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Tips for Reducing Visible Signs of Sweating

By February 10, 2021May 2nd, 2023Skin Care

Date night, picture day, the final minutes before the last round of job interviews…pit stains seem to always pop up when all eyes are on you. If you’re tired of slipping away to the bathroom to quickly dry out your sleeves or mask body odor, rest assured there’s a better way to keep the stains at bay.

Why Do We Sweat?

Underarm sweat, or perspiration, is a natural response from our axillary glands to cool the body down and help maintain a healthy core body temperature. Some people are fortunate enough to sweat so little that a single daily application of deodorant will do the trick, but others may experience a condition known as hyperhidrosis, affecting an estimated 3% of people in U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology. People suffering from hyperhidrosis often experience excessive sweating marked by perspiration that soaks through their clothing and causes clammy hands and feet, which can point to an underlying health condition, but in some cases, may not have a known cause.

Easy Hacks to Hide Sweat Stains

If you have limited time on your hands to handle your pit stains, here a few tricks to hide underarm sweat before your big event:

Choose breathable fabrics: Opt for natural fabrics like cotton and linen over synthetic ones. They’ll offer increased airflow and will more effectively absorb sweat.

Shave your armpits: Hair is often the biggest culprit blocking antiperspirants from being effective, as it can hold moisture and odor. Don’t apply antiperspirant immediately after shaving, though, because it may irritate freshly shaven skin.

Use underarm pads or pantyliners: You can find underarm pads online and at some retail locations to help stop pit stains. Place the sticky adhesive to the inner underarm side of your garment, with the pad facing your armpit to absorb the sweat. If you’re in a pinch and can’t find them at a store near you, pantyliners can do the trick.

Avoid sweat-inducing foods for 24 hours: Your diet plays a role in how much you sweat. Low-fiber foods can prompt your body to work overtime to break them down for digestion, and foods with high sodium content can lead to more frequent urination or sweating as a form of detoxing. Avoid processed food, liquor and beer, spicy dishes, and meals with high garlic and onion content to help curb excessive sweating on the big day.

Avoid smoking, vaping, and caffeine: Caffeine and the nicotine in cigarettes and vapes can raise your body temperature, increase your heartbeat, and trigger your sweat glands.

Treatment for Excessive Sweating

If you aren’t pressed for time and simply want to stop underarm sweat at the source, miraDry offers a more permanent solution that targets the axillary glands. This minimally invasive procedure uses precise delivery of electromagnetic energy to break down the sweat glands, which can’t regenerate. This FDA-approved procedure typically takes less than two hours and requires minimal downtime.

Speak with our doctors at The Dermatology Clinic in Baton Rouge to discuss your options for sweat reduction with miraDry. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about the procedure.