How to stop excessive sweating: Practical tips

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

Sweat, or perspiration, is a natural bodily function that helps keep your body cool and regulate your temperature. Sweat is made of salt and water, and when you get too hot, your sweat glands release moisture that evaporates on your skin to cool you down. While it’s perfectly natural, excess sweating can be an embarrassing problem, and it can be uncomfortable if it happens often. Read on to find out more about what causes excessive sweating and what you can do about it.

What is perspiration, and what does it do?

Perspiration, more commonly known as sweat, is made to keep your body temperature at the right level, especially when you’re very hot, for example, after exercising, spending time in the sun, or when you’re stressed. When sweat reaches the surface of your skin, it evaporates, cooling your skin and the tissues underneath. It also helps to hydrate your skin and protect it against infection as it contains antimicrobial properties.

What causes excessive sweating?

While sweating is normal, some people suffer from excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a condition where your body produces more sweat than necessary to regulate your temperature. It can affect your underarms, or other areas like your hands, feet, face, torso or groin. Excessive sweating can be genetic and have no obvious trigger, or it can be caused by underlying medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes or thyroid problems. Sweating a lot can also cause other related problems, like increased body odour and skin irritation. Here are some other causes of excess sweating:  

Environmental triggers 

Warm weather conditions, humidity and exercise can all cause your body to sweat more. When you get too hot, your body activates sweating as a natural cooling process to lower your temperature.

Diet and lifestyle

Consuming a lot of spicy foods, caffeine or alcohol can stimulate your nervous system, which raises your body temperature and increases your heart rate, making you sweat more. 

Medical conditions

Health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and hyperthyroidism can cause excessive sweating. Hormonal changes, for example, during menopause, can present symptoms like hot flushes or night sweats, meaning you sweat more than you did before. If excess sweating is a new problem, has lasted over 6 months or you’re unsure of the cause, make an appointment to see your doctor.

How to stop excess sweating

If you’re wondering how to stop excess sweating, here are some practical tips that can help:

• Apply an antiperspirant deodorant to stop excessive sweating before bed. Antiperspirants contain aluminium salts, which work to block sweat from reaching the surface of your skin. If you apply antiperspirant in the evening (after showering, onto clean and dry skin), it gives it a chance to get to work at a time when you’re likely to be sweating less.
• Try to wear light, breathable clothing in natural fibres, like cotton, linen or silk, that allow air to flow around your body. Darker colours can attract the heat more, but can also be better at masking sweat patches. Avoiding hats and wearing open-toe shoes can also keep your body cooler in hot weather.
• Avoid eating spicy food as it can trigger a sweat response. Your body reacts to hot food in the same way it reacts to hot weather, and tries to cool you down. Eating a lot of spicy food and garlic can also “sweat out” through your pores, causing more body odour.
• Try to keep as cool as possible. Ventilate your home, use fans and drink plenty of water to help to regulate your body temperature. Keeping your skincare products in the fridge is great for cooling your skin at the start and the end of the day.

Antiperspirant vs. deodorant for sweat

Many people think that antiperspirant and deodorant are the same thing, but this is not the case. Deodorant contains fragrance and is formulated to neutralise body odour, but won’t stop you from sweating. Antiperspirants are different as they include aluminium compounds, which work as an active ingredient to temporarily block your sweat pores. Aluminium prevents moisture from reaching the surface of your skin and keeps you dry. 

Choosing the best antiperspirant for excessive sweating

When it comes to excess sweating, it’s a good idea to use a combination of antiperspirant and whole-body deodorant to keep you feeling fresh. A good antiperspirant for excessive sweating is designed to be gentle on your skin while offering maximum protection. You can combine this with a whole-body deodorant to eliminate body odour. Sanex Whole Body Deodorant Cream can be used across your whole body, including your hands, underarms, body, feet and intimate areas for 72-hours of clinically-proven odour protection, so you can feel confident all day and night.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about how to stop excessive sweating:

Is excessive sweating a common problem?

Excessive sweating is medically known as hyperhidrosis and is a common problem. It can affect your whole body or just certain areas. It can happen for no obvious reason, because of a medical condition, hormone changes or a medication you’re taking. If excess sweating is impacting your daily life, speak to your doctor.  

What are the causes of excessive sweating in males?

The causes of excessive sweating in males are the same as those found in women. Men tend to have higher testosterone levels and more sweat glands, so they may sweat more than women, particularly during exercise. However, individual factors like fitness levels, temperature and health conditions have to be considered.  

Are antiperspirants necessary for excess sweating?

Antiperspirants are usually the first line of treatment for excess sweating. You can use antiperspirant on your underarms, hands, feet and torso. You can also try using a whole-body deodorant to protect you from body odour and keep you smelling fresh.