Sweating is the body's natural cooling mechanism, and sweating in hot weather, when exercising, even when anxious or stressed is perfectly normal. However, visible sweaty underarms or sweat stains on clothing can be very annoying, or even embarrassing! There are several things you can do to prevent underarm sweating, whether it's because you're sweating more than average, a condition called hyperhidrosis, or just want to make sure the summer heat doesn't cause stains on your clothes. This article will talk about what you can do to minimize underarm sweat, then give you some ideas on how to deal with sweaty underarms and keep your clothes stain-free.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Minimize Sweat
Step 1. Use an over-the-counter antiperspirant
Antiperspirants work by temporarily blocking the sweat glands from producing sweat. Antiperspirants are commercially available in a variety of strengths, including the most recent “clinical”, and so-called “prescription strength” formulas. Virtually all of these antiperspirants have the same active ingredient, aluminum chlorohydrate, but the amount and formula used will affect how the antiperspirant works in a given person, so you may have to experiment to find out which one works best.
- For best results, use an antiperspirant night on dry skin.
- Even "natural" antiperspirants contain aluminum, something you should be aware of if you're trying to avoid aluminum exposure. However, other ingredients in natural formulas may be better for you, so there's still reason to consider this option.
- Deodorants, unlike antiperspirants, do not reduce sweating. Deodorants contain ingredients to mask or prevent body odor associated with sweat. If you're trying to stop sweating, make sure you look up the words "antiperspirant" or "antiperspirant and deodorant."
Step 2. Discuss other options with your doctor
If normal antiperspirants don't work, there are a number of treatment options available for excessive underarm sweating that your doctor may or may prescribe.
- One option is an actual prescription-strength antiperspirant.
- There are also several other therapies that offer long-term reduction in underarm sweating, including miraDry, a new technology that uses electromagnetic energy to destroy sweat glands.
- Botox injections applied in the armpits have also been shown to be effective.
Step 3. Avoid substances that can cause sweat
Sometimes what we eat and drink can make us more susceptible to sweating. Spicy foods are a common culprit; Caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can also cause increased sweating. Too much niacin (or too little for sensitive people) can also cause excessive sweating. Drinking hot beverages also raises your internal body temperature and makes you more prone to sweating.
Do not avoid drinking to prevent sweating! The body needs water to function properly, and drinking lots of water can actually reduce sweating because water helps cool your body. Water also helps ensure that when you sweat it doesn't smell bad
Step 4. Try seeking treatment for anxiety
If you generally sweat when you're anxious, a condition known as "nervous sweating," you can use the ideas outlined in this article to help with the problem, but you might also consider talking to your doctor or mental health professional about the possibility of an anxiety disorder. In addition to treating symptoms of nervous sweating, there may be medical and/or behavioral treatment options to help you deal with generalized anxiety.
Part 2 of 2: Overcome Sweaty Armpits
Step 1. Wear underarm guards under your shirt
When underarm sweat is unavoidable, armpit guards are a great way to hide sweat and protect clothes. Armpit protectors are absorbent pads that you wear on your armpits to absorb excess sweat and prevent stains on clothes; Many types of protectors also offer different types of body odor control. There are dozens of models available, sometimes called “clothes protectors”, “armpit guards”, “armpit pads”, “armpit guards”, and so on. Some are attached directly to clothing or leather, while others are attached with invisible straps. There are two options, both disposable and washable.
- Armpit guards are available at many sellers on the internet. You can also find them in men's clothing stores, and the underwear section of many women's clothing stores.
- You can even make your own underarm protectors at home!
Step 2. Avoid fabrics that don't breathe well
Some fabrics, such as silk, polyester, rayon, and nylon, don't breathe well and are more likely to cause sweat. Better choices include cotton, linen, as well as wool.
Step 3. Choose clothes that hide underarm sweat
If you know that your armpits are going to sweat, choose clothing that will cover it up. Wear undershirts under your clothes, or layered clothes to keep sweat stains out of sight. For example, a sweater vest worn over a shirt is great for hiding sweat stains. A hooded sweater or light jacket worn over a tank top or camis can also help hide underarm sweat.
Sweat stains are usually more noticeable on light-colored clothing, so avoid light-colored blouses if you're prone to sweating
Step 4. Look for high-tech sweat-resistant or sweat-resistant clothing
There are some “sweat-proof” underwear for men and women that use different methods to wick sweat away, or prevent it from reaching the visible layers of clothing. There are also more and more sweat-resistant fabrics on the market that use technology to prevent the build-up of sweat that causes embarrassing stains.
