6 Expert Ways To Combat Summer Sweating
Following the recent heatwave and with the summer season fast approaching, it’s natural to find yourself sweating more at this time of year. However, we all know that excessive sweating can leave you feeling both uncomfortable and self-conscious. Embarrassing Bodies expert, Dr Dawn Harper, shares her top tips on how you can avoid those sweaty situations this summer…
TOP TIPS TO COMBAT SWEATING:
- Pick your outfits wisely: White and black fabrics tend to show sweating less, so at times when you think you might sweat more, stick to lightweight, loose fitting clothing in those colours. Opt for clothes made of natural fibres rather than man-made fabrics such as nylon and Lycra.
- Avoid trainers where possible: With trainers the shoe of choice for many of us this summer, Dr Dawn Harper comments, “Trainers retain more sweat than shoes, so try to keep use of these to a minimum. Try to alternate footwear and, on the day off, leave your shoes to dry out. Cotton socks can help too.”
- Watch out for dietary triggers: Avoid dietary triggers such as spicy foods or alcohol and caffeine. All can trigger sweating, so next time you reach for your morning coffee or evening glass of wine, think about whether you really need it.
Pic: Shutterstock
Avoid spicy foods.
- Drink plenty of cool fluids!: As a guide, your urine should be straw or champagne coloured – any darker than this could be a sign that you’re starting to get dehydrated and should increase your fluid intake.
Sparkling blanc mocktail
- Emotional sweating is a very real problem: Emotional sweating can be a problem for many and of course as soon as it starts the more you worry, so it is important to manage stress and anxiety. I encourage patients to make a list of the stresses in their life and look at ones they may be able to alter.
- Know the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant!: Antiperspirants are designed to prevent sweat whilst deodorants are used to mask the smell. Interestingly fresh sweat doesn’t smell. The odour is produced when bacteria on the skin break down the sweat. Anyone conscious of body odour should use a pH balanced soap to wash as perfumed products can alter the pH of the skin, making it a better environment for the bacteria to grow, which in turn could exacerbate the problem.
Why do we sweat? Dr Dawn Harper has the answers…
“Sweating is our built in cooling system and is crucial to survival. We sweat to lose heat and in fact the sweat glands in our armpits are capable of producing several litres of sweat in 24 hours if necessary. This is important because our bodies need to maintain a normal temperature. How much we sweat varies hugely from individual to individual and even from day to day in each of us as it depends on how active we are and the outside temperature and humidity.”
Excessive sweating can be both physically uncomfortable and damaging to your self-esteem. Dr Dawn Harper recommends an at home solution to help combat excessive sweating:
Perspirex Original, available from Boots and other pharmacies from £8.49.
Perspirex Original promises highly effective protection against sweat and odour, which lasts up to 3-5 days. Perspirex’s trusted formulation protects you when your body needs it most, avoiding that potentially embarrassing sweaty situation! Perspirex Comfort is the only antiperspirant in the market that actively minimises potential skin irritation that is often associated with high performance antiperspirants. This hard-working antiperspirant is free from perfume, while the comfort skin care system Cpx minimises the irritation that is often associated with extra effective antiperspirants, making it perfect for first-time users and those with sensitive skin.
Moira Chisholm
I'm the Health Editor on My Weekly and am always interested to hear what's new in this fascinating field. I also deal with the gardening, shopping pages, general features, our website content and the Ask Helen problem page. I have a special interest in Christmas content because I'm on the team for Your Best Ever Christmas Magazine, too!
