Keep pregnant and breastfeeding arms fresh with a natural crystal deodorant

Choosing the right deodorant throughout pregnancy and motherhood can be difficult. Pregnant women especially can often find that their usual deodorants don’t seem to work as well for them anymore.

Why is this? In pregnancy and early motherhood the body goes through high levels of hormone changes (much similar to that of a teenager). Hormone changes can react with chemicals in normal deodorants and can make them ineffective.

So many pregnant women and those with young babies may often find they have a problem with their usual deodorants not working.

The sweat produced by the body itself doesn’t smell, however when absorbed into fabrics and mixed with natural bacteria, the bacteria grows and spreads quickly. The growth of bacteria results in the nasty odour associated with whiffy feet and arms pits.

The Alvin Connor deodorant is free from harsh chemicals and its hypoallergenic formula is especially designed with sensitive skins in mind.


Alvin Connor produces natural handmade deodorants; they have specifically created a chemical free crystal deodorant that is free from pore blocking aluminium. This allows the skins pores to remain clear and chemical free, allowing your body to work naturally. Making it a perfect deodorant for breastfeeding mums!

The deodorant works by leaving an invisible mineral shield on the surface of the skin. This shield works by killing the bacteria that leads to body odour in a natural way. We also add natural plant extracts to our crystal formula to help leave your skin feeling fresh and comfortable.

To use the product simply apply after bathing or showering, or alternatively wet the crystal stick under the tap. Then apply to the underarm area.

The crystal stick also makes a great foot deodorant and has a magical effect of soothing cuts and stings! It will last for over 6 months depending on usage.

All Alvin Connor products are approved by the Vegan, Vegetarian and BUAV (Free from cruelty) trademarks which makes us an ideal brand for those customers with an extra special conscience!

Are antiperspirants a potential risk factor that can increase the chances of developing breast cancer?

Some scientists have proposed that certain ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast.

Aluminium based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skins surface. It is thought that the build up of foreign chemicals in the breast area can contribute to lumps forming in the breast tissue.

As studies have provided conflicting results in the past, the National Cancer Institute (US) has concluded that more research is needed to specifically examine whether the use of deodorants or antiperspirants can cause the build-up of parabens and aluminium-based compounds in breast tissue.

This means a link between chemicals in cosmetics and breast related lumps cannot be ruled out.


Evidence pointing against the use of antiperspirants

Breast cancer is thought to be caused by a combination of our genes, lifestyle and environment. Risk factors are said to be things that may increase or decrease the chances of getting the disease. Deodorants and antiperspirants are a possible breast cancer risk factor.

Aluminium

A study published in 2003 in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention interviewed 437 women with breast cancer about their past and present use of deodorants. The study reported that women who both applied deodorant at least twice a week and shaved their armpits at least 3 times a week developed breast cancer almost 15 years younger than women who did neither.
(McGrath KG. An earlier age of Breast Cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/ deodorants and underarm shaving) European Journal of Cancer 2003 12(6) : 479-485.)

Aluminium, an ingredient that makes up to 25 percent of some deodorants, has been linked by some health experts to cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Chemical deodorants and antiperspirants work by using the chemical aluminium to block sweat ducts to reduce the rate of perspiration. It has been known that strong antiperspirants that block sweat ducts may cause lumps of tissue to form- which can lead to begin breast lumps and breast cysts. The very fact that the chemicals used in antiperspirants are large enough to block skins pores and accumulate into lumps is alarming in itself.

A cause for concern is in the nature antiperspirants are applied, usually after shaving the skins pores are open, with nicks often occurring during shaving. Advice given on antiperspirants and chemical deodorants is not to apply to broken skin. However it is the case that many women will apply these products more often than not after doing just that.

Only 5% of abnormalities in the breast are represented by breast cancer. The rest of the problems are usually related to benign breast lumps and cysts. Cysts in particular are caused by a blockage of breast ducts, which fill with fluid and cause lumps. As antiperspirants work by blocking sweat ducts it is very probable that they can in fact contribute to causing benign lumps in the breast area.


In one of her latest studies conducted with Professor Ferdinando Mannello of Urbino University Italy, Dr Phillipa Dabre, compared levels of aluminium in the fluid from breast cysts in 48 women, with the levels of the metal found in blood samples from 30 other women and in breast milk taken from a third group of 45 women. Where the cyst was in the armpit area of the breast, the level of aluminium present was around 25 times higher than the level found in the normal blood sample.
The study concludes that “if aluminium anti-perspirants are found to be the source and to play a causal role in development of breast cysts, then it might become possible to prevent this common breast disorder”
(F Mannello, G. A Tonti and P. D. Darbre. Concentration of aluminium in breast cyst fluids collected from women affected by gross cystic breast disease) Journal applied of Applied Toxicology 2009; 29; 1-6).





Parabens

Parabens are used in many cosmetics and skincare products- basically they are a preservative that prolongs the life of the products. Parabens have also been a cause for concern in recent studies as they have been shown to mimic oestrogen in the body’s cells. Many breast cancers are simulated by oestrogen which can trigger abnormal growth behaviour in cells.

A study published in 2004 in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, looked at synthetic chemicals called parabens. The researchers looked at 20 human breast tumour samples and found that parabens were present in 18 of them.
(Darbre PD. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. Journal of applied Toxicology 2004; 24 (1): 5-13.)

According to Darbre “Chemical overload from cosmetics applied to the underarm and breast area could be a cause of breast cancer”. It is thought that parabens could be a potential DNA binding chemical which means that they are a group of chemicals that may have the potential to damage our DNA cells, promoting a growth of dangerous cells.


Dr Phillipa Dabre recommends that women concerned about breast cancer to avoid the use of antiperspirants and deodorant products altogether.


Alternatives to antiperspirants

If breast cancer and breast lumps are a concern for women, they should defiantly try an aluminium free, chemical free natural deodorant, as some evidence states that using chemical laden deodorants may be a potential risk factor, although further evidence is needed to draw any conclusive facts.


The natural deodorant market is growing

The amounts of natural deodorants available on the market are increasing, in particular big brands (ie. Sanex) are introducing Aluminium free products. This factor alone indicates that there is a market for natural deodorant as people are concerned about links between Aluminium based anti-perspirants and diseases such as breast cancer.

There is a demand for natural alternatives; one of the main problems for people is finding a natural deodorant that works for them.


Alvin Connor Ethical Deodorants

Alvin Connor has been creating natural chemical free crystal deodorant for many years. Their formula has been improved consistently over the years, meaning that their deodorant is one of the most effective natural alternatives you will be able to find on the market.

Alvin Connor specialises in crystal deodorant products, Alvin Connor products are handmade in the UK to high ethical standards. The company produce cost effective, good quality natural crystal deodorants that are completely aluminium and chemical free.

Keep feet fresh - banish hormone and stress related Bromodosis

Smelly and sweaty feet can be an embarrassing problem. The correct term for stinky feet is ‘Bromodosis’, smelly feet are a medical condition, and can be easily treated.

Strong foot odour is the main symptom of Bromodosis, it’s a condition cased by the skin sweating excessively on our feet. Our feet have more sweat glands than anywhere else on the body, so they are bound to get a little overheated occasionally.

Smelly feet are more common in those with hormonal changes (pregnant women, teenagers), those affected by stress, and those on medication

The problem of Bromodosis is often more common in people who are going through high levels of hormone changes. So many pregnant women often find they have a problem with newly sweaty feet and also many teenagers appear to have problems with controlling the odour their bodies produce.

Feet can also sweat excessively in people suffering from stress and those taking medications for other illnesses.

The sweat produced by the feet itself doesn’t smell, however when absorbed into socks and shoes (as it has no chance to evaporate), bacteria grows and spreads quickly. The growth of bacteria results in the nasty odour associated with whiffy feet.

Bromodosis can usually be controlled and treated by taking a number of preventative steps to reduce bacteria. Daily through cleaning and drying of the feet can help, along with ensuring socks and tights are changed daily.

However sometimes this is often not sufficient enough, the NHS recommends using a natural antiperspirant on the feet that can help combat smell.

“Natural antiperspirant stones used for underarms can be effective on the feet” (NHS)

Alvin Connor produces natural handmade deodorants; they have specifically created a foot deodorant intended for use especially on the feet.

The product works by preventing the growth of the bacteria which causes smelly odour. The fine silky powder is packed full of skin benefiting minerals and most importantly completely free from harmful chemicals.

Alvin Connor Natural Balance foot powder can be used directly on the foot or shoe, simply puff in a small amount and rub in well with your hands. The powder will naturally keep your feet and shoes odour free and fresh!

Natural Foot Powder (£4.50) is available online by logging onto www.alvinconnor.com

Lethal Chemicals in boy’s aerosol deodorant kill him

A boy of 12 has died from deodorant fumes taking over his body.

An inquest into the boy’s death found that the boy from Derbyshire had been vulnerable to chemicals in his deodorant spray.

The boy died after suffering form a heart attack. Doctor believe the gases built up in his body after repeatedly spraying himself in at home in his bedroom.

This news will come as a shock to concerned parents all over the country; many studies have been released in the past warning of the dangers of the many hidden chemicals that are so often present in conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.

This boy’s health obsession, the obsession with wanting to smell fresh, ultimately resulted in his accidental death.

Better warnings on aerosols have been called for as Derby and South Coroner Dr Robert Hunter commented that people need to know about the risks these products have on the cardiovascular system.

This story will come as a shock to many, although some scientists have been attempting to alert people to the many dangers of chemicals in products we use on ourselves on a daily basis for a number of years.

If these chemicals are dangerous enough to kill us, imagine what kind of damage they do when sprayed on your skin, day after day. Deodorants and other personal care products are often highly toxic chemical cocktails. Evidence gathered in the past has shown that these chemicals are right now promoting cancer, birth defects and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

Alternatives are out there and available on the market, you can buy many natural deodorants that are completely free from any chemicals. The deodorants are just as effective, better for you and economical.

The Alvin Connor natural balance crystal deodorant, has been voted number 1 natural deodorant by The Sunday Times Style Magazine.
Priced at £6:50, the deodorant stick should last you over 6 months.

Visit www.alvinconnor.com to purchase or for more information.

Study Proves hormone- altering chemicals from cosmetics are found in teenage girls

A first of its kind study, released today by the Environmental Networking Group (EWG), has proven that chemicals from cosmetics such as preservatives have been found in teenage girls.

The study took a sample of teenage girls from across America and looked at samples of their blood and urine. These samples tested positive for many of chemicals commonly found in cosmetics.

Preservatives in cosmetics, know as parabens, have been shown in past studies to affect hormones in the human body. Parabens are dangerous due to their mutagenic qualities; they have an effect on the body which closely mimics oestrogen. This indicating that over exposure to parabens can possibly affect the male and female reproductive organs.

Rebecca Sutton, PhD, author of the report and staff Scientist at EWG comments, “hormone-altering chemicals shouldn’t be in cosmetics, particularly those used by teenage girls. Their bodies are still developing and may be especially vulnerable to risks from these exposures”.

The study is ground breaking as it is the first data made available on the levels of synthetic chemicals that are actually present in the bodies of teenage girls.

Nearly all cosmetics contain some type of chemicals, often parents aren’t aware of this fact. Teenage girls are at a vulnerable age, who knows what effect continued exposure to chemicals commonly found in cosmetics will have on their health in the future.

Parents should definitely be aware of cosmetic products on the market which are chemical free. You can find effective and reasonably priced natural chemical free alternatives to your usual cosmetics.

For instance, Alvin Connor provides a great range of natural deodorants, bath products and body polishes. All the products by Alvin Connor are 100% chemical free, work really well and are completely effective.

The Alvin Connor Crystal Deodorant Stick is priced at £6:50.