There has been some silver linings in the breast cancer clouds I’ve had to endure. One of these is a desire to be proactive with my health and wellness. I am learning how to make more informed choices about the products I use daily. I’ve decided to start doing product reviews of merchandise that can help and are beneficial to breast cancer patients, survivors and/or the individual who just wants to live a more”natural” lifestyle. One cosmetic product that is used every day without considering alternatives is deodorant. Before my diagnosis, I had NO IDEA that there was any link or correlation between deodorant and breast cancer. Let me first say this, after reading and doing some research, I have found that deodorants do NOT cause breast cancer B U T I think totally dismissing the possible harmful effects of the chemicals used in deodorants is naive and irresponsible.

 

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While most people use the terms antiperspirant and deodorant interchangeably, the two are not the same although both of them contain aluminum and parabens. Antiperspirants work by preventing perspiration from occurring. Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. They block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives and can also be absorbed through the skin. Intake of parabens is a possible concern because studies have shown that parabens have weak estrogen-like properties. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancer breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds and parabens in antiperspirants M A Y be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Deodorants on the other hand allow perspiration but block odor. Deodorants accomplish this by killing the bacteria that cause odor. From a purely natural standpoint, it makes more sense for us to use deodorants, as it is a more natural process.

 

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After my breast cancer treatment regimen was extended to include radiation, I was told to discontinue the use of my standard antiperspirant deodorant. In some cases, the chemicals that are found in these products can have an accelerating effect on radiation dermatitis, a side effect that leaves the skin that has been exposed to radiation red, sensitive, and inflamed. ( which has DEFINITELY occurred in my case) . So with this new found knowledge about the possible link between aluminum in deodorants  with breast cancer AND strict instructions from my radiation oncologist to find a natural substitute, I tried numerous products looking for the perfect fix; and I found it in NATURAL JEWELS LAVENDER MINT NATURAL DEODORANT.

Natural Jewels deodorants have NO harmful chemicals or ingredients such as aluminum. Natural deodorants won’t stop perspiration (your body’s natural way of cooling you down) but rather use essential oils and other natural ingredients to absorb sweat and kill odor-causing bacteria. The twist-and-swipe applicator is a comfort, and the creamy formula is coconut oil based which is known for antimicrobial and skin softening properties (perfect for radiation dermatitis) The cornstarch and lavender & peppermint essential oils definitely keeps sweat under control. It keeps me dry for hours at a time while running to and from doc appointments, but what really won me over is on the odor-protection front.  NATURAL JEWELS LAVENDER MINT NATURAL DEODORANT didn’t just mask it: The essential oils really work!!!! ……oh and this Jewel of a deodorant is a mere $7.00 (NY-ers spend way more on lunch per day!)

For the cancer patient undergoing radiation that needs a” soothing effect” from inflammation caused by radiation dermatitis or for the person that just wants to live a more “natural” lifestyle,  NATURAL JEWELS deodorant is a *Major Key* (DJ Khaled voice)

Visit www.shopnaturaljewels.com or follow @naturaljewels15 on IG to see more of their  simple, pure, all natural and chemical-free skincare using the highest quality products.