It tightens the pores of the skin that secrete sweat.
At the end of the day, and especially when it’s hot, it’s hard to hide the wet halo under your armpits and the smell of sweat that comes from them. In the summer, sweating is a problem for many. Especially since we can’t always find an effective deodorant or one that suits us. So why not turn to an economical, 100% natural solution regularly cited by health professionals (and which is a change from the alum stone) ?
Thanks to its antibacterial, purifying, astringent, refreshing and invigorating properties, this fruit would be a real natural antiperspirant and odor neutralizer. It is therefore no coincidence that it is found in several commercial deodorants. The acid present in this fruit has a dual role: on the one hand, it causes a contraction of the skin (thanks to the astringent effect), which tightens the pores secreting sweat, according to medical specialists of the Swiss CSS (the equivalent of our health insurance).
On the other hand, “It lowers the pH level of the skin, which prevents odor-causing bacteria from surviving“, explained Jim Marteau, a cosmetic chemist, in an interview with Allure magazine. In addition, another of its compounds – linalool – “has a bacteriostatic action (which inhibits the multiplication of bacteria) probably responsible for its effectiveness in limiting perspiration odors“, we can read in the “Big book of essential oils, hydrosols and vegetable oils” (ed. De Boeck Supérieur).
Without replacing a deodorant all year round, lemon could be a stopgap solution to try this summer. Lime would be more effective because it is richer in citric acid. But how to use it? Simply by smearing half a lemon on the armpits. Another less “rudimentary” method is to soak a cotton pad in lemon juice and apply to each armpit. Some people pour the equivalent of the juice of half a lemon and two tablespoons of water into a spray bottle, which they then place in the refrigerator and “spray” under their armpits in the morning like a classic deodorant.
Be careful, lemon (especially yellow, hence the interest in choosing green) can irritate the skin and mucous membranes and cause unpleasant burning or tingling sensations: it is therefore not suitable for people with sensitive, damaged, inflamed or recently shaved skin. Also, it can be photosensitizing, so avoid putting it on areas exposed to the sun, at the risk of causing rashes. The best thing to do is to ask your dermatologist for advice. Note that other citrus fruits, although acidic, such as orange or grapefruit, would have no benefit against perspiration and could even be allergy triggers, warns Ellen Marmur, former chief of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center (United States).