant, the body goes through a short adaptation period. At first, the sweat glands become more active as the skin adjusts to the natural process of thermoregulation without blocked pores. This may make it feel like you are sweating more than before, but this is temporary.
Within a few days, the skin’s microbiome begins to recover. Deodorants and antiperspirants often alter the balance of bacteria in the armpits. Without them, the number of beneficial bacteria increases, and body odor gradually becomes less strong.
Why does body odor appear?
Sweat and skin oils by themselves do not have an unpleasant smell. The odor is caused by bacteria that break down sweat. If you stop using deodorant, the smell may become stronger for the first 3–5 days while the skin microbiome stabilizes.
Experts recommend showering more often during this period, wearing natural fabrics, and avoiding excess protein and spicy foods, as these can increase body odor.
Benefits of stopping deodorant
Giving up deodorants allows the skin to breathe. This is especially helpful for people who experience irritation or allergic reactions after shaving their underarms. Additionally, many products contain aluminum salts, which block sweat glands.
Some studies link these salts to increased skin sensitivity and hormonal disturbances, although there is not yet conclusive evidence.
How to replace deodorant
Natural alternatives include mineral crystals (alum), baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or coconut oil. These reduce bacterial growth without blocking natural sweating. Regular baths with chamomile or oak bark decoctions can also be effective.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
