Sunday, December 22, 2013

The all-natural dilemma

Do you ever become paranoid by rumors that certain things are causing cancer/Alzheimer's/fill-in-the-blank-with-something-horrible?  Aluminum in antiperspirant might be linked to dementia, for example.

I guess I'm one of those suckers frightened by unsubstantiated theories, because a few months ago I decided to make home-made deodorant out of coconut oil, baking soda, and cornstarch.  The recipe I found said to only use one layer, because the coconut oil will stain your clothes.  Unfortunately, I'm one of those folks who needs more than a single layer of deod.  I sweat, people.  So I've got some stained shirts now.  (But if I remember to use the stain stick before throwing the shirt in the wash, the oil does come out.)  Unfortunately, having oily stains on my shirt half defeats the purpose.  Fortunately, it's winter time so I've always got a hoodie on and no one can see my greasy pit stains.  Unfortunately, this home made deod doesn't quite serve the other half of its purpose.  If I've had any stress during the day (which makes me sweat, see) by evening I stink.  Not bad (I hope!), but not good, either.  The only reason I persist (about two-thirds of the time) is that it seems like my face is a little clearer since starting to use it.  Could chemicals in store-bought antiperspirant be making me break out?  I don't know.  It might be giving me Alzheimer's, too.  So if any of you granola types have an all-natural deodorant that actually works for 14 hours, please let me know.  Until then, I'll be stinking.  Just kidding, Mom!  If I know it's going to be a stressful day, I put on the stuff that works.  Usually.