How to Heal Underarm Rash From Natural Deodorant (+ Tips to Avoid it in the First Place)
There’s nothing more frustrating than making what you think is a change for the better of your health, only for it to backfire and have the opposite intended effect. One example of this is the dreaded armpit rash from natural deodorant.
The benefits of natural deodorant are well-documented. You’re avoiding harmful aluminum and other synthetic chemicals that disrupt your body’s natural detox process (and potentially lead to more serious complications down the road). Contrary to what some assume, it works just as well, too.
So why do natural deodorants cause a rash? It could be that your skin is extra sensitive to baking soda, a common ingredient. Or, it could just be your body freaking out about such a drastic change from the traditional antiperspirant you’ve used for years (maybe decades?).
The good news is there are plenty of ways to avoid this issue in the first place, like setting yourself up for success with the best natural deodorant for men at The Black Stuff. See what sets ours apart and learn how to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant below!
Why Do Natural Deodorants Cause a Rash?
So why do natural deodorants cause a rash? Everything you’ve heard about them is probably in regards to how much better they are for you. And it’s true. Aluminum-based deodorants are detrimental to your health in that they clog up your underarm pores and stop you from sweating.
But sweating is actually an important part of human health, as it’s how your body detoxes. Using traditional deodorant means you’re willfully harboring toxins. Plus, aluminum itself has been linked to some scary conditions like Alzheimer’s and certain cancers.
That’s not to mention all the effects of synthetic fragrances used in traditional deodorants. Long story short, using natural deodorant is the way to go.
There’s likely a reasonable explanation for the armpit rash from natural deodorant you’re dealing with - one that can be easily fixed with our tips below on how to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant. But why do natural deodorants cause a rash in the first place?
Ingredient Sensitivity
The natural deodorant ingredients are designed to be gentle on your skin, accommodating even those who frequently encounter sensitivity. Still, not all natural deodorants are created equal.
Some still use baking soda, which may be highly effective at neutralizing odor but can sometimes be too abrasive for sensitive skin. Its high alkalinity can disrupt your skin’s natural pH, leading to irritation.
There are also essential oils used in these formulations for their fragrance and antimicrobial properties, but they too may cause discomfort and rashes in sensitive individuals. Tea tree oil and cinnamon are two of the most common culprits here.
pH Imbalance
Your skin has a natural pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Maintaining that acidity keeps your skin barrier intact and fends off harmful bacteria.
Unfortunately, some natural deodorants (like those with baking soda) can turn your skin a bit more alkaline. They disrupt the natural protective layer and leave you more vulnerable to irritation and rashes.
Friction
Even just the friction of applying natural deodorant can cause a rash sometimes.
Natural deodorant doesn’t glide on quite as easily as its traditional counterpart, one of the many differences between natural deodorant vs antiperspirant. This can be avoided altogether by warming the deodorant in your hands before applying.
However, a combination of friction, sweating, and sensitive skin can create the perfect storm for a rash. Using too much product or rubbing it on unevenly can make matters worse.
The good news? All of these causes for armpit rash from natural deodorant are both preventable and treatable. So, let’s get into how to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant.
How to Heal Underarm Rash From Natural Deodorant
Rashes are always cause for concern, and your gut reaction to seeing the sight or feeling the sensation might be to freak out. Resist that urge. It’s not all that uncommon, and we’ve got some advice on how to get rid of underarm rash from natural deodorant below.
Stop Using the Product Temporarily
The moment you realize something isn’t right in your pits, stop using the product altogether. We know what you’re thinking…aren’t I going to stink?! Yeah, maybe. But at this point you don’t have too many other options since you need to give your skin a chance to recover.
Taking a break while your rash heals also gives you an opportunity to look into what could be causing the rash in the first place so you can find a new product or change your approach.
In the meantime, just make sure you’re bathing regularly or at least washing your armpits 1-2 times a day. Use a natural soap for men as it contains gentle ingredients that nourish and repair. The best men’s soap at The Black Stuff is a great choice!
Soothe the Area With Natural Remedies
What else can you do to calm the irritation going on under your arms and start speeding up the healing process? Here are some options:
- Aloe Vera Gel: Known for its soothing and cooling properties, it helps reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
- Coconut Oil: Its natural antimicrobial and moisturizing qualities make it ideal for soothing irritation while protecting against bacteria.
- Cool Compress: Applying a cold, damp cloth to the area helps reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort.
What you shouldn’t do is bring more irritating chemicals into the mix. Don’t resort back to your traditional deodorant, don’t try to slather on a chemical-laden moisturizer, and resist the urge to cleanse your armpits with a shower gel.
Avoid Further Irritation
Beyond the products you do or don’t use, there are other things you can do to mitigate irritation while your armpit rash from natural deodorant heals. That means don’t shave your armpits for a few days, and wearing loose, lightweight clothing to reduce friction and let your skin breathe.
Reintroduce Natural Deodorant Slowly
Hopefully the armpit rash from natural deodorant heals quickly. When it does, you can slowly start reintroducing the natural deodorant and see how your skin reacts.
If irritation returns, you may need to reevaluate your choice of deodorant or adjust your routine, such as applying less product or ensuring your underarms are completely dry before use.
Consider Finding a New Formulation
Take a look at the ingredients on your natural deodorant - does it contain baking soda, tea tree oil, or some other ingredient known for causing irritation? If so, it’s probably time to find a new solution.
That doesn’t mean you have to avoid baking soda altogether - just try and find a product with a lower concentration of it. Or, you can look into alternative pH balancers like magnesium hydroxide.
Better yet, see if you can find a natural deodorant containing soothing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera can. These will prevent future armpit rash from natural deodorant as well.
How Long Does Armpit Rash From Deodorant Last?
There you have it, our top tips on how to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant. But what sort of timeline can you expect - how long does armpit rash from deodorant last?
Just like with the question, how long does it take for aluminum-free deodorant to work, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It will depend on your skin type, the cause of the rash, and how well you care for your skin during the healing process.
That being said, mild irritation caused by friction or a temporary pH imbalance should resolve within 2-3 days if you stop using the product right away and apply soothing remedies like aloe vera or coconut oil.
But if the rash stems from sensitivity to ingredients like baking soda or essential oils, it may take closer to a week for the redness and discomfort to fade entirely.
Severe rashes (characterized by cracking, swelling, or peeling) can take up to two weeks or longer. These are generally indicative of a more serious underlying issue, and will require a dermatologist or switching to a gentler formula for improvements to be made.
The key to faster healing is early intervention - the sooner you take action and implement our tips on how to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant, the better. But you know what they say - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Tips on Preventing Underarm Rash From Natural Deodorant in the First Place
Switching to natural deodorant doesn’t have to come with irritation. In fact, it shouldn’t! You just need to choose the right product and understand how to use it properly. Here are some tips to prevent underarm rash from natural deodorant in the first place.
Choose the Right Natural Deodorant
While natural deodorant is inherently safer and gentler than its aluminum-based counterparts, not all natural deodorant is created equal.
You need to pick one with gentle, skin-friendly ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, shea butter, and coconut oil, which balance your skin’s pH and provide hydration. We’ve already mentioned how baking soda can be the culprit behind armpit rashes, so steer clear.
Fortunately, you don’t need to look far for the best aluminum-free deodorant for men. Our handmade deodorant at The Black Stuff is the #1 choice online. They’re crafted with care from premium ingredients and proven to work. We have a scent for every guy, too:
- Lavender natural deodorant: A calming blend of lavender and sweet orange, perfect for keeping you fresh without overwhelming your senses.
- Pine deodorant: Infused with earthy pine and herbaceous notes of basil and spearmint, this scent is a refreshing nod to nature.
- Citrus scented deodorant: A vibrant mix of orange, lemon, peppermint, and rosemary for an uplifting start to your day.
- Irish deodorant: A sophisticated blend of lemongrass, clary sage, and lavender, offering a light, fresh scent reminiscent of summer rain.
The best part? All our deodorants are backed by our First Scent Guarantee. If you don’t love the first scent you purchase from us, we’ll work with you to find one that you do! So, shop today and see for yourself why The Black Stuff is the #1 Dr. Squatch deodorant alternative.
Prep Your Skin Properly
We know you’re eager to experience all the benefits the Black Stuff has to offer, but take your time to do a patch test on a small area of skin. This way if you do have a slight adverse reaction, it’s contained and easy to manage.
As for applying natural deodorant, it should only be used on clean, dry skin. Better yet, cleanse it with a natural antibacterial soap. This not only reduces the risk of reactions but ensures the deodorant works its best.
Adjust to the Transition Slowly
Slow and steady wins the race when switching over to natural deodorant. Start by using it just on low-stakes days, like weekends. Alternate with your current product for the first week.
This gives your body a chance to adjust - not only minimizing the risk of irritation but also streamlining the detox period. You can read our more detailed guide on how to switch to aluminum-free deodorant for the full scoop to set yourself up for success in the transition.
Stay Hydrated and Moisturize
Hydrated skin is resilient skin. Drink plenty of water and consider moisturizing your underarms with a light, fragrance-free lotion to strengthen your skin barrier. This will make your skin less likely to react to any deodorant, natural or otherwise.
Parting Thoughts on Armpit Rash From Natural Deodorant
There you have it, everything you need to know about how to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant. As concerning as discovering an armpit rash from natural deodorant may be, the good news is that it’s a temporary ailment - one that can be avoided altogether for that matter.
Understanding your skin, choosing a high-quality product, and easing into the transition are all key steps to making natural deodorant work for you. A rash isn’t a sign to give up - it’s an opportunity to find what your skin truly needs.
What your skin needs is The Black Stuff. So, say goodbye to rashes and hello to healthier skin today. Upgrade your grooming routine with natural deodorants that work as hard as you do!
