I Sweat for a Living. Smelling Good Is Nonnegotiable.

I’m comfortable sweating. Smelling like it? Absolutely not.

I teach hot yoga, demonstrate poses, help students find their alignment, and spend a considerable amount of my day in leggings. Sweat comes with the territory.

And anyone who knows me knows two things: I love a beautiful scent, and I love being the person who smells good.

Fresh skin. Fresh clothes. That lovely feeling of leaning in to hug someone without wondering whether your deodorant clocked out before you did.

I’m also particular about what goes in and on my body. Over time, that’s made me just as curious about what washes my leggings as what goes on my skin.

A few small swaps have made me feel better about my everyday routine. Here’s what I use and why.

I got more particular about what “fresh” means

I love a product that smells like a tropical holiday. I still want to know what’s in it.

Some ingredients in everyday products are studied for their effects on hormone signaling. Certain phthalates are among them, and some have been used in fragrance formulations.

The specific ingredient and the amount of exposure matter.

For me, that means reading labels and being selective about where I want a scent. Vanilla on me? Lovely. A perfume that announces my leggings before I walk into the room? I’ll pass.

My deodorant has a demanding job description

Teaching hot yoga is a fairly serious audition for a deodorant.

Primally Pure Vanilla Deodorant is my go-to. I also love their Charcoal Deodorant when I want to switch things up, and their charcoal scrub is another underarm favorite.

Deodorants help manage odor. Antiperspirants reduce how much you sweat, often using aluminum salts.

I personally prefer aluminum-free deodorant. Because some research suggest aluminum in deodorant, may have a link with breast cancers.

And if an underarm product leaves you itchy or stinging, give your skin a break.

 A gentle wash and a deodorant your skin tolerates are a good place to start. Skin bacteria play a role in body odor, and there’s little evidence that an underarm mask draws out toxins. I think of my scrub as that extra exfoliating step.

Fresh leggings and yoga towels start in the laundry

You know those leggings that smell fine coming out of the drawer, then become considerably less charming ten minutes into class?

That’s where Rockin’ Green Active Wear detergent comes in. It’s a favorite among our Thavma instructors for sweaty activewear. The formula uses enzymes to help break down sweat and body oils that can cling to workout fabrics.

I pay attention to added fragrance and dyes, especially with clothes I’ll spend hours sweating in. If your skin is sensitive, a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent is an option to try. I also skip fabric softener on performance clothes because it can build up and interfere with how the fabric wicks moisture. Check the care label, measure your detergent, and give that yoga towel a fresh start before your next class

The little green capsule in my routine

I also take FRESH by It Just Works, a supplement made with sodium copper chlorophyllin, organic parsley leaf, and organic peppermint leaf. I’ve noticed a real difference in how fresh I feel on days when I’m in and out of the hot room.

So yes, I’ll take the green pill, thank you very much. 😉

High standards, even when I’m sweaty

When I’m teaching, I want to give everything I have to the people in front of me. And when class is over, I want to roll up my mat, lean in for a hug, and get on with my day feeling fresh.

Being a little more particular about what goes on my skin and what I wash my yoga clothes in has made that part of my day feel easy. I’ve got my favorites, I know what works for me, and I can head into the hot room with one less thing on my mind.

Sweating is part of my job. Smelling good is still part of the plan.

Want the direct links? Look for Sweaty Girl, Fresh Standards in the Thavma Studio Etiquette email.

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