http://www.care2.com/greenliving/kids-body-odor-and-safe-deodorants.html
Kids’ Body Odor and Safe Deodorants
By Terri Hall-Jackson, Care2 Green Living contributing writer
Did you know that naturally occurring bacteria on the skin, not sweat, is what creates the dreaded funkiness commonly known as BO? As children approach puberty, hormones cause an increase in sweating which then results in body odor. If your child’s body is changing and you notice this smell, is it safe for him or her to use deodorant?
Deodorants work by making the skin a more acidic, unfriendly environment for the bacteria. Non-natural commercial deodorants contain several ingredients that you would want to avoid. They include:
- Aluminum compounds (associated with Alzheimer’s) that can accumulate in the brain.
- Parabens, a class of preservatives that are being studied to determine if they play a role in breast cancer development.
- Propylene glycol, a neurotoxin that causes dermititis and kidney and liver damage.
Natural deodorants do not include any of the aforementioned ingredients, and will be a great starting place for kids. You might want to check out Crystal Body Deodorant, made of 100 percent natural mineral salts with no artificial coloring or ingredients, or Alba Clear Enzyme Deodorant Sticks, available in scented and unscented varieties.
Homemade deodorant solutions can be made using easily accessible ingredients such as witch hazel or baking soda. For easy do-it-yourself recipes, click here.
In addition to using a natural deodorant, washing with a soap that contains a pure, antibacterial essential oil in it such as lavender (Dr. Bronner’s is easily found in most health food stores) can help. Commercial antibacterial soaps contain triclosan, a compound that the EPA has registered as a pesticide. Avoid these.
Another help can be found by wearing breathable organic cotton fabrics which absorb sweat in a way synthetics don’t. They also do not contain the dangerous pesticides found in their non-organic counterparts.
If your child still has BO after these tips, ask their physician to check for possible reasons. Excessive sweating can indicate low calcium, but it can be a sign of other concerns too.
Finally, there is also a very real difference between deodorants and anti-perspirants. While deodorants neutralize odors, anti-perspirants actually block pores with aluminum salts, preventing sweating from occurring. To avoid those aluminum salts and interfering with the body’s natural cooling process, a natural deodorant is the way to go.
related stories
-
(26 comments)
-
(3 comments)
-
(33 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
4 comments
add your comment »In conclusion kids should start using deodorant whenever they need to. However, be very careful about the deodorant you choose. Find a deodorant that has no Aluminum, Parabens, or Propylene Glycol. I have found Junior Varsity’s Kids Deodorant to be a great option. You can visit their site at www.jvdeodorant.com.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
A few years ago my wife and I had a serious debate on whether or not to allow our 8 year old daughter to wear deodorant. Alzheimer’s runs in my wife’s family so she is concerned about the aluminum contained in most deodorants. Parabens have been linked with breast cancer which is also an ingredient in most deodorants. Propylene Glycol is a main ingredient also contained in even so called “natural deodorants” which is also used to make anti freeze. Propylene Glycol enters the skin so quickly that the EPA has warned factory workers to avoid skin contact in order to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. So in my opinion it isn’t when kids or anyone else should use deodorant but what deodorant to use.
I have done a lot of research on when kids should start using deodorant. In my opinion if the kids are using a safe natural deodorant it should be whenever the children begin to develop odor that showering once a day will not contain. This can be 5 years old or earlier in some cases. I have spoke to preschool teachers who year after year have a large percentage students who do have body odor. I have read many conflicting articles that link or do not link body odor with puberty. I honestly think that it has very little to do with puberty at all. Instead I think it has more to do with diets. Not that an unhealthy diet will make a child smell and a healthy diet will not. I think it has a lot more to do with spices that are used in the meals. It a
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Try Earth Science's Lichen deodorant. It works better than any natural deo I have every tried.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Great tips.
thanks for sharing!
-Racheal
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: