A few weeks back I posted something on Facebook that got a lot of questions.  I posted something about not using "regular" storebought deodorant, or any deodorant that has aluminum  or parabens in it.  This sparked some interested, so I thought I'd do a post about it and let you decide for yourself.

There are studies and articles claiming that aluminum and parabens are linked to certain diseases, primarily breast cancer.  The claims are that the clogging of the pores to eliminate sweating causes toxins to build up and travel back to the lymph nodes near the armpits/top of the breast.  Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen warn in their book  You: Staying Young:  The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty, "Use deodorant instead of antiperspirant, since sweat is normal and blocking the  pores is not. Especially avoid aluminum, which is found in high levels in the  brain plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease. And with deodorants, avoid  phthalates, which are plastics used to help the fragrance stay on our skin and  block endocrine function, especially in the male fetus. Parabens, which are used as preservatives in these products, should also be avoided since they could be  linked to breast cancer."

Then there are articles and studies that claim the exact opposite, and state that the above studies don't have enough evidence to actually prove that the aluminum and parabens are the actual cause for the cancer.

I don't know if alumninum and parabens cause cancer, but I'm not willing to find out the hard way.

I started researching different deodorants to see if I could actually find one that I liked.  Understand that I'm not talking about antiperspirants, so I'm still sweating - but I am one of those that believes that our bodies were meant to sweat, and as someone who holds a lot of heat, I feel it's healthiest for me.  I'm also someone who works out regularly, and because I sweat I need a strong deodorant.

After browsing my local natural food store I found that there are quite a few brands to choose from.  After having unsuccessful trials with a couple different brands (i.e.: I became the person that you do not want to workout next to at the gym), I found Primal Pit Paste.  I had read a few reviews, and the only thing that seemed to be against it was that I couldn't purchase it in my local stores.  I had to order online - which turned out to be a really easy process.

I placed my order for two jars, the lavendar and the lemongrass thyme.  I wanted to order the stick version, but they were sold out - go figure, slathering on deodorant with my hands wasn't my top pick either.  Either way, I sucked it up and purchased my products.  To my surprise, they were relatively cheap.  A normal storebought brand of Suave or Secret was costing me around $3 or $4 each, and lasting a month or two.  These jars were around $9 each, but you use such a little amount that it seems as though it will last at least a few months!  I've been using it for about a month now, and have barely put a dent in my jar. 

My order came in less than a week and I began using the product.  Even though it's not an antiperspirant, I am actually not sweating 'as much' as normally do.  I still sweat, but it's not like I'm leaving marks on my clothes or anything.  The scents of the product are amazing, and as someone who stinks when I sweat, this is huge for me.  The lemongrass thyme is my favorite.  It's so fresh and light - but I find myself catching whifs of it throughout the day.  If lemongrass thyme is all I smell, I'd say that's a good thing!  Primal Pit Paste is, by far, the best brand of natural deodorant I've used. 

And I actually don't mind using my hands in the morning.  Unlike storebought deodorant with addititives, this product doesn't leave a gross film on your skin.  It easily washes off with a little soap and water, and (*bonus*) shaving my underarms is so much more smooth and easy.  This product is nourishing my skin, and I find that I have less razor bumps and knicks.

Regardless of the studies out there, I'm a huge advocate of using products that have ingredients you can recognize and pronounce.  Anytime I can replace an old, toxic product with a new, natural one - I'm in!  I'll let you decide if toxic free deodorant is a better choice for you.  They have a product for every member of the family:  kids, women, men and really active folks ("strong" version of the same products) - so you can get all of your shopping done in one trip. 

If you're curious, I'd encourage you to check it out for yourself.  If you do, let me know what you think!

Have a healthy day!
XoXo,
Nicole

As many of you know, I've struggled a long time with trying to keep my skin clear.  I've not been one of the lucky ones who cleans up their diet, removes toxins from their household and ends up with clearer skin.  Since going off of birth control pills a year and a half ago, I found that I was battling a hormone imbalance.  It was as if I had started menopause early:  I was fatigued, had horrible night sweats, would get hot flashes during the day, was extremely moody and my skin erupted.  I did not feel like the same human being I had once been.

Over the last 7 months my acupuncturist has worked to get me off of the hormones my naturopath had put me on (I really didn't feel like myself on those!).  Between acupuncture, chiropractic care and different Chinese herbs I am finally feeling back on track.  It's amazing what these 7 months have done for me, and as someone who is soon planning to start a family, having a strong body within is extremely important.

That being said, my skin - my poor skin - has definitely taken the worst of it.  Birth control, hormones, herbs, a mix of different topical serums - it's no wonder it looks like a war torn battlefield!  As you can imagine, this gets a little pricey.  Anytime I can make my own products, I do.  And this is a facial scrub that I love!  I still use a regular cleansing line but use this in the shower every few days to help keep things balanced - especially after a hard workout when I'm all red and puffy!

The recipe is super simple, just 4 ingredients that I'm fairly certain you have in your pantry right now!

The base is:
1 c oats - oats help soothe skin and reduce inflammation
1/2 c almonds - almonds are great to eat if you want glowing skin, but they are also good externally.  Full of healthy monounsaturated fats, they produce oils that help hydrate skin.  They are also full of vitamin E - and while a bit coarse in this recipe, help to exfoliate.
1/4 c celtic sea salt - salt contains magnesium which helps reduce inflammation and sulfates which flush out toxins.  It also helps with the exfoliation.

Place all items in a food processor and pulse until you get a grainy consistency.  You want to feel the almonds and salt in your fingers, but not enough that you'll scratch your face (;

When you are done, add 1 T ground cinnamon - as cinnamon helps to bring blood to the surface, bringining new life to your skin.

I usually just mix it in my hand with a little water from the shower, slather it on and let it sit while I wash my hair.  You can certainly mix this with almond oil if you wanted extra moisture.  I usually follow up with my own oil based moisturizer after the shower, so I skip the almond oil.

Even if you aren't someone who suffers from imflammed skin, this scrub would be great regardless.  It's such a soothing (and natural) way to take care of any skin type!

Enjoy!

XoXo,
Nicole