When you start using natural deodorant for the first time, your armpits will go through a an adjustment period. Just like any big life change – give your body time to grieve the loss of conventional deodorant (we know you loved that shower fresh scent) but then, it’s time to move on and get ready for even better things to come – no smell, less sweat and safe ingredients. This adjustment period (aka detox phase) can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and, in some cases, can come with a few irritating side effects. If you’ve experienced an underarm rash or irritation from natural deodorant, here’s some reasons why and what you can do about it.

RASH REASON #1. PERSPIRATION

Now that you’ve switched from an antiperspirant that stops your sweat glands from actually doing what they’re supposed to do, you’ll most likely start to feel a bit more sweaty. Remember, that’s a GOOD thing since sweating helps to expel toxins + regulate our body temperature. And once your body becomes acclimated to natural deodorant, you’ll find you actually sweat even less! But the excess perspiration can potentially get trapped in your pits and cause itchiness, inflammation or irritation.

Thankfully, there are a few simple solutions. Everyday (especially in the heat of the summer, after a hard workout or a seriously stressful day) it’s important to make sure you properly cleanse your pits to keep skin clear of trapped sweat and bacteria buildup.

Be sure to:

• Use Bare Pits weekly pit detox paste for a few weeks to remove all the build up of aluminum, product, and clogged pores
• Cleanse with Bare Pits miracle lye free soap that kills bacteria naturally (also heals skin irritations and acne) that effectively cleanses + lightly exfoliates.
• Cleanse with Bare Pits pit cleansing serum spray weekly to remove bacteria
• Enjoy Bare Pits vegan magnesium detox deodorant spray in between to freshen up or use alone
• Try Bare Pits HOLY pit butter for any type of skin irritations (#1 rated for organic scent and healing properties)
• Our natural talc free deodorant and baby powder is coming soon and it will help absorb excess moisture and help reduce friction + irritation.

RASH REASON #2. BAKING SODA

Baking soda may be to blame because of its alkaline pH. If there’s too much baking soda in a deodorant, it can feel abrasive and possibly cause a reaction (none of Bare Pits products having baking soda). Our expertly formulated natural deodorant that comes in regular or extra strength contains all organic and food grade ingredients and magnesium enriched (skin soothing and detoxifying kaolin or bentonite clay and organic arrowroot powder) that work naturally with your body. Our scents (most popular is love rose) are made with organic essential oils. Some even buy just the oil as a roll on perfume.

Still suffering from sensitivities? You may be extra sensitive if your skin’s protective outer layer, the acid mantle (aka moisture barrier), has been impaired. One culprit could be your body wash. Take a look at the bottle in your shower – is your skin being stripped with harsh sulfates and cleansing chemicals? Washing your skin with these kinds of ingredients on the daily can break down your acid mantle, making your skin even more vulnerable to irritation.

Try this 3 step system to maintain your skin’s strength, soothe skin conditions and prevent irritation.

1. Wash pits (and all of your delicate places!) with a our miracle soap that safely cleanses without stripping skin and actually helps to repair skin tissue.
2. Bring your pH levels back into balance and help eliminate odor-causing bacteria with our armpit cleansing serum spray.
3. Rebuild your moisture barrier with a body butter, body oil or pit butter rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and healing oils.

RASH REASON #3. IRRITATING INGREDIENTS

Contact dermatitis (a red, itchy rash) is caused when the skin comes in contact with an ingredient that triggers a reaction. Some may show signs of irritations straightaway and others may develop over time. Every body is made differently and responds uniquely to each ingredient, which makes finding the specific cause a bit difficult. However, here are some suggestions that will make a big difference in preventing + calming contact dermatitis.

While you may think you’re in the clear of chemicals or irritating ingredients when you use a natural deodorant, the formula may not be as natural as you think. Take a look at the ingredient list to find out what gives the product its fresh, floral or seasonal scent. Do you see the word parfum, fragrance or even natural fragrance? These fragrance formulas are engineered scents (and protected by the FDA) that can contain any combination of 3,000+ chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens.

Look for only pure organic essential oils on your deodorant label to help minimize the potential for any allergies or irritations. Our most popular is love rose, lavender vanilla, vanilla orange, breathe, vanilla rose dream, jasmine tea, infused gardenia, lavender eucalyptus, and lemon grapefruit. We have many others and can make custom scents as well.

RASH REASON #4. FRICTION

There is actually a type of irritation that’s more common than we may think and doesn’t have anything to do with deodorant itself. Intertrigo is the scientific name for a skin rash that shows up between the folds of skin, aka armpits. This inflammatory skin condition is due to a few factors – such as friction between skin folds, lack of air circulation, moisture, bacteria and heat. No wonder our pits would be the perfect place for this rash to show up! While this condition causes skin to feel raw, itchy, cracked and red, there are some natural solutions to help prevent and treat Intertrigo.

• Avoid wearing tight clothes to allow your underarms to breathe.
• Wash pits (and all of your delicate places!) with a our miracle soap that safely cleanses without stripping skin and actually helps to repair skin tissue.
• Bring your pH levels back into balance and help eliminate odor-causing bacteria with our armpit cleansing serum spray.
• Rebuild your moisture barrier with a body butter, body oil or pit butter rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and healing oils.
• And of course, if your rash isn’t clearing up you may want to seek medical care.

RASH REASON #5. SHAVING BLUNDERS

Have you ever applied deodorant immediately after shaving and felt the sting, the burn and the inevitable itch? Shaving causes tiny cuts on our pits, so to avoid + prevent underarm irritation, always shave at night and apply deodorant in the morning. Also, remember to shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize inflammation and never shave with a dull blade – your pits will thank you.

DETOX TIPS

Here are some tips to help make the transition to natural deodorant even more smooth…

• Drink more water to support the detoxification process.
• Start dry brushing to stimulate lymph flow + flush out toxins.
• Bare Pits Pit Detox: Applying our armpit detox paste has been beneficial for so many people as they have transitioned from traditional deodorants to a natural alternative.
• Eliminating processed and refined foods, eating lots of leafy green vegetables and getting regular exercise can help support the detoxification process and promote balanced pits – and better B.O.!
• Get a massage. The perfect excuse to book a spa appointment! Pit detox