⚠️Underarm irritation and hyperpigmentation can occur when switching from aluminum antiperspirants to natural deodorants. 🌿While natural doesn’t mean safer, and there’s no scientific evidence that antiperspirants are harmful. I always respect my patients’ choices. 📝If you’re considering going aluminum-free, here’s what you need to know for a smoother transition. High concentrations of baking soda in natural deodorants can disrupt your skin’s barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. Underarm skin is sensitive, and the moist, occlusive environment makes it particularly vulnerable (The case for my patient above). Antiperspirants block sweat ducts with aluminum salts, reducing sweat, while deodorants only target odor, not sweat, are aluminum-free, making them unlikely to provide full-day wetness protection. So whether you prefer aluminum-free products or find them irritating, for maximum benefit with minimal irritation, consider alternatives with antibacterial agents, odor neutralizers, and liquid/odor absorbers free of baking soda and known skin sensitizers. Examples that work well and meet these criteria include @necessaire@lumedeodorant@saltair@secretdeodorant These utilize gentle alpha hydroxy acids (mandelic, salicylic, and lactic acid, respectively) as PH-balancing odor fighters @nuud.care uses zinc oxide to neutralize odor-causing bacteria to reduce body odor & silver for its antimicrobial properties to combat bacteria and reduce odor. Finding the right one may take trial and error, as everyone’s skin sensitivities and microbiomes vary. Remember, many “natural” ingredients may not be skin-friendly and can cause reactions. When in doubt, do a spot test first. #deodorant #underarmskincare #hyperpigmentation #underarmhyperpigmentation #underarmrash Have you ever experienced irritation from using a natural deodorant?
Now vs. Later ⚠️ Dermatologist Edition 🚨 Your everyday habits could be setting you up for future skin problems. Here are some common habits you might be overlooking: 🔥🚿Taking Very Hot Showers Now: Super Hot Showers ➡️ Later: Dry and Itchy Skin Think twice before you turn up the heat! Your future skin will thank you. 🧴🚫Skipping Sunscreen on Your Neck Now: Skipping Neck SPF ➡️ Later: Mismatched Aging Don’t forget the neck! Protecting your skin evenly is critical. 👩🏾💻🔥Working with a Laptop on Your Thighs Now: Laptop Directly on Lap ➡️ Later: Erythema Ab Igne (EAI) Your lap isn’t a desk! EAI is a disorder characterized by hyperpigmentation due to long-term exposure to heat. Common causes include prolonged use of heating pads and sitting for long periods with a laptop on your lap. #SkinSecrets #SkincareTips #ThankMeLater #AntiAging #DermatologistAdvice #SkinExpert 🙋🏾♀️Are you guilty of any of these habits?