In the summer, it might seem that no matter what you do, you can’t stay dry. You go outside to run an errand or meet up with friends and end up sweating through your clothing, leading to stains and embarrassment.
Sweating is natural and it’s one of the ways your body helps you to stay cool. It also happens to be a bit of a pain, as it can feel unpleasant and can lead to wear marks on your clothing. While one way to keep from sweating might be to stay indoors in the air conditioning all day and night, there will always be times when you’ll need to go outdoors or you’ll want to exercise or work out.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce sweating in the summer heat or to make your sweat a bit less noticeable (to other people, at least).
Wear Antiperspirant
Natural deodorant is all the rage these days, but here’s the tricky thing about deodorant: It might make you smell nice, but it’s not going to keep you from sweating. Natural deodorant is made without aluminum.
If you want something that’s going to actually block sweat, you’ll need to use an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants have aluminum as their active ingredient. The aluminum in the product blocks the pores on your skin, so that sweat can’t be released onto the surface.
Antiperspirants also typically contain some deodorizing ingredients, which help to block or minimize body odor, so you don’t have to use both an antiperspirant and a separate deodorant.
Wear Natural Fibers and Lightweight Fabrics
You’ve probably seen plenty of polyester clothes labeled as “moisture-wicking” or ideal for wearing in the heat of the summer or when you work out. The truth is, synthetic fibers, even ones that promise to wick sweat away from your body, are among the worst things to wear if you’re concerned about sweat.
Instead, stick with natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Linen is particularly great for helping you to keep dry in the summer, as it’s lightweight and breathable. Cotton is another breathable fabric that’s perfect for wearing if you sweat a lot.
If you’re concerned about sweating, it’s a good idea to avoid clothing made from heavy fabrics, even if they’re natural fibers. Denim might seem like a great year-round choice, but its heavyweight can make it almost unbearable to wear in the summer heat.
Avoid Spicy Foods and Caffeine
Some foods are bound to make you sweat. If you love hot and spicy foods, such as curries, hot sauce, or chili peppers, you might want to steer clear of them in the middle of summer.
The ingredient in spicy foods that gives them their heat, capsaicin, is also responsible for triggering a cooling response in your body. For most people, that cooling response is sweating. Cut the capsaicin from your diet and you’re likely to sweat less.
Another popular ingredient that can also make you sweat is caffeine. When you drink a cup of coffee or tea, the caffeine in it stimulates your nervous system and wakes up your sweat glands. As a result, you end up sweating more.
Stay Hydrated
One way to beat the sweat this summer’s to stay cool from the inside out, which means keeping your body well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help, but so will eating foods that have high water content and that are naturally cooling.
Cucumbers, apples, and watermelon are all examples of high-water-content foods that will help hydrate you and help you stay cool.
Consider Botox
If sweat’s a big problem for you and nothing seems to help, you might want to consider a treatment that’s more effective and long-lasting. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, aka excessive sweating, Botox might be worth considering.
We know what you’re probably thinking: “Wait a second–isn’t Botox for wrinkles?” While that’s Botox’s main claim to fame, it’s also an effective treatment for several medical issues, including excessive sweating.
Botox can help to reduce the appearance of certain lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that are responsible for making movements that cause certain wrinkles to form.
It helps to stop sweating in a similar way. When injected into an area near the sweat glands, such as the armpits, Botox keeps nerve signals from activating the sweat glands. As a result, you stay dry. Results from a Botox treatment for excessive sweating usually last for about six months, which is long enough to get you through the heat of summer.
Dr. Paul Vitenas offers Botox injections at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas. To learn more about how Botox can help you stay dry this summer (or any time of year), call 281-810-9083 to schedule your consultation today.