How to control your sweat
Summers are here, and the intense heat in the weather creates sweating which is a problem and a source of embarrassment.
If you think you sweat too much, you can ask your doctor whether your sweating is normal.
A dermatology professor at St. Louis University, Dee Anna Glaser, MD, says, If the sweat is due to some underlying cause, such as a medical condition or drug side effect, it can be corrected or changed.
Once that’s done, there are simple steps to help reduce sweating and boost your comfort level. Here are ways to cope with heavy sweating at the gym, on the job, and everywhere you go.
Switch to higher-strength deodorants and antiperspirants:
Some are prescription only, but you can also get higher strength products over the counter.
Apply deodorants at the best time:
Most of these will work best at night. The active ingredient has to go down into the sweat duct and clog it. If you apply it in the morning, when sweat volume is typically higher, it washes off. Applying deodorant at night also reduces the chance of skin irritations, and will keep you using it more faithfully.
Sweating During Exercise:
There are several ways to deal with sweating during exercise:
Dress to thwart sweat. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as cottons.
Splurge on athletic clothes. In recent years, clothing for athletes has improved, with new breathable fabrics. Look for those that wick away moisture. The labels typically feature the fabric characteristics prominently.
Wear it once. Don’t put on a t-shirt or bike shorts that are soaked with sweat. You need to start out dry to stay dry. Your skin will thank you, too.
Change footwear often. If sweaty feet are a particular problem, be sure to change your shoes and socks often.
Dust away sweat. Use powders meant for the feet to keep foot moisture and sweat at a minimum.
Sweating on the Job
To cope with sweating on the job, experts recommend these steps:
Tote along deodorant or antiperspirants. Reapply them in the middle of the day or before a stressful meeting, says dermatologist Eric Schweiger, MD, of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
Dress in layers year-round. For men, wearing an undershirt can help soak up some of the sweat. Women could wear an absorbent camisole top or dress shields.
Choose clothing in looser weaves. ”The tighter the weaver, the hotter the clothes.” Instead, choose clothes with a looser weave, such as linens. Silk is a fabric to avoid, she says, because it makes you feel hotter.
Pocket a handkerchief. If you keep one in your pocket or purse, you can wipe off excess sweat quickly before you need to shake hands.
Skip the spicy lunches. Eating certain foods, such as hot peppers, can affect the amount of sweat you produce. Eating other foods, including onions and garlic, can make your sweat smell worse. So no matter how good that hot jalapeno pizza lunch special looks, try to pass.
Sweating Through Your Clothes
The right clothes can make a big difference if you tend to sweat a lot.
Become a label reader. Look for clothing labels that say the fabric is the type that wicks away moisture. Or look for clothing with high cotton content.
Pick colors wisely. White will show more sweat. But it won’t be as visible on other colors, nor on prints or patterns.
Buy ”breathable” shoes. That will reduce sweat, and it’s important especially if your feet are generally sweaty.
Skip hats. Keeping your head cool is as important as keeping your feet cool in the anti-sweat war.
Tote a wardrobe change. If you carry an extra shirt or blouse to work or a social function, or always leave a quick change in your car, you can wipe and wash away sweat when necessary, then change to fresh clothes — or at least from the waist up.
Nighttime Sweating
To curb nighttime sweating, try these tips:
Pick bed linens wisely. Look for breathable, lightweight fabrics for year round.
Skip the down comforter, even in winter. Opt for a lighter bedspread.
Pick sheets that are absorbent. The best fabrics are plain cotton, not silk or flannel.
Reference: webmd.com
|