By Emily Hebert
Photo: iStockphoto
Whether you’re experiencing makeup meltdown, underarm wetness, foot odor—or all three, overactive sweat glands can definitely cramp your summer style. The good news is there are ways to combat hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive perspiration) and cope better with it.
Stay Cool on the Go
While it’s commonly believed that sweating helps detoxify your
body, the truth is that sweat contains few toxins. According to the
International Hyperhidrosis Society, the liver and
kidneys—not the sweat glands—are what filter toxins from the blood;
sweat simply serves to cool you down when you overheat. With this
in mind, be prepared the next time you’re invited to an outdoor
fete: Pack your purse with gentle facial cleansing wipes (the
compact ones by Simple are easy to tuck away), cool-to-the-touch cream
(Lumene’s miniature Time Freeze Instant Cooling Eye
Stick is ultrarefreshing), and travel sized Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray (bonus:
It makes your makeup stay on longer). Another tip: Before popping
open your ice-cold can of soda, hold it to the back of your neck
for a quick cool-down.
Sweatproof Your Makeup
While supermatte ’90s-inspired skin is in for fall, during summer
a little shine is actually chic. (So don’t blot away with
oil-absorbing sheets
the second you feel moisture poking through!) That said,
Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens are a godsend.
You should also never underestimate the power of a good makeup
base. To keep brow sweat at bay, use makeup that allows your skin
to breathe while keeping it shine-free: Start by using a
water-based oil-absorbing
primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Light and follow with a
similarly
absorbent powder foundation such as Make Up For Ever Duo Mat. And when it comes to
your eyes, opt for powder shadow and waterproof
mascara and liner. Plan on being outside during prime sweat
time (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)? Nothing beats liquid liner.
Watch Your Diet
Caffeine and nicotine have both been linked to excessive sweating
so instead of reaching for coffee or cigarettes, your best bet is
to
grab a glass of water and
carrot sticks. While water helps hydrate and regulate body
temperature,
fruits and veggies are
healthier alternatives to
processed foods (particularly those with lots of sugar) which,
incidentally, have also been shown to stimulate sweat glands.
Amp Up Your Antiperspirant
Many drugstore brands—Dove, Secret, Degree—have released “clinical
strength” antiperspirant formulas, but if these don’t work for you,
consider talking to your doctor about a prescription version.
Over-the-counter options like Drysol, Saldrize, and Certain Dry may
help and can be used on the soles of feet as well if products such
as Avon Footworks Deodorizing Foot Powder don’t do
the trick. Prescription oral medications such as oxybutynin and
glycopyrrolate are another option but are typically considered a
last resort, as they can be accompanied by serious side effects
that include drowsiness, visual impairment, and dryness of the
mouth.
Try Red Carpet Treatment
If you’ve exhausted over-the-counter antiperspirants to no avail,
you may consider doing what many Hollywood starlets are rumored to
do: Get Botox injections in your underarms and/or feet. In July
2004, the FDA approved Botox for hyperhidrosis that can’t be
resolved with topical treatments; by blocking the release of a
chemical in the nervous system responsible for triggering the sweat
glands, Botox can temporarily reduce perspiration in the area
that's been injected. Results usually last for up to six
months.
