Did you ever have something you love let you down? No I am not talking about relationships, but certain products that you love how they work for you. One of my first loves since I have switched over to all-natural is deodorant. Before ditching my chemical laden products I was a heavy anti-antiperspirant user. I always had it with me because I was terrified of sweating! There is a big difference between deodorant and anti-antiperspirant, the main one being the first makes you smell good or just not smell when you sweat and the later prevents you from sweating altogether. I did not even want to sweat at all and if you really think about it that is not healthy. One of the main ways your body eliminates toxins is through sweat so when you are doing an intense workout or really working hard it is a natural detox for your skin and other organs.
One of the main ingredients for anti-antiperspirant is aluminum. What does that aluminum do? Well it irritates the pores in your skin causing them to swell thus blocking the sweat from coming out. So not only can your body not rid it's self of toxins but you are putting more toxic material on and irritating your skin. The other possible concern is that it may cause Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. While no one out there going to say for sure, there are some concerning studies and findings that cause me to think twice. This is straight from the National Cancer Institute website. "Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are applied
frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the
skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects (3). Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells,
some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in
antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer." Aluminum can account for up to 25% of your anti-antiperspirant and after one application .012% of aluminum is absorbed by the body. That doesn't sound that alarming but seeing as most people apply more than once per day and it accumulates in your skin and tissues over time this may be your largest exposure to poisonous metal other than vaccinations!
We tried all kinds of deodorants, Tom's, home made, corn starch, coconut oil and essential oils and non of it worked for us...then we found the crystal and were really happy with the results! In fact we were sure we would never need to look for another deodorant again. Until while I was doing research on aluminum and what it may be hidden in, much to my surprise and disappointment, I discovered what the deodorant crystals are made of is alum aka potassium aluminum sulfate. So yes, that is a form of aluminum, and while they (the companies that sell deodorant crystals) claim that the potassium alum or ammonium alum are
natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be
absorbed by your skin. There is no research to back up that claim, however it is still a form of aluminum and I would rather be safe than sorry so I guess we are on the hunt again! Any suggestions on what to try are welcome!
With all this trying new recipes for natural house supplies you find some real real gems and you some things that well... are not so great. I was so excited to give my husband this whipped moisturizing shaving cream I made with shea butter and coconut oil. It looked so luxurious and he often has razor burn so I thought this was going to be a real winner! He was excited to try it that evening and did so as I was cleaning up out in the kitchen. Soon I hear him calling me, "Hey honey, have you tried this stuff out?" "No I just made it today" I reply, "Well it really clogs up the razor and there is an oil slick in the sink." All this was true and as I tried it my self that night I found out it was nearly impossible to clean off the tub or sink. It was truly dangerous for anyone that showered after you shaved!
I was also really excited about making my own dish-washing detergent. I was loving the simplicity of the recipe as I already had all the stuff I needed to make it at home in stock! I made a batch and tried it out. Not too bad, yeah not everything came out clean but that happens with a regular dish tab too. However as the months progressed the dishes got cloudier and cloudier and soon even the silverware was starting to be smeary and cloudy! Now as a disclaimer we have exceptionally hard well water. We had our water tested at one point to find out that it was a 12 and 15 was the top. So that being said it is really hard to get things clean with natural detergents and hard water. I know other ladies who do use the same recipe and have success it just didn't work for us and I really wanted it to!
Over all I have good success with making my own stuff but once in a while there is that one project or product that lets me down. I know that the key to success is to try, try and try again so onward and upward I go to a less toxic home and body!
To all the glorious successes and ugly flops along the way!
The Farmer in the Dell
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