Sweating is the body's way of regulating temperature. When we're hot, we sweat. Sweating is a completely natural part of everyday life. Still, some people may find that sweating is not desirable in certain social situations, especially if their sweat leaves noticeable marks on clothing. In these situations, there are some strategies you can take to reduce the amount of sweat. Here are some tips to reduce embarrassing sweating.
Apply antiperspirant before going to bed
– Antiperspirants block the sweat ducts so that sweat doesn't reach the surface of our skin. The sweat is still produced by the gland, but does not reach the surface.
Deodorants do not prevent sweating, but are intended to mask the odor produced by bacteria when we sweat. Most antiperspirants that you can buy in pharmacies consist of metal salts called aluminum chloride.
The best results will be obtained if your forearms are clean and dry before applying the antiperspirant. This is because the ingredients take time to create the blockage over the sweat duct. Most people sweat less or not at all at night.
– It may not work right away, but stick to this routine for a few nights and you should get the results you want. When the antiperspirant starts to take effect, it can be applied as needed.
Wear breathable fabrics The best way to reduce sweating with your clothing choices is to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics with good ventilation. Brighter colors also help reflect the sun rather than absorb it, so wearing white can help cool you down and reduce sweating.
– If this is not an option, opt for dark colors or distracting patterns that disguise the sweat. You can also wear multiple layers or garments so that the sweat is not visible on the outer layer.
Avoid certain foods
There are some food choices that you may want to avoid during a business lunch or in a social situation where you'd rather not sweat. Definitely avoid spicy food. Our bodies react to spicy foods the same way they do to other heat – they try to cool down the insides of the body, leading to sweating. Caffeine is also not recommended as it stimulates the adrenal glands and makes our palms, feet and forearms sweat.
Keep calm Sweating is your body's way of cooling you down. So by staying cool, you reduce the need to sweat.
In hot weather, placing an ice bowl in front of a fan can help circulate cold air around the room. Another good idea is to keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day to prevent the sun from heating up your rooms. Try to stay in the shade when you are outside.
Eating smaller meals regularly can help you stay cool, as metabolic heat is needed to break down food. Keeping you hydrated will also keep your body temperature low.
You can also keep your moisturizing products in the fridge for a cooling effect when you apply them. Buy a portable fan and keep your head and feet cool by avoiding hats and wearing open shoes when the weather permits.
Medical treatments If you find that you are sweating too much, see your doctor to see if you have a condition called hyperhidrosis. There are then different treatment options:
· Antiperspirant with higher aluminum chloride content. Available without a prescription at the Pharmacy.
· Oral medication. There are some prescription medications available that block the signals that allow certain nerves to communicate with each other, which can help reduce sweating. However, there are several possible side effects (including bladder problems, dry mouth and blurred vision), so talk to your doctor about whether the benefits outweigh the risks or not.
– Botox injections. These injections temporarily block the nerves that cause sweating. The effect lasts for 6 to 12 months, after which the treatment must be repeated. The injections can sometimes cause pain and some people experience temporary muscle weakness in the area they have treated.
· Surgery. In extreme cases, there are some surgical options. These include microwave treatment, sweat gland removal, and nerve surgery. Surgery should only be considered if your doctor thinks you have a serious condition that makes you sweat unusually.
Sweating is completely natural and has a purpose. There are ways to reduce or hide sweating if you think you need it. Consult your doctor if you perspire excessively.
