No matter how old you are, with heat waves occurring more frequently, you may find that your typical deodorant isn’t cutting it in the high temperatures.
In these cases, Dr. Reich states that “Washing your underarm areas helps prevent a buildup of bacteria, which can cause odor,” she says. “A thorough washing of the underarms once or twice a day is super important if you are prone to heavy or smelly perspiration.”
And even though the amount we sweat may change or fluctuate over time, most people benefit from regularly using an antiperspirant or deodorant, Dr. Reich says, adding that it’s important to understand the difference. Deodorants are fragrance-containing products that help neutralize or mask the smell of bacteria and sweat, but they don’t actually prevent you from sweating. To reduce the amount of sweat, you’ll need to use a reliable anti-perspirant, which typically contains an aluminum compound to help prevent sweating from occurring. These formulas have tiny aluminum molecules that plug up sweat gland ducts and prevent the propulsion of sweat, says Dr. Reich.
There’s long been chatter about the safety of using aluminum-based antiperspirants. And while the decision is, as ever, totally up to you, the scientific evidence of such claims just isn't there. That said, according to Dr. Reich, “as one ages, there may be less need for an antiperspirant, and switching to a deodorant may be sufficient.”
What is the best way to manage sweat?
Getting in the habit of washing your armpits in the same way you’d wash your hands is an important practice if you’re looking to smell and sweat less, Further emphasized.
Before you reapply deodorant, she recommends giving your pits a thorough lather-rinse-repeat washing, like you would with your hands, and if you want to take it a step further, focusing on using ingredients like apple cider vinegar and salt. These natural antibacterial ingredients will leave a salty film on the underarms and help fight off the bacteria that comes from sweat.
“You can avoid sweating altogether by sitting isolated in a room temperature chamber devoid of all activity,” says Dr. Reich. In other words, it’s nearly impossible.
If the amount of sweat you’re experiencing is affecting your quality of life – even after using a daily antiperspirant – reach out to a dermatologist for a consultation. There are a variety of treatments to help with excessive sweating, including prescription glycopyrrolate, Botox injections and devices like Miradry, which uses suction to bring sweat glands closer to the surface, accelerating the same process that happens with age.
Aging is a normal and natural part of life, and whether or not you’re a naturally sweaty person, the slowdown of sweat is a perk that comes with it.
