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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Try: Spray Deodorant
Like most things aerosol, spray deodorants seem a bit outdated. But the quick-dry spray formula means minimal smudging and rubbing off on clothes -- two things you want to avoid when prepping and primping before a big event. Model Karlie Kloss is known to pick up an aerosol antiperspirant every time she's in Europe for this very reason -- it keeps those pricey couture gowns pit stain free on the red carpet and the runway. Follow suit and spray Secret Antiperspirant Deodorant Aerosol, $4.79, before you step into that bridesmaid gown or cocktail dress.
Like most things aerosol, spray deodorants seem a bit outdated. But the quick-dry spray formula means minimal smudging and rubbing off on clothes -- two things you want to avoid when prepping and primping before a big event. Model Karlie Kloss is known to pick up an aerosol antiperspirant every time she's in Europe for this very reason -- it keeps those pricey couture gowns pit stain free on the red carpet and the runway. Follow suit and spray Secret Antiperspirant Deodorant Aerosol, $4.79, before you step into that bridesmaid gown or cocktail dress.