Native Challenge Recap
My 14 Day Native Challenge
Many of you followed along on Instagram for my 14 day Native Challenge. For some time, I had been wanting to make the switch to an all natural deodorant, but was hesitant for a variety of reasons. I was concerned about if I would smell, if it would actually work, and if I would sweat more. Since becoming pregnant with Davis, it’s been really important to me to be more aware of the chemicals I am putting in and on my body. I’ve been slowly educating myself on this and am continuing to make the switch to more natural products!
With the antiperspirants I’d used in the past, I felt like I had to constantly reapply throughout the day. I also would often get irritation and itching spells from antiperspirants I had been using. There were days when I didn’t even want to wear deodorant. It was definitely time for me to try something new and make a switch to a product that was better and safer for my body.
When I initially posted on my Instagram stories that I would be trying Native deodorant for the first time, I received so many responses on opposite sides of the spectrum about Native and natural deodorants in general. Many of you said it made you sweat more, caused you to smell bad and that you overall did not like it and therefore stopped using.
After hearing so many different responses, I did some research and discovered that you must give your body about 14 days to adjust when switching to a natural deodorant. I went back to some of the people who had said they didn’t like it and many of them said they did not give their body enough time to adjust to a natural deodorant.
In this blog post, I will be sharing the highs and lows from my 14 day challenge with Native.
So, what is Native?
Native is an aluminum and paraben-free deodorant. Aluminum is used in most antiperspirants, which plugs your sweat glands so you don’t sweat. Parabens are harsh chemicals that make scent stick to your body. Native deodorant gives you that fresh feeling all day long without the harsh chemicals found in most antiperspirants.
I will be going through the three different “phases” that I went through when making the switch to Native, an aluminum and paraben-free deodorant.
Phase 1: The Detox
Detoxing my body before using Native was key for a successful transition. I had never used a natural deodorant before, but quickly learned that I would need to detox before starting Native.
How I detoxed is extremely simple, but may not be very appealing. I simply went without deodorant for about 4-5 days. I purposely chose days where I would not be working out and days where I would be at home. I realize not everyone works from home, but as long as you choose a 4-5 stretch where you know you won’t be working out or doing a lot of activity, I think you will be okay!
I’ve also read that bentonite clay masks help speed up the detox process. Let me know if you try this!
Phase 2: The Transition
This phase is definitely the hardest part about this process, but I promise it is well worth it! During this time you might think “this isn’t working.” That is most likely not the case! Your body needs this time to adjust to a natural deodorant. You might think that you are smelling or sweating more, but that is just your body’s way of transitioning.
In my experience, I definitely was sweating more. I have also started working out again, so that was not a good combo for me! But since I was almost expecting this to happen, I pushed through and wasn’t concerned. After about 8-10 days, I no longer was sweating more than I used to. *I have heard from many others that they smelled, so do not be concerned if that happens to you as you transition.
Phase 3: The Aftermath
YAY! This is the best part! After about two weeks of using Native, my body fully adjusted to a natural deodorant. The best part is that I actually feel like I use less deodorant now and do not feel the need to reapply throughout the day.
I am so happy that I have finally made this switch and I truly believe you will be happy too! With little regulations on beauty and personal products, it’s critical that we educate ourselves and are informed of what’s going in and on our bodies!
So what are you waiting for? I now challenge you to make the switch to Native!
CLICK HERE to order your own Native deodorant! Use discount code HILLARY20 for 20% off plus free shipping!
Have more questions for me? Send me a message on Instagram and I’ll be happy to answer any other questions you may have.