Armpit Detox: Myth, Reality, Or Something Else Entirely?  + A DIY Mask

In wellness and beauty spaces, we're regularly asked to "detox" a lot of ourselves. Detox our pores, our gut, our diet, and so on. One of the strangest areas we do this? The armpits. But anecdotally, many who say they switch from traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants note they go through a "transitory" phase where they feel they sweat and stink more. To speed this phase up, some tout an armpit detox. 

Some decide to make the transition from antiperspirant to deodorant over concerns about ingredients, like the aforementioned aluminum. The scientific consensus around how concerning these are is still widely debated in skin care circles, with some arguing that they have been proved safe—while others claim it's not worth the potential risk. Still others simply make the switch due to having sensitive skin and not being able to tolerate traditional products, and they find natural options are more soothing. In addition, some folks deal with hyperpigmentation in the area and find natural, fragrance-free deodorants to be better suited for their needs.

Here's the thing: Your body naturally "purges" antiperspirant ingredients from the pores within 24 hours. And it does so naturally and totally on it's own (your body's pretty cool, no?). However, some people feel that for several weeks or months after their switch, they have increased sweat and odor. This is an anecdotal phenomenon that actually is traced back to your pores, microbiome, and leveling out sweat output. (We'll explain in full below.) But again: Your body actually does this naturally, and so while you can use a mask during this time, your body doesn't need it.

As for how long it takes you to get used to using deodorant? Ultimately, your body will adjust to your new product in time and on its own schedule. This is unsurprising: Every new skin care product you introduce will take time to get used to, and your pits are no different. If you choose to use a mask during this transition, it may help aid the microbiome and skin itself, but it will do little to help "purge" the area as your body does that naturally regardless. 

Let's say you do want to make the switch: Why do so many people complain of sweat levels being wonky and even a period of increased odor2? Here's what's happening.

"Antiperspirants are absorbed by sweat glands, and the sweat glands do not return to normal levels of sweat production after 24 hours of non-use. It may take several days for the sweat glands to produce their baseline amount of sweating after even one application of antiperspiration," says Nazarian. "As you move further away from use of antiperspirants, during the 'switch,' your body slowly regains the ability to activate sweat glands. Essentially, nothing drastic happens when you stop using conventional antiperspirants; it just takes time for your sweat glands to learn to sweat fully again."

So what we've anecdotally deemed as "purging" or "detoxing" is actually just our body doing what it's supposed to do. "The weeks and days following cessation of these products are when you'll notice sweating increasing and then normalizing to baseline levels—while the natural deodorant aides in masking scent," says Nazarian. "There is no real 'purge' other than this basic adjustment. Just let your body get used to the change or the new product." 

But there's also the skin microbiome aspect. The microbiome is what we call the collective of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and other microorganisms that live on our skin. "The skin microbiome changes depending on the 'eco-niche3,' or location. The critters also vary depending on the amount of light and whether the area is moist, dry, hairy, or oily. And the microbiome differs with age and gender4. For instance, a hormonal, sweaty teenage boy sports a very different microbiome than a sedentary, postmenopausal woman," says physician Kara Fitzgerald, N.D.

Your armpits, we know, have a very specific micro niche, which is why the area smells in the first place. Essentially, there are certain strains of bacteria that live in the area, and when you perspire, they consume the sweat and sebum in the area and produce what we know as B.O. 

For many, there is a distinct transitional phase marked by fluctuating sweating levels and increased odor. This is a completely normal and natural thing to happen as your body adjusts to a new type of product. And while many deem it as your skin "purging" or "detoxing" certain antiperspirant ingredients, it's really nothing more than your skin getting back to baseline.