The production of sweat is a normal function of the body. Although men tend to sweat more than women, they actually have more sweat glands. If you are uncomfortable with underarm sweat or otherwise want to keep it under control, there are ways to limit the amount that is produced in this area.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Reduce Sweat Naturally
Step 1. Avoid high temperatures
One of the functions of sweat is to cool the body. If you live in a warm climate region, or if your thermostat is set to a high temperature in your work or school environment, your body tends to produce more. Therefore, if you don't want to sweat, you have to do your best to avoid too high temperatures.
Step 2. Try to stay calm in situations where you feel uncomfortable, nervous, scared or angry
It's not easy, but when you have these feelings, the autonomic nervous system reacts by producing sweat. So do your best to stay calm.
Step 3. Avoid physical activity
While exercise is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is another factor responsible for sweating. During training, the body temperature rises and the body triggers the production of sweat to cool itself. Therefore, if you don't want to sweat, you should focus on activities such as swimming, where sweating is not noticeable.
Step 4. Wear comfortable clothing or sleeveless shirts or shirts
When clothing is tight and too tight, it is more likely to absorb sweat. Also, if you wear clothes that heat up, you can end up sweating. For this reason, you should choose clothing that is quite comfortable and loose, which allows air to circulate freely.
Step 5. Do not wear tightly woven clothing
The closer the fibers are to each other, the less the skin can breathe, transmitting a more intense sensation of warmth. Silk, for example, is not a good choice if you don't want to sweat, as the fabric respects these characteristics. Loose weave shirts let more air through.
Step 6. Dress in layers
For men this step is easy, as they often wear undershirts; however, you can use this method too. By wearing several layers, there are more fabrics that can absorb sweat, so moisture is less likely to notice on the outermost one.
Consider wearing a satin tank top or thin shirt, which you can put under the shirt you wear during the day. You can eventually bring another spare, in case you want to change it
Step 7. Dress in dark colored clothing
Dark blue or black are great for hiding most of the sweat stains that form in the armpits. However, even white is often effective for this purpose.
Among the colors to avoid are gray and bright ones, as well as most light shades, as all of these reveal the presence of sweat
Step 8. Consider purchasing clothing protectors
These products have different trade names (discs, tampons, underarm pads, and so on), but they all work the same way. They can stick to the skin or have ties to attach to clothing under the armpits and absorb sweat, so as not to soak your clothes.
Step 9. Put baby powder under your armpits
This product (typically made of talcum powder with the addition of some fragrance) can help absorb excess moisture. It also acts as an astringent, that is, it is able to reduce the diameter of the pores, thus helping to keep sweat under control.
Step 10. Give your armpits time to breathe
It may seem ridiculous or silly, but if you raise your arms above your head for a few minutes (if you are alone) or put your elbows on a table (if you are at work or school) the air can circulate better in your armpits.
Step 11. Don't eat spicy foods
Very spicy foods can increase sweating; if your goal is to reduce it you must avoid these foods, such as jalapeño pepper.
In addition, foods such as garlic and onion can also increase the bad smell of sweat. If this is causing you concern, you shouldn't eat them
Step 12. Bring a handkerchief with you
While you may not always be able to discreetly remove moisture, keeping a handkerchief handy can dry your armpits a little when you can't avoid sweating.
Method 2 of 3: Reduce Sweat with Over-the-Counter Products
Step 1. Put on an antiperspirant
As the name suggests, the antiperspirant prevents the secretion of sweat (perspiration). It is a widely commercially available product and most deodorants sold nowadays also contain a substance with these characteristics.
- Generally, the product is sold in different formulations, based on its strength. If what you buy doesn't solve the problem, try one of a higher level in terms of effectiveness.
- Its action consists in creating a layer of coagulating substance that blocks the pores.
Step 2. Apply in the evening, before going to sleep
The antiperspirant solution may partially dilute if you sweat a little after applying it. If you use antiperspirant in the evening when you don't move much, you are less likely to sweat.
Step 3. Make sure your skin is perfectly dry before applying it
In this way, you avoid irritation and the product works more effectively (since you get better results if it is not diluted).
Step 4. Try the product for at least 10 days
You need to give it time to clog pores. If you don't notice any results after a few days, don't worry - the product needs a few more days to be effective.
Step 5. Use deodorant to avoid bad odors
In addition to antiperspirant, you can also apply this product. When sweat interacts with skin bacteria, it starts to smell. The deodorant kills bacteria and prevents this unpleasant consequence. A fragrance is often added to mask any odors that may form.
Sometimes antiperspirants already contain a deodorant (and vice versa). Read the label of the product you purchased carefully to make sure
Method 3 of 3: Evaluating Medical Treatments for Excessive Sweating
Step 1. Contact a dermatologist
If you are unable to control sweat with the methods described so far, it is a good idea to have a professional visit you. The dermatologist is usually the most suitable doctor for this type of problem, as they manage skin disorders and have the right knowledge to treat excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis).
Be aware that you may need a referral from your GP to go to the dermatologist; also, if you have private health insurance, check if this visit is covered by the policy
Step 2. Get a prescription for a stronger antiperspirant
If none of the over-the-counter products have proven effective for your problem, your dermatologist may prescribe a stronger one, which is not available over the counter.
- Generally, these more aggressive breathable products should be applied in the same way as those that do not require a prescription. Make sure you put it on at night before bed and that your armpits are completely dry.
- Read the instructions on the package carefully. There may be specific indications regarding the use of the product, the frequency of applications, side effects and so on.
Step 3. Try iontophoresis
If even the most aggressive antiperspirant medication doesn't work, you can consider alternative treatments, including iontophoresis. Although most of the time it is a suitable procedure for sweating on the hands and feet, it can still be appropriate for the armpits as well.
This technique consists in putting the affected area in the water, through which a light electric current is passed. It is generally effective for many people, but multiple treatments are required, and the physical structure of the armpits can make the procedure impractical
Step 4. Learn about botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections
You may have heard of this treatment as a remedy to avoid wrinkles; however, it is also indicated for managing excessive sweating. It basically works by "deactivating" the sweat glands in the affected area.
Keep in mind that this is a painful treatment and only works for a few months at a time
Step 5. Ask for more information about the MiraDry treatment
It is a new type of therapy that comes from the United States, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011 and which uses electromagnetic energy to destroy the sweat glands in the affected area (it is almost always used for the armpits). Usually, two treatments are performed over a few months. At the end of the treatment, the sweat glands should not grow back.
Usually, the process takes about an hour and is done under local anesthesia. You may notice some redness, tenderness, and swelling for a few days when finished, but you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage these reactions, as well as applying an ice pack
Step 6. Consider sweating surgery
While this is usually only done for very severe cases of hyperhidrosis, it is another way to manage this problem. There are many surgical techniques to treat excessive sweating, but all are basically aimed at eliminating the sweat glands in the affected area.
Often, the surgical procedure is performed in a doctor's office under local anesthesia, so you won't be completely sedated; only the area to be treated is anesthetized
Advice
- Wash your armpits thoroughly when taking a bath to get rid of the skin bacteria that cause bad odor.
- Put on deodorant every day.
- If you use a gel deodorant, make sure it dries before putting on your clothes.
- Always keep a deodorant or baby powder with you in your bag. That way, when you smell a little, you can reapply it.
Warnings
- Remember that the production of sweat is a perfectly normal and necessary reaction for the body's functions. While it is important to follow good hygiene practices and excessive sweating can be embarrassing, know that it is also a natural aspect of life.
- Avoid drying your armpits or putting deodorant in public areas. If you have to, apologize and go to the bathroom. Some people may find this behavior vulgar or offensive.
