“Probiotic” is talked about so much in health food and health blog circles that it can start to seem like a buzzword.
And there’s a reason why probiotics are such a big deal – fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, and so on have many proven health benefits, especially when it comes to promoting healthy digestion (1).
But there are so many more uses for probiotics than just promoting digestive health. In fact, they can help improve the balance of bacteria in the largest organ of your body – your skin! The benefits are numerous: eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes and infection can all be relieved if a proper bacterial balance can be restored to the skin.
Your skin is home to trillions of good bacteria which prevent the growth and development of harmful bacteria. Maintaining a balance that favors these beneficial bacteria is key to maintaining healthy, beautiful skin.
Unfortunately, many commercially-available deodorants can upset this delicate balance, making you more susceptible to rashes, infections, and allergic reactions. In addition to this, there’s a strong correlation between use of commercial deodorants and the development of specific cancers (2).
That’s why more and more people these days are turning to DIY-style alternatives, like making their own deodorants.
Homemade Probiotic Deodorant Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cocoa butter
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp shea butter
- 1 tbsp beeswax
- 2 1/2 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil
- 15 drops essential oils
- 2 capsules powdered probiotics
Instructions
- Over low heat, melt together the cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax.
- Removing the pot from the heat, add the baking soda and arrowroot power.
- Whisk the mixture until the powders are dissolved.
- Add the vitamin E oil and essential oils.
- Allow the whole thing to cool until it has the consistency of pudding.
- Once it’s cooled, open the probiotics capsules and add the powder to the mixture, stirring until the powder is dissolved.
You can fill a clean, used deodorant container with the mixture or any container you’d like to use. Then store it in the refrigerator to keep it nice and firm. This mixture will last a while – a little goes a long way, after all!
How It Works
The probiotic powder you use should contain highly resistant beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillis and/or bifidobacetria. These are good bacteria which are particularly hardy, and help restore the pH balance of your skin. The baking soda in this recipe helps control odor, but if you have sensitive skin, you can always substitute the baking soda for more arrowroot powder for the same effects.
sources:
[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23037903
[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16045991