It’s Time to Stop That Sweat and Bare Those Arms! We’ll Show You How
Everybody sweats. While sweat is a natural bodily function, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable if you suffer from excessive sweating. While there are a few treatments available for excessive sweating, there are some things you can change in your daily life to reduce sweat naturally.
Ways to Prevent Sweat There are numerous ways you can prevent sweat without resorting to expensive medical treatments.
1. Use a Strong Antiperspirant
Antiperspirants prevent sweat—plain and simple. Unlike deodorants, which simply prevent odour, antiperspirants temporarily block your sweat glands, preventing sweat from reaching the surface of the skin. A clinical-strength antiperspirant will stop sweat for up to 48 hours. Many over-the-counter antiperspirants are effective for preventing sweat, while a doctor may recommend a prescription for more extreme cases.Many antiperspirants are clinical or prescription-strength and available over the counter or prescribed by your general practitioner (GP). It is important to choose a product and strength that is right for you and your sweat level.
Deodorant is used to prevent body odour only and does not prevent sweat production. It simply masks the smell commonly associated with sweat. It may surprise you that your sweat is actually colourless and odourless. The smell only occurs when your sweat interacts with bacteria on your skin.
Now that you know the difference between these two topical treatments, you need to know how to properly apply them to your body. There are best practices that, if followed, may resolve sweat and odour issues quickly.
2. Dress Strategically
Excessive sweating usually occurs during hot and humid weather. As such, dressing in colours and fabric that cool you down is a good way to prevent perspiration. If you are a heavy sweater, wear light, breathable fabrics that provide lots of ventilation. It helps keep your body temperature down and increases air flow, reducing sweat levels.
Another good tip is to wear light colours, which reflect the sun instead of absorbing it. However, if you are unable to wear lighter clothes, choose darker colours with lively prints and patterns to hide any sweat marks that may appear.Antiperspirant needs to be applied at night before going to bed as most people sweat very little or not at all while asleep. Using it right before going out won’t work as the ingredients need time to kick in. Antiperspirant can also be applied to various areas of the body. Since it features 12-48-hour protection, you won’t need to reapply for up to two days.
3. Manage Your Diet
Eating specific types of food can increase your production of sweat. Here are foods you should consider avoiding if you want to reduce excessive levels of sweat – and some foods you should include:
Avoid spicy foods: The body reacts to spicy food the same way it reacts to heat. Consuming spicy food makes you sweat, even in cold temperatures.
Skip fatty, processed food: Fast food, chocolate, junk food, or foods high in carbs can cause excess sweat. A low carb diet can actually reduce excessive sweating. Cut caffeine: Coffee, soda, and energy drinks loaded with caffeine can produce extra sweat. Load up on fruit and veggies: Eating fruit and vegetables can reduce the amount of sweat your body generates (not to mention aiding in digestion and providing essential vitamins).