To smell, or not to smell?

Have you heard the claim that antiperspirants cause cancer?

Have you heard the claim that it's just a rumor and is false?

As of right now they're both just rumors. It has not been proven one way or the other. The government is standing in neutral territory right now. They cannot say that they cause cancer and hurt businesses that bring in revenue without enough solid evidence. And they cannot say that they pose no cancer risk unless they are 100% sure because of the backlash they would receive from society if this was proven wrong one day. So, they will do what they do best in this situation.... nothing.

It is up to you as the consumer to educate yourself and make your own decision until the facts are in. Most of us might be dead or really old by the time that happens. So, it's up to you to decide for yourself right now.

This post is a little hard to do because I don't want to step on any toes or create any false impressions. This is just what I have concluded on my own. It's purely my own understanding of the topic. 

Do you know what the largest organ is in the human body?

Technically, I should probably say "on the human body" because it is the skin. Yes, your skin is an organ! Just like your heart, lungs, and brain serve a purpose so does your skin. Probably one of the most neglected and abused organs overall. But also one of the most important.

The skin is a shield. It protects the other delicate organs from infection, abrasion, and ultraviolet radiation. It is also holds us together and keeps us from evaporating. It protects us from extreme temperatures and holds us together. It connects us to the outside world with its nerves that allow us to sense and feel. But it also has a very important role - sweating.

Sweating isn't just a side-effect of having a body. It's more than a nuisance we have to deal with. It is purposeful. We sweat to keep our bodies temperate and in a homeostatic state. We also sweat to excrete waste products and create scent. Let me hurry and break it down for you...
There are two types of sweat glands located on the body. The one type serves to keep your body at a safe and normal temperature. It pretty much just secretes salty water.
The other kind does not develop until puberty. They are the reason we have to be subjected to those humiliating maturation classes in fifth grade. They excrete waste products and smell. The stink comes from bacteria breaking down the compounds in sweat rather than the sweat itself. So what you're actually excreting is probably more like pheromones.

And do you know how important pheromones are?! They are insane! I once read a study about how the smell of sad tears from women actually reduced the testosterone levels in men. They instinctively know that if the wife isn't happy then they aren't getting any (and by "any" I mean you know what).

That's why I blame antiperspirants for high divorce rates. Jkjk. 

But if you think about it your antiperspirant is probably hindering you more than it is helping you. How is your perfect mate supposed to smell you and find you? You also have apocrine sweat glands in your nether regions, but unless you have a lot of guys sniffing your crotch then good luck! That's why it is so hard to find Mr. Right. We all use antiperspirants and so we're left to find him using our brains and that's why you're going to get divorced if you use deodorant. Hahaha! Ok, I hope you know that was all in jest.

If it's not safe to use when you're sick then should you really be using it when you're healthy?

But here's what I do know - anything that prevents an organ from functioning properly is no bueno. 

We do have vestigial (useless) body parts, but the skin is not one of them. And stopping it from performing correctly could be dangerous. 

There is a difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants stop you from sweating. Deodorants just cover up or remove the smell. Whether or not you are sweating, there is always substance found in your apocrine glands. And if you don't let it out every once in awhile it's probably going to do what a sweaty gym sock does when it is forgotten in a gym bag for a few months.... It is going to kill the first person that opens the bag and gets a whiff of it! And it will destroy that gym bag forever!  That might be a slight exaggeration. But if it's a waste product trapped inside your body then you're going to have repercussions. Your body needs to get rid of it. That's why if you must choose between the two then choose deodorant. 

Most deodorants you purchase at the store are made from chemicals though. And slathering yourself in man-made yuck isn't very smart either. That's why I was thrilled to try a natural deodorant made from Bella Organics. They use natural, chemical-free, organic ingredients.

You can actually recognize the names of the ingredients listed on their label. Try and do that with your AXE, Dove, or Secret! In the sample I received they used:

• Organic arrowroot powder to absorb wetness naturally.
• Organic shea butter to soothe and moisturize your skin.
• Organic virgin coconut oil to soothe and condition the skin, as well as for its natural antibacterial properties.
• Organic peppermint oil for its scent, and antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
• Organic tea tree oil for its germ-killing antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Just reading those safe and healthy ingredients makes me feel all warm and cozy inside!

Since they are all natural and earth friendly ingredients there is a shelf life. It is good for one year. I'm pretty sure we all use a stick of deodorant in less than a year though. 

If you have razor burn don't apply this directly afterwards either. I made that mistake. It's the same way with normal deodorant as well though.

I wish it rolled on easy like the bad stuff, but it's not that big of a deal.

And it does come with a warning - you might stink upon initial use if your body hasn't already been detoxed. I stopped using antiperspirant a long time ago because of its negative side effects and so I didn't have any issues with detoxing or odor. It's that dirty gym sock thing I was telling you about! 

So if you're ready to let your armpits go free and try the all natural way here is a great brand that I've thoroughly enjoyed - Bella Organics. I tried the Vanilla Mint Deodorant and absolutely loved it! I smelled like a candycane you just want to lick! Almost. Please don't lick my armpits... But they have other flavors (yes, flavors. Not scents. jkjk) that you can try out as well. You can see them all here. I want to try the Iced Lemonade next. I doubt it will be better than my Vanilla Mint though. I lOVE mint scented and flavored things. But lemon is usually right up there on the list of favorites next to mint. I'll try it out and let you know which one wins the battle. I have a feeling that mint will be a better deodorant though. 

Go to my contest page for your chance to win a sample for yourself!

I did receive a sample of this product so that I could try it out and provide an honest and unbiased review. These thoughts and opinions are completely my own. I am not a doctor. If you have questions about what to use on your body please consult someone who knows more than me.