Serenity and Fire with Krista

Underarm Detox Diaries: Rebalancing Your Microbiome, Not Your Sweat

• Krista Guagenti

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In the final chapter of the Underarm Detox Diaries, we’re going deeper than ingredients and deeper than sweat. Today, we’re exploring the living ecosystem under your arms—your microbiome. And what really happens when you switch to natural deodorant.

Most people think odor is about sweat. Most people think “detoxing” is about purging toxins. But the truth is far simpler — and far more empowering: your skin is rebalancing.

In this episode, Krista breaks down how years of aluminum-based antiperspirants, synthetic fragrance, over-cleansing, and stress disrupt the delicate microbial world that keeps odor in check. You’ll learn why odor spikes in the transition phase, how pH plays a critical role, and which ingredients actually support your body’s natural balance.

You’ll also hear a simple, sustainable daily routine (plus weekly maintenance) designed to help you live the clean deodorant lifestyle with more ease, less irritation, and a lot more confidence.

If you want to understand your body better and support it instead of fighting it, this episode is your roadmap.

SPEAKER_00:

Welcome to Serenity and Fire, the podcast where wellness meets grit. I'm your host, Krista Guidenti, founder of Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique. Join me as we dive into the intriguing world of biohacking, clean living, cutting-edge spa trends, and the hustle, grind, and grit of entrepreneurship. From my personal battles with weight management, infertility, and the 30-year journey to create and launch my dream business, to building a sanctuary for those who have been touched by cancer. I'm here to share real talk, inspire big dreams, and spark a passion for holistic living inside each and every one of you. So let's dive in. Welcome back to Serenity and Fire in this mini-series on detoxing your underarms. I've been secretly calling it my underarm detox diaries. In my first diary entry, we learned that sweat isn't dirty, it's actually healthy. It's not a toxin flush, but it is your body's built-in cooling system. But let's be honest, while sweating is great when you're in a sauna at the gym or outside on a hot day, no one wants to be dripping through their blouse at brunch or raising their arms mid-meeting and fumigating the room. So we want to be conscious of what is happening on our underarms and understand what is appropriate. I mean, at this point, I hopefully don't have to tell you that sweating is natural and smell is not. That's what this whole series has been all about, helping your body do its job without sabotaging your social life. But chronic, stress-induced, or excess sweating can indicate imbalance, whether hormonal, environmental, or microbial. So this is where routine, rhythm, and a little education come in handy. Then in episode two of this diary, we talked about how your body rebalances after ditching aluminum-based antiperspirants, that temporary phase where your microbiome recalibrates, your sweat returns, and odor peaks before it evens out. We also learned how to support that phase using miracle tools like hypochlorous acid, as well as great products like clay masks, detox scrubs, and good old patients. In episode three, we went ingredient deep, learning to avoid toxic ingredients like triclosan, parabens, and fragrances, and the powerful, body-friendly ingredients to look for like magnesium hydroxide, zinc ricinoliate, arrowroot powder, clays, and soothing oils. We also talked about how to scent safely using light hydrosols or low concentrations of essential oils that don't disrupt your under-arm microbiome. But clean choices are only half the story. The real transformation happens beneath the surface in the living world of your skin, your microbiome. You know, that invisible ecosystem that is home to trillions of microbes that protect, communicate, and respond to everything you do. Today, let's talk more about our microbiome, how to restore balance to it after years of oversanitizing, overscenting, and over-correcting. And let's also talk about what happens after the switch, how balance could be lost, how to restore it intentionally, gently, and beautifully. And finally, I'm going to share a livable routine that will help you get through your own personal underarm detox, which we now know is actually not a detox, but instead a rebalance. So let's dive into your skin. Your skin isn't just skin. I mean, skin is great. It's the body's largest organ, and it plays a vital role as a protective barrier against external toxins, pollutants, and UV damage. It covers and protects everything in our bodies, but it is also an entire precious and living ecosystem, home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microscopic allies that protect you from pathogens, regulate inflammation, and even influence how you smell. Under your arms, that community is especially active. It's warm, moist, and full of glands that produce sebum and sweat, a perfect environment for microbes to thrive. When the system is balanced, the result is neutral odor, balanced and healthy pH, and smooth, resilient skin. But when it's disrupted by things like aluminum, synthetic fragrance, or overuse of harsh cleansers and toxins, the good bacteria that keep odor-causing microbes in check lose their foothold. That's when odor spikes, irritation flares, and the skin barrier weakens. Research from the Human Microbiome Project and dermatology journals show that the healthiest skin isn't actually the cleanest or most sterile. It's the most diverse. That means more beneficial bacteria, fewer irritants, and a stable pH between 4.5 and 5.5. When that balance is restored, your skin doesn't just smell better, it behaves better. It becomes calmer, clearer, and more resilient. It's restoring balance, eliminating sweat, and killing the bad bacteria. It's about feeding the right bacteria and giving them an environment where they can thrive while also keeping odor-causing bacteria in check naturally. And that is why my last episode about ingredients is so critical to this underarm detox journey, because everyday habits can shift the delicate chemistry of your underarm microbiome. For instance, traditional antiperspirants and strong antibacterials block sweat and sterilize the skin, removing both harmful and beneficial microbes. Overwashing or using alcohol-heavy products can dry out the skin barrier and change your pH. And stress, which we really haven't talked too much about, it can significantly alter hormone output and sweat composition, feeding those odor-causing bacteria. And then there's fragrance, preservatives, and other toxic ingredients that can inflame the skin and disturb microbial equilibrium. These disruptions don't just affect odor, they affect your entire microbiome balance and ultimately how your body responds to those imbalances. The good news is that your body remembers balance. It's designed to rebuild when you give it space to breathe. So now that you know what's happening, let's talk about how to restore that balance once it's been lost, whether that's because of what you've been doing up until now or because you went all natural and somehow got off track and off balance again. Maybe you went on a trip and forgot your natural deodorant and all you could find were traditional antiperspirants from the local drugstore. Whatever the reason, the goal is to focus on nourishment, not punishment. So first you want to make sure that you're supporting the acid mantle. Healthy skin stays slightly acidic, again, around that pH of 4.5 to 5.5. This acidity is what keeps the right microbes happy. So again, choosing deodorants and cleansers labeled as pH balanced, or that use products like magnesium hydroxide or zinc instead of alkaline products like baking soda. Second, you want to reintroduce gentle bacteria. Topical probiotics like lactobacillus ferment or saccharomyces lysate can help reseed balance. Using cleansers like our kombucha microbiome foaming cleanser at Panacea can also help create conditions that let friendly microbes flourish again. And then third, you want to use microbiome-safe actives. Ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, zinc ricinoliate, and kale and clay neutralize odor without disrupting flora. Essential oils or hydrosols like rose or cucumber, for example, can help calm irritation while adding a subtle scent, but be cautious of the concentrations of these oils. Once they start getting over that 1% of the product composition, they can become more harmful than they are helpful because of their natural broad spectrum antibacterial functionality. And then fourth, you want to avoid overcleansing. One gentle wash per day is typically enough unless you're, you know, working out or doing something where you're sweating profusely, then you might need to cleanse an additional time. But more than that, you risk stripping the skin's natural defense layer, especially if you shave frequently. Now let's talk about the role of spa therapies and how they factor into your underarm detox program. Nourishing our microbiome health doesn't end at the skin's surface. It's tied to circulation, oxygenation, and nervous system balance. That's why our sauna and cold plunge rituals at Panacea, or even some of the biohacks that you might be doing at home, can and should be part of this transition too. For instance, when we look at contrast therapy, cold strengthens vessels, sharpens cellular resilience, activates brown fat to burn calories for heat, and induces the development of cold shock proteins, which are super healing for muscles, tissues, and organs. Heat, on the other hand, increases blood flow, tissue oxygenation, lymphatic movement, removal of waste products, and the circulation of important nutrients throughout the body. Together, as we talked about many times before, they create a vascular workout that nourishes both your skin and your nervous system. And the bonus byproduct of contrast therapy is that it releases various neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and endorphins, which are linked to improve mood, focus, and overall nervous system balance. So now that we know how to reset our balance, let's talk about how to live the natural deodorant lifestyle through a routine that is simple yet grounded in skin science. Your daily routine should be focused around refreshing and protecting. You want to cleanse in the morning and after significant sweating with warm water andor a mild pH balanced cleanser. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that overwashing disrupts the skin barrier and can worsen odor, so be careful not to overcleanse. You want to then pat the area dry completely. You need to ensure that your underarms are not wet before applying natural deodorant because moisture can contribute to bacterial overgrowth and irritation. Next, you want to spray your hypochlorous acid on your underarm area. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. And then after you spray the hypochlorous acid, you want to just let it dry. The hypochlorous acid, as we mentioned previously, neutralizes harmful microbes without killing the beneficial ones. And then you want to apply your natural deodorant again to clean, dry skin. Apply a thin, even layer of that natural deodorant. And then during the initial weeks, you may need to reapply it throughout the day, especially during hot weather or physical activity. You want to choose one with magnesium hydroxide or zinc, not aluminum or baking soda. And I typically recommend that you start with the unscented deodorants for the first two to four weeks, then transition to one that might have some light essential oils once your microbiome is stable if you're looking for something that has a little bit of an added scent to it. And then you want to moisturize if needed. So if you're experiencing any skin irritation or dryness, which again can sometimes happen if you have deodorants that are heavily alcohol-based or that have baking soda in them, you want to, in those instances, apply a non-comindogenic oil or aloe vera gel to soothe and moisturize the skin after showering, but you know, before applying your deodorant. And then again, if you want a scent after that initial two to four week period, you can apply like a rose or cucumber hydrosol or some of the ones I mentioned in one of the previous episodes after the deodorant if you want that light natural scent. And only if the concentration of the essential oils or the hydrosol are less than 1% of the total product ingredients. In the evening, we want to let our skin rest and recover. So skip any products overnight. The British Journal of Dermatology found that unaccluded skin, meaning no layers of product on that underarm area, allows natural bacterial communities to repopulate and maintain pH balance. And if your skin feels tight or dry, apply a drop of jojoba oil or squalene oil before bed because those are non-comitogenic and they're also non-occlusive. And they'll help kind of rebalance that suppleness and softness to the skin. Then your weekly maintenance routine should include the following. Think about an underarm mask one to two times per week with kaolin or bentonite clay for 10 minutes. You might find that you never need a mask. Again, I'm one of those people who hasn't had to use a mask, but you might also be someone who only needs it during the transition phase, or maybe you like doing it even after you've achieved balance. Whatever the situation is, just listen to your body and go from there. The underarm mask is gonna help draw out impurities and leftover deodorant residue. It also helps manage the temporary increase in odor that sometimes happens during that transition phase. And it's gonna also help balance oil, but again, overdoing it can dry out the skin. So be mindful of how your skin is responding. Some people find that using a homemade mask made from bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and apple cider vinegar does the trick. And we're looking at adding some pre-made options to our product line at the Panacea Boutique. So definitely stay tuned for that. You also want to exfoliate one to two times per week using a soft washcloth and a mild scrub to help remove those dead skin cells and old product buildup. It can also help prevent ingrown hairs, which is a good thing. This is gonna allow your natural deodorant to work more effectively. So this is something that I do recommend even after you've so this is something I recommend even after you've achieved balance. You can do a DIY sugar and coconut oil scrub, that works really well. But I also love the all-natural detox scrub that I um brought up in the previous episodes. You can find that at the Panacea Boutique. And that is a clay inactivated charcoal-based product that's also enriched with shea butter to help hydrate and keep that delicate skin supple. And then you also are going to want to do product rotation. Every few months, just switch between formulas. Maybe you go from scented to unscented or you switch from one brand to another. This just helps prevent ingredient fatigue. Our body actually does like change, so this is no exception. And just remember, balance isn't built overnight. And once it is achieved, it's maintained through commitment, rhythm, consistency, and awareness. So, in summary, as you're embarking on this natural deodorant journey, remember these general tips for a smooth transition. First, you want to be patient and consistent. The microbiome needs time to rebalance. Switching back and forth between your natural deodorants and your traditional antiperspirants is only going to prolong that adjustment period. Second, wear breathable fabrics. Opt for loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers like cotton to allow for better airflow and less trapped moisture. Third, always stay hydrated and eat healthy because drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet will help support your body's natural processes, which in turn can also help manage odor. You want to also limit shaving because it can make that delicate underarm skin more prone to irritation. Consider shaving at night to give the skin a chance to settle before applying product in the morning if you absolutely have to shave. And then sometimes, and then remember, sometimes you may have to reapply throughout the day, and that is okay. So by following these tips and the routine I've laid out, you can support your body in rebalancing its underarm microbiome and make the transition to natural deodorant more comfortably. And to wrap things up for today, let's clear things up about sweat and odor once and for all. Sweating, normal. Smelling, not normal. Sweat is intelligent, it's your cooling system, not a detox system. Sweat is intelligent, it's your cooling system, not a detox system. Sweat itself is odorless. It's when it interacts with certain bacteria that you get that unpleasant scent. Clean deodorants don't stop sweat. They simply make that interaction less hospitable to odor-producing bacteria. Odorous chemistry. Manage the ecosystem, not just the symptom. Clean is conscious. Every ingredient is communication and balance is the goal. Not purity, not perfection, just harmony. Your skin is constantly communicating, not just physically, but emotionally. It reflects stress, rest, nourishment, and neglect. Rebuilding your microbiome is part of the rebalancing process. And unfortunately, you can't bully it into existence. You have to nurture it. So, no, you don't need to embrace being smelly. That's not a badge of wellness. You just need to support your body's cooling system intelligently so that it works for you, not against you. Once you've restored your skin's natural ecology, you'll notice less odor, less irritation, and more confidence. Not because you've stopped sweating, but because your body's communication system and microbiome are back in sync. And when you stop fighting your body, it's going to stop fighting back too. Restoration doesn't happen in a day. It happens in rhythm and happens over time. So give your skin space to breathe, your body time to adapt, and your microbiome the grace to remember. Okay, that's it for today. Thank you for joining me for the Underarm Detox Diaries. And as always, thank you so much for listening to Serenity and Fire. If today's episode inspired you, the best way to support the show is to follow, leave a review, and share these episodes with those you love most. And don't forget to follow us on social too at Serenity and Fire. Until next time, keep balancing Serenity with Fire. And remember, it's okay to sweat, just not through your silk blouse. I'm Christagugenny, and I'll talk with you more in our next episode. At Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique, we don't just offer traditional spa treatments. We create rituals that relax your mind, restore your health, and rejuvenate your spirit. From biohacking technologies to advanced oncology trained care, everything we do is designed to help you heal on the deepest level with clean, holistic therapies, products, and amenities that are second to none. And right now you can experience two of my favorites our whole body LED lightbed or hyperbaric oxygen therapies. And as a thank you for listening, you'll get 10% off your first session when you use the code Serenity10 at booking. What is your panacea? Let us help you find it because true wellness isn't a quick fix, it's a ritual.