It’s been found that more and more breast tissue and tumours in the breast contain parabens. It kind of all adds up when you think how close your breast tissue and lymph nodes are to your under arm that you coat in deodorant, and our skin absorbs everything we put on it.
“Parabens have been found in human breast tumour tissue, in a form indicating that they have been absorbed by the skin. Up to 60% of breast tumours are located in the fifth of the breast known as the upper-outer quadrant, nearest the underarm. Researchers believe this shows the impact of parabens in underarm deodorant and shaving products. This is backed up by other research linking earlier age diagnosis of breast cancer with more frequent use of deodorants and underarm shaving.” Spotless Living
“A 2004 study at Northwestern University found that breast cancer now affects younger women which could be related to more frequent use of antiperspirants with aluminum and underarm shaving. “I personally feel there is a very strong correlation between the underarm hygiene habits and breast cancer,” said immunologist Dr. Kris McGrath.” The Green Beauty Guide
So whether the chemicals in your deodorant are cancer causing or not, I’d still prefer to know my under arms are not absorbing chemicals.
Here are a few natural deodorants to try. I’m not going to say which is the most effective, as our bodies are different, and what may work for you may not work for me.
Pure Beginnings:
Forest, Monsoon & Sahara 75ml, R59.00 and Fragrance Free 75ml, R54.00
• Available in Forest, Monsoon & Sahara & Fragrance Free
• Perfect for men, women and teenagers.
• Free of aluminium, parabens, synthetic fragrances and animal products.
• Keeps you feeling & smelling fresh all day
• An effective natural solution to body odour
• Ideal for persons who suffer from skin irritations from conventional deodorants and antiperspirants
www.purebeginnings.co.za
Earth Sap:
EarthSap Natural Deodorants 250ml, R23.95
Available in: Tea Tree / Lavender & Rosemary / Grapefruit & geranium
Earthsap Deodorants are made from pure simple ingredients and essential oils.
NO Synthetic fragrances or presevatives
NO Synthetic dyes, soduim laurel/laureth sulphate
NO animal ingredients
NO petrochemicals
NO animal testing
Stockist: Selected Pick ‘n Pay stores (Gtn, WC), healthshops and pharmacies; www.earthsap.co.za
Bema Bio:
Bema Bio – BEMA BIO DEO LINE – Anti-Odorant Woman R190.00 for 125
This anti-odorant is unique in that it neutralises body odours without altering the physiological equilibrium of the skin or inhibiting normal perspiration. Instead, one of its active ingredients, Rock Alum, controls bacteria and micro-organisms that settle in moist areas of the skin and create odour. It is fragranced with distilled waters of Rose and Orange Flowers, which help the skin breath naturally. A pump-spray bottle and not an aerosol can is used, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Of natural origin
• Without chemical preservatives & colouring agents
• Nickel, chrome and cobalt tested
• Not tested on animals
• Contains no perfume, alcohol, aluminium chlorhydrate
Main Active Ingredients: Distilled waters of Rose and Orange Flower, Rock Alum, Aloe Extract, Japanese
BEMA BIO is Quality Certified ISO 9001:2008 and their products have obtained the organic certification from ICEA. This certification guarantees the mankind’s health and the protection of the environment thanks to the use of natural raw material and the reduction of environmental impact
Available at Wellness Warehouse & www.faithful-to-nature.co.za – for further stockists contact DEA Organics www.deaorganics.com
DIY Deodrant:
Coconut oil helps to deodorise says spotless living because of its anti-bacterial action, while also caring for the skin. This mixture forms a stiff paste which is very effective.
- Combine equal parts of cornstach and bicarb (about a quarter cup of each) to two parts softened coconut oil (about half a cup). Mix well.
- If your coconut oil is very solid, warm it gently to make mixing easier.
- You can add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice to this mixture for added fragrance, if you like.
- Allow the mixture to cool and get firm.
- Apply a pea-sized amount under each armpit.
- Store in the fridge in hot weather. In cold weather, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to soften the mixture.
