Be it a big presentation at the office, a leg day at the gym, or you’re on a date, imagine standing next to your colleague or bae and then suddenly noticing people trying to move back or avoiding being in close proximity to you. Well, there is nothing nightmarish than emanating a pungent, unpleasant smell in public and it’s sure to diminish your confidence and ruin your A-game however smartly you speak or are dressed up. Well, if there is something that may come to you as a knight in shining armour is Deodorants. But first, let us know what is Body Odour!
Also Read: DIY Perfume: Arouse Your Senses With These Invigorating Homemade Fragrances
What Is Body Odour?
Body odour, often denoted as B.O and medically referred to as osmidrosis or bromhidrosis is a common problem that is chiefly noticed in people of all ages, from teenagers, adults and even the elderly. Although, it’s the armpits that are notoriously responsible for giving off the stench, B.O. can even arise from the sweaty scalp, feet, pubic area and buttocks. B.O can occur due to several factors including sweating, puberty, spicy diet and chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorder etc.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Body Odour: Try These Natural Home Remedies Right Now!
You see, contrary to popular belief, it's not the sweat that gives off the pungent odour. When one perspires, the sweat glands (i.e., apocrine glands) releases sweat which are high in proteins. It is the breeding bacteria on this sweat that breaks down this protein into acids to give out the gag-worthy, foul smell. In some people, chronic body odour is an underlying symptom of a health condition and is medically termed as hyperhidrosis. Apart from this even hygiene, dietary components and one’s genetic constitution determine the type of sweat exuding from one's body. Well, that’s where deodorants enter.
What Is A Deodorant?
A deodorant is a substance which when applied to the body effectively prevents or masks body odor due to bacterial breakdown of perspiration in the armpits, groin, feet, and in some cases even vaginal secretions. Unlike an anti-perspirant, it may not prevent you from sweating, but it does regulate the pH of the skin to make it slightly acidic that ultimately prevents bacterial growth and thereby the foul odour. Additionally, packed with essential oils, it also makes you feel dry and fresh and helps in radiating a scintillating fragrance that lasts long.
So, if you are a DIY kind of person and prefer natural ingredients, we bring you 3 easy-peasy, cost-effective homemade deodorant bars that is sure to mask the unpleasant body odour, leaving a lingering fragrance that is sure to entice everyone!
Homemade Deodorant Bars
Shea Butter-Lavender Oil Deodorant
Ingredients:
3 tbsp virgin coconut oil
3 tbsp unrefined shea butter
¼ cup arrowroot starch
2 tbsp baking soda
5-6 drops of lavender essential oil
5-6 drops of bergamot essential oil
Method:
Melt both coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler.
Once they melt, add in arrowroot starch, baking soda and the essential oils.
Keep stirring to mix everything.
Place the mixture in a soap mold and allow it to cool in the fridge until it solidifies.
Take out of the freezer, and place it in a covered glass jar for future use.
Rub the bar on your armpits, neckline or wherever required before stepping out.
How It Works:
Imbued with disinfectant and anti-microbial properties, coconut oil helps get rid of bacteria that might breed in the sweat. While shea butter gives it a smooth, and moisturized feel, arrow root starch and baking soda helps in absorbing the sweat, control perspiration, neutralize pH and keeping you dry. The addition of essential oils masks the body odour and bestows an invigorating aroma that is sure to create an impression on others.
Cocoa Butter – Sandalwood Oil Deodorant
Ingredients:
3 tbsp cocoa butter
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tbsp baking soda
6 drops of tea tree essential oil
5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
Method:
Take cocoa butter in a double boiler and liquify it completely.
Next, add in corn starch, baking soda and the essential oils.
Keep stirring with a wooden ladle to mix everything.
Pour the mixture in the desired soap mold and place it inside the freezer until it hardens.
Keep these deodorant bars in covered glass jar for future use.
Rub it on your armpits, neckline or wherever required before stepping out.
How It Works:
The abundance of fatty acids in the butter obtained from cocoa seeds are touted for their hydrating and nourishing properties to retain the skin moisture. While each of the essential oils prevent bacterial infestation due to sweat and prevents the armpits from getting dark, both corn starch and baking soda readily absorb sweat and prevents you from feeling wet and sticky.
Mango Butter – Rose Oil Deodorant
Ingredients:
3 tbsp mango butter
¼ cup arrow root starch
2 tbsp baking soda
10 drops of rose essential oil
5 drops of peppermint essential oil
5 drops of lemongrass essential oil
Method:
Take the mango butter in a double boiler and melt it completely.
Add arrow root starch, baking soda and the essential oils to it.
Keep stirring to get a smooth homogeneous mixture.
Pour in the mixture in a soap mold and place it inside the refrigerator until it stiffens.
Keep the solid bars in covered glass jar for future use.
Rub it on areas of excessive sweat production before stepping out.
How It Works:
Enriched with Vitamin E and Vitamin C, this mild-scented butter help protect the skin from sunlight and UV damage and arrest premature ageing. The essential sanctified with antimicrobial properties soothes inflammation and irritation of sweat armpits, inhibits bacterial growth and offers a heavenly smell that is sure to attract anyone. The addition of arrowroot starch and baking soda is beneficial for soaking in sweat and regulate pH of the skin.
