Can you detox your armpits? What to know about underarm masks, natural deodorants and more

There is growing interest in detoxes and cleanses as a way to remove toxins from your body and improve your health. Among these are underarm detoxes, which proponents say help remove aluminum buildup in antiperspirants and flush potentially harmful chemicals from the body.

However, little to no research supports the effectiveness of underarm detoxes, and experts warn people to be wary of false claims made by companies that market detoxes about their products.

If you’re considering an underarm detox, here’s what you need to know, including its effectiveness, potential benefits, and possible side effects.

Before considering an underarm detox, it is important to recognize that your body does not typically detox through armpit sweat. When you sweat, your body is working to cool itself, not eliminate toxins.

That said, if your goal with an underarm detox is to transition from using antiperspirants to using a more natural, aluminum-free deodorant, then an underarm detox may have some effect. You can expect a change in the smell and the amount of sweat you produce, although this is unlikely to be related to the elimination of toxins from your body.

Research suggests that people who use antiperspirants and deodorants may have fewer odor-causing bacteria than those who stop using these products or don’t use them at all.

An underarm detox is unlikely to remove toxins from your body, but it may have other benefits.

For example, a detox can help you transition from aluminum-based odor-masking antiperspirants and deodorants to more natural products. This process may be helpful if you have had an allergic reaction to an antiperspirant or if your skin is irritated by its regular use, including if you have contact dermatitis.

Some people may also consider an underarm detox because they want to embrace their natural odor instead of preventing sweat production or masking it with perfumes and deodorant fragrances.

Underarm detoxes involve apply an underarm mask to your armpits. You can buy an over-the-counter underarm mask or mix your own with ingredients like clay, apple cider vinegar, charcoal, lemon juice, essential oils, aloe vera gel and coconut oil, some sources say.

There are many recipes online to try, but be sure to do a patch test on your skin whatever recipe you choose. This test helps you determine if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Knowing this can help reduce the risk of a reaction on the sensitive skin in your underarms. Here’s how to perform a patch test:

• Start by applying a small amount of the mask to the crease of your elbow twice a day for 7 to 10 days.
• Leave the mask on your skin for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Check if you have any skin reactions.

When you are ready to try the mask on your underarms, follow these steps:

• Start by washing your armpits with soap and water, then dry them.
• Spread a thin layer of the mask of your choice on your armpits.
• Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and soap until the mask is completely washed off.
• Pat your skin.
• Use the mask once a week. It is not necessary to do this every day.

Although an underarm detox mask can help eliminate bacteria, using it can also lead to skin reactions. The acidic properties of ingredients like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can be harsh on your skin. If you find that this is the case, you may want to reduce the amount you add to your mask or stop using the ingredient altogether.

Once you stop using antiperspirants (which control the amount of sweat you produce), you may also notice that you sweat more. You can also have more noticeable body odor. These changes are the result of increased bacterial growth under the arms and a lack of aluminum salts to block the sweat glands.

A skin condition known as intertrigo may also be possible. It causes an inflammatory skin rash triggered by friction, humidity, hot temperatures and poor ventilation. Intertrigo usually occurs in areas with skin folds, such as the armpit region. Without antiperspirant to control sweat and humidity, your armpits can become an ideal environment for intertrigo to develop.

Switching from aluminum-based antiperspirants to a more natural deodorant may require some adjustment. In the meantime, other things can help you maintain your underarm hygiene, control body odor if you wish, and use natural deodorants effectively. Here are some suggestions.

• Pay attention to hygiene: When trying to control odors produced by sweat or eliminate bacteria in your armpits, it is important to wash regularly with an antibacterial soap.
• Consider hair removal: Research has shown that shaving or waxing your armpits can significantly reduce underarm odor. Scientists believe that cleaning your armpits is most effective when the skin has been shaved or waxed.
• Avoid very spicy foods: There is evidence that garlic, onion, spicy foods, or curry can affect body odor because of how you metabolize them. To reduce body odor, consider limiting or avoiding very spicy foods.
• Managing stress: Stress sweat is different from sweat that cools your body and may have a more distinct odor. To help you deal with this sweat, take steps to manage your stress.
• Reapply the natural deodorant if necessary: You may need to reapply a natural deodorant several times a day to reduce odor. Natural deodorants contain ingredients like baking soda and arrowroot powder, which absorb moisture, but they are not as effective at controlling odor.

There is little to no evidence on the effectiveness of an underarm detox in removing toxins from your body, but the ingredients in an underarm detox mask can help remove bacteria and irritating ingredients from your skin left behind by antiperspirants and deodorants.

If you want to try an underarm detox, experts recommend going slowly and being careful. The skin under your arms is delicate and can be easily irritated. Other strategies can also help you keep your armpits healthy.