Did you know that your skin is the largest organ that composes your body? The major functions of your skin include regulating body temperature, acting as a filter, and protecting all that is inside of you. That being said, it is crucial to take care of your skin to the best of your ability. Everything that is applied to the outside of your skin is eventually absorbed into your body; therefore, it is important to monitor what products you are using on your skin, as well as what ingredients are included in those products, in order to be properly prepared to make the best decisions for your health and well-being.

One essential product that is applied to the skin frequently is deodorant. The prime ingredient found in most deodorants is aluminum. This heavy metal is added to keep the armpit dry by causing the sweat ducts to swell, ultimately preventing sweat from leaving your pores. However, the active aluminum actually inflicts more harm than good as an ingredient in deodorant. When it plugs the sweat glands to lessen perspiration, the toxins that are attempting to be filtered out of your body are stuck lingering inside of you.

Furthermore, the prevalence of aluminum in products for our skin has been linked to Alzheimer's, breast cancer, and liver damage. Once the aluminum is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, the potential for negative consequences within the body increase. Endocrine disruptors are often found in deodorants too. The chemicals from the fragrance that is added to deodorant interfere with the endocrine system which controls hormone regulation, metabolism, and how the body handles stress. The addition of synthetic fragrance that is composed of a combination of thousands of chemicals, synthetic compounds and phthalates increases the risk for allergic reactions, birth defects, and cancer. Moreover, parabens are commonly found in deodorants to act as a preservative. Parabens are an environmental toxin that have been linked to breast cancer, fertility issues, and increasing the skin's aging process.

Not only is the application of these harmful chemicals to your skin unhealthy for your body, but it also negatively impacts the environment. The introduction of synthetic fragrance from products, such as deodorant, that are used every day by humans, into water systems has adverse effects on the health of plants and animals in water ecosystems. Humans are also negatively impacted again as these chemicals tamper drinking water.

Switching to an all-natural deodorant will result in better health for natural water sources, wildlife, and yourself. Natural deodorants use charcoal, sodium bicarbonate, or witch hazel rather than toxic chemicals to promote freshness and keep dry. As for the sweet scent, natural deodorants may use essential oils or botanical extracts instead of synthetic fragrance to mask potential body odor. Why continue to use a product every single day that is full of chemicals and additives that are classified as carcinogens and hormone disruptors when there are safer alternatives to use that are better for you and the environment.