SWEATY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Summer is here and the temperature keeps climbing every day. Sweating is the body’s natural way of regulating itself. Simply put: when we’re hot, we sweat. It’s how our body cools us down. Sweating when it’s hot is completely normal.
Still, sweating is not something people love, especially in social situations - and we get it, sweaty stains on your clothes are just not cute or comfortable. And unfortunately, some people are more prone to sweating than others.
While sweating is not completely unavoidable, we’ve rounded up some tips to help you survive the upcoming sweaty summers.
How to stay cool if you sweat a lot
While antiperspirants block the sweat ducts, deodorants mask the smell. Some antiperspirants contain deodorant. To mitigate excessive sweating, you definitely want to opt for an antiperspirant.
For optimal results, ensure your underarms are clean and dry then apply antiperspirant at night before going to bed. Yes, you read that right: before bed. This is because the ingredients need time to take effect and create a block over the sweat duct and, you typically sweat less at night.
The best way to help reduce sweating with your clothing choices is to wear light, breathable fabrics with good ventilation like linen or lightweight cotton. There are also clothes made out of moisture-wicking fabric that you can try. Numi offers classic pieces made of sweat-proof fabrics. Avoid skin-tight clothing as that can exacerbate sweating and cause chafing and irritation. Opt for lighter colors because they will reflect the sun rather than absorb it.
Sorry spice lovers, but if you tend to sweat a lot, you’re going to want to stay away from spicy foods in the summer. Our bodies react to spicy food in the same way: by cooling the burning sensation via sweating.
Avoid any foods that your body can't process well, like dairy, because your immune system needs to work harder, which overworks your sympathetic nervous system, increasing sweat levels. Who would have thought that cheese would make you sweat?
If you’re more of a night-time sweater, try a cooling pillow. It doesn't trap heat, helping you stay cooler during the night.
There are sweat shields on the market that help absorb sweat and stop it from leaking through onto clothing.
The blood vessels in certain areas are closer to the surface of the skin so when you place something cold there, the blood vessels constrict and lowers your body temperature. The neck, wrists, and back of the knees are all prime pulse points to cool down.
Taking a cold shower on a hot day may seem like a good idea. But when you get out of an ice-cold shower, your body may actually generate extra heat to make up for the sudden dip in temperature. Instead, try tepid water, which may be more effective at helping you cool off.
What is hyperhidrosis?
If you feel that you sweat more than is normal, you may want to consult with your doctor to see if you have a condition called hyperhidrosis.
It usually affects the armpits, hands, and soles of the feet, can start at any age, and experts can’t pinpoint the cause.
If you have hyperhidrosis, there are some treatment options available:
- Prescription antiperspirant. Your drugstore antiperspirant isn’t going to cut it here. There are extra-strength antiperspirants that your doctor can prescribe.
- Oral medication. Some medications prevent certain nerves from communicating with each other, which can help reduce sweating. However, make sure to consult your doctor about these options as there are some potential side effects associated.
- Antidepressants. Anxiety can lead to excess sweating. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants if they feel it’s warranted.
- Botox injections. These injections temporarily block the nerves that cause sweating. The injections last for 6 to 12 months so treatment will need to be repeated for results to last.
- Laser treatment for armpits: There are laser treatments that destroy both sweat and odor glands in the underarm either permanently or semi-permanently.
- Surgery. In very extreme cases, there are some surgical options like sweat gland removal or nerve surgery but surgery should only be considered when your doctor determines that that is the only option left.
Other ways to stay cool
- Keep your curtains drawn and blinds closed during the day
- Eat smaller meals as metabolic heat is needed to break down food.
- Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Get yourself a handheld or laptop fan
- Stick your bedsheets in a zip lock bag and put them in the fridge before you sleep so you can lie back and chill.
Stay cool out there, muffs!