If you’re one of those women who drip rather than glow, knowing how to sweat less could be a game-changer. Although everyone’s on a mission to stay dry in hot, humid weather or under stressful situations, don’t forget that a certain amount of perspiration is good for you. In fact, a recent study found that you may want to skip the deodorant on days you’re feeling particularly cheerful. The study’s senior researcher, psychological scientist Gün Semin of Utrecht University in the Netherlands reports, “Our study shows that being exposed to sweat produced under happiness induces a simulacrum of happiness in receivers…. In a way, happiness sweat is somewhat like smiling — it is infectious.” So maybe you don’t even need to know how to stop sweating so much!
However since we can produce up to a quart a day and most ladies would still prefer a dewy glow to rivers, here are 10 tips for how to sweat less.
1. Use Antiperspirant
The name says it all. Not to be confused with deodorant, antiperspirant doesn’t just mask odor, it contains aluminum ions that stop your cells from producing sweat. Interestingly antiperspirant works best if you apply it at night so it has time to work its magic, though you may need to reapply in the afternoon. This option isn’t for everyone since aluminum has been linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. Though the jury is still out on this, you may want to err on the side of caution if you’re at risk.
Read Related: Medical Myth Buster: Sweating Helps You Lose Weight Faster
2. Wear Natural Fibers
Wear fabrics made from natural fibers like cotton or linen and look for loose weaves and a flowy fit. Tight, dense knits and synthetics don’t let your skin breathe. And you may have noticed that certain polyesters tend to retain odors.
3. Invest in Quality Gym Clothes
The natural fiber rule doesn’t apply to gym attire since the goal when you’re exercising isn’t figuring out how to sweat less but how to avoid clinging, dripping wet clothes. Look for fabrics that wick and don’t wear the same thing two days in a row.
4. Chill Out
When you’re overheated it can be tough to stop the waterworks once they’ve started. The best way is to cool down your core as quickly as possible. If you can, take a super cold shower. When that’s not an option try putting your feet in ice water or icing your forehead.
5. Skip the Salt
When you eat too much salt — which unfortunately most of us do — your body will try to eliminate it through perspiration.
6. And Hot Foods or Drinks
That’s hot in both senses of the word. Your body reacts to the capsaicin in pepper the same way it reacts to a hot day…with sweat. Same goes for filling your tummy with food or drinks that are hot in temperature.
7. And Caffeine & Alcohol
Caffeine stimulates your nervous system, which gets those sweat glands going. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to expand so it makes you feel physically hotter.
8. Relax
It’s that nervous system again. When we’re scared or stressed many of us start wiping our brows. If you feel those beads starting to form on your upper lip, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and find your Zen.
9. Botox
If you’ve tried everything and still don’t know how to stop sweating so much, Botox injections can safely control sweat in small areas like hands, underarms and face.
10. Setting Spray
A good setting spray won’t stop you from sweating but it will keep your makeup in place when you do.
