Many deodorants work by killing off odor-causing bacteria that emerges from the pores under the arms. When you are shopping for the best all natural deodorant, you may also want to consider a formula that contains probiotics. These so-called “good bacteria” can have many different beneficial effects. Here’s what you need to know about how probiotics enhance natural deodorant products.
Understanding the Negative Effects of Chemical Deodorants
With regular deodorant use, your body will naturally produce fewer bacteria, reducing the intensity of body odor. That’s good news, right? Not necessarily. While the quantity of bacteria decreases, the diversity of bacterial types increases, introducing your body to new microbes and possibly creating an even smellier situation. A study published by Belgium’s Ghent University found that regular antiperspirant users were more likely to have a high underarm concentration of Staphylococcus bacteria, which is known to create the most significant sweat odor. Another clinical study showed that individuals who did not use deodorant or antiperspirant for seven days had a higher concentration of Corynebacterium, a microbe responsible for killing off bad bacteria, than regular deodorant users did. If you’re ready to switch to a more natural solution to body odor, using the best feminine product subscription service allows you to experiment with several different deodorant formulas.
Whatever type of cosmetics you use, you should always try and stick to the natural options available to avoid adverse effects and that is the case with deodorant as well. In many cases natural products work far better than the chemical alternatives.
Succeeding With Natural Deodorant
When you switch from a standard antiperspirant or deodorant to a probiotic variety, you may notice that you produce more sweat and odor at first. After two to three weeks, however, your body stabilizes as the levels of good bacteria rise, decreasing the levels of stinky Staphylococcus and other odor-causing organisms. How does it work? Probiotics reduce the pH of skin by creating compounds such as lactic acid. Because most bad bacteria that lives under the arms thrives in a more alkaline environment, these baddies will begin to die off. Some types of good bacteria are even known to produce a slightly sweet odor that counteracts that sour body-odor smell. Other types prevent bad bacteria from sticking to the skin and surrounding areas.
Finding the Right Formula
Some deodorants and skin care products directly contain probiotics, which are actually live bacterial cultures. Other formulas instead rely on prebiotics, or plant-based carbohydrates that preserve existing good bacteria on the skin while creating an inhospitable environment for bad bacteria. Common prebiotic and probiotic ingredients to look for in deodorant include:
- Hyaluronic acid to add moisture to the skin and create a hydration barrier
- Lactic acid for natural moisture with antimicrobial protection
- Sphingomyelinase to enhance production of ceramide, a compound that keeps bacteria out and moisture in the skin
- Acetic acid to eliminate bad bacteria
- Lipotechoic acid to encourage growth of beta defensins and other antimicrobial peptides
- Diacetyl to eliminate E. coli, Pseudomonas and other harmful bacteria strains
While seeking these ingredients, avoid deodorant products that contain harsh chemicals. Elements to watch out for include parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, aluminum, and propylene glycol.
In addition to their use in deodorants, probiotics are increasingly incorporated in cosmetics and skin care products. Clinical research shows that these natural ingredients can have a beneficial effect on the complexion, especially for those who suffer from acne. So, this is highly recommended that you choose deodorants that are natural and have probiotics for best results for your skin. Enjoy your day with natural skin care products.