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8 Stay-Dry Solutions for Every Sweaty Scenario

Breaking a sweat and battling B.O.? This summer, find a sweat fix that really works
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If you're planning on wearing a lot of white this summer
Try: Crystal Deodorant

Prepare yourself for one of the most annoying catch-22's of all time: Those yellow pit stains that ruin your summer whites aren't really caused by sweat. It's actually the combination of sweat and the aluminum in the antiperspirants we use. Your solution: Choose deodorant on days you'll be wearing white.

A crystal deodorant, like Crystal Essence Mineral Lavender & White Tea Deodorant Roll-On, $3.49, won't stop sweat the way antiperspirants do, but it will keep your armpits smelling fresh -- and your tops from turning yellow. After you wet the dry crystal and apply it under your arms, a thin layer of the crystal sticks to your skin, and its mineral salts help to reduce bacteria levels (the major culprit of B.O.). You may feel a little New Age-y rubbing a crystal under your arms, but your white shirts and dresses will thank you.

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If you're constantly sweating bullets, even when it isn't hot out
If you're sweating heavily, even when your body isn't overheating (e.g., you're camped out on the couch with the A/C blasting), you could be suffering from hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes people to sweat an abnormally large amount for no good reason -- usually in the underarms, hands or feet. Your first line of defense should be to talk to your doctor about your condition. He or she will likely recommend prescription antiperspirants like Xerac AC or Drysol. These are similar to over the counter antiperspirants but contain an extra kick of aluminum chloride to plug sweat glands and prevent sweat from reaching the skin. Many prescription antiperspirants can be used on the armpits, hands and feet, and can even reduce the size of sweat glands in the long run to keep excessive sweating in check. However, the higher amount of aluminum means there's a higher risk of skin irritation and staining. Consult with your doctor during pregnancy and before breast-feeding.

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If you are sensitive to antiperspirants
Try: Botox

Injecting Botox into your feet or armpits may sound like a red carpet extreme, but the method now has the FDA's stamp of approval for treating superfluous sweating.

According to Dr. Frank, Botox is a great option for the excessively sweaty who are also sensitive to fragrances in deodorants or the aluminum in antiperspirants. "This procedure has become one of the safest and most effective standards of care for excessive perspiration," he continues. How does it work? When injected, Botox blocks the signal pathways that stimulate sweat under your arms. The procedure is performed with topical anesthesia, is generally side-effect-free and lasts for four to six months. Each maintenance session will set you back $1,500.

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If you're more sticky and sweaty than smelly
Try: Deodorant Wipes

If you're on the go and constantly find yourself a bit too close to strangers (thank you, overbooked flight), and are convinced your usual stick is failing, give deodorant wipes a try. These pre-moistened wipes can keep you fresh after a long day of travel or work and are best for sensitive, stubbly skin. An extra bonus: the majority of deodorant wipes on the market like Whish Deodorant Swipes, $22 for a pack of 30, are formulated with antioxidants like chapparal extract, that inhibit hair growth, and protecting agents like seaweed and vitamin C for an added skin care friendly treat.

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If you want to cut out chemicals and help save the environment
Try: Natural Deodorant

If you're wary of rubbing chemicals into your pits every day, you're in luck. Along with gluten-free this and vegan that, health-conscious natural deodorants are having a moment. According to Frank, these deodorants and non-natural deodorants have the same M.O.: to reduce the amount of bacteria in your armpits. Natural deodorants like Lavilin Roll-On Deodorant, $16 and Soapwalla Deodorant Cream, $14, do so by using plant extracts and essential oils to mask the sweat stench. They might not mask the stench as well as stronger scented non-natural deodorants, but they'll get the job done on days when it's less than 90 degrees outside and you're not training for a marathon.

BY ERICA SMITH | JUL 23, 2014 | SHARES
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