How to Prevent Armpit Sweat

Underarm or armpit sweat is something most of us began experiencing during puberty. It was probably around this time that you started using underarm deodorant or antiperspirant and that you first became aware of the smell of body odor on your clothes.

While sweating is an essential and healthy body function, many of us dislike the signs of armpit sweat outside of a real workout. Damp sweat stains on clothing are nothing to be ashamed of, but many of us want to better manage our armpit sweat. And with traditional antiperspirants recently falling out of favor due to their high aluminum content, you may be looking for other ways to manage armpit sweat. Look no further!

But first, let’s better understand armpit sweat…

What is Armpit Sweat and Why Does it Smell?

Armpit sweat is a natural bodily function that helps regulate body temperature by cooling the body through evaporation. Sweat glands in the armpits produce a mixture of water and salt, as well as other substances like urea, amino acids, and sugar.

The smell associated with armpit sweat - known as body odor -  is caused by the bacteria that naturally live on the skin. When sweat is released from the sweat glands, the bacteria break down the compounds in the sweat, producing an odor.

The odor is typically stronger in areas where there is more hair, as the hair provides a conducive environment for bacterial growth. Additionally, factors like hormonal changes, diet, and certain medical conditions can also affect the odor of armpit sweat.

Fun Fact: You Have Two Different Kinds of Sweat Glands

There are two different kinds of sweat glands in the human body: eccrine glands and apocrine glands.

1. Eccrine sweat glands: Eccrine glands are the most numerous type of sweat gland and are found all over the body, with the highest concentrations in the palms, soles of the feet, and forehead. These glands produce sweat that is mostly composed of water and salt, as well as small amounts of other substances like urea and sugar. Eccrine glands are primarily responsible for regulating body temperature through evaporation.
2. Apocrine sweat glands include the underarm sweat glands: Apocrine glands are located in the skin of the armpits and groin area. They are larger than eccrine glands and secrete a thicker, milky sweat that contains more proteins and fatty acids. The sweat produced by apocrine glands does not directly regulate body temperature, but instead interacts with bacteria on the skin to produce odor. Apocrine glands typically become active during puberty and are stimulated by emotional stress, hormonal changes, and sexual excitement.

Both eccrine and apocrine glands are important for regulating body temperature and maintaining overall health, but they have different functions and locations in the body. Understanding the differences between these two types of sweat glands can help you better manage and treat conditions related to excessive sweating.

Excessive Underarm Sweating: What Is Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a skin condition characterized by excessive sweating that is not necessarily related to heat or physical activity. Individuals with hyperhidrosis will find excessive sweating occurs (including excessive armpit sweating) even when they are at rest or in a cool environment.

Hyperhidrosis can affect any part of the body, but it is most commonly observed in the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and the face. The condition can be primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis has no known underlying cause, while secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication.

11 Ways to Manage Underarm Sweat

Looking for some ways to treat excessive sweating or simply stop excessive armpit sweating? Try these options:

1. Use an Antiperspirant Natural Deodorant

These days, many of us are seeking alternatives to antiperspirants that contain aluminum. However, we would be remiss not to mention them on a list of products that help manage underarm sweat. Aluminum chloride is the most effective ingredient for reducing sweat. 

It’s fully your choice whether you are comfortable with the ingredients they contain. Here are some medical sources for you to consider: are designed to reduce sweating and keep you dry. Look for antiperspirants containing 

2. …Or Switch to Natural Deodorant

Natural deodorants can help reduce underarm odor, but they may not be as effective at controlling underarm sweat compared to antiperspirants. Natural deodorants work by using natural ingredients such as baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.

Some natural deodorants may also contain ingredients such as arrowroot powder or cornstarch which can absorb moisture and help keep the underarms dry, but they may not be as effective as antiperspirants in reducing sweat.

It's important to remember that everyone's body chemistry is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for you. You might also go through a detox period when you make the switch (using clay masks on the underarms can help draw out impurities). When using natural deodorant, you may want to reapply them throughout the day.

3. Wear Loose-Fitting Breathable Fabrics 

Your choice of clothing can have a significant impact on underarm sweat. Certain fabrics and clothing styles can trap heat and moisture, making it more difficult for sweat to evaporate and causing an increase in underarm sweat. Here are some ways in which clothing can affect underarm sweat:

• Tight or synthetic clothing: Tight clothing or clothing made from synthetic fabrics like polyester can trap heat and moisture, making it difficult for sweat to evaporate. This can increase underarm sweat and body odor.
• Breathable fabrics: Clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo can help keep you cool and allow sweat to evaporate more easily. This can help reduce underarm sweat.
• Dark-colored clothing: Dark clothing can absorb more heat from the sun and make you feel hotter, causing an increase in underarm sweat. Light-colored clothing, on the other hand, reflects heat and can help keep you cool on hot days.
• Layering: Wearing multiple layers of clothing can trap heat and moisture, causing an increase in underarm sweat. It's best to wear lightweight, breathable layers that can be easily removed if you start to feel too warm.

4. Or Try Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Moisture-wicking clothing is specifically designed to help manage sweat and keep you dry and comfortable during physical activity or in hot weather conditions. These types of fabrics are engineered to pull sweat away from the skin and allow it to evaporate quickly, which can help reduce the feeling of dampness and prevent odor-causing bacteria from developing.

Moisture-wicking leisurewear is typically made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or spandex. These garments - like leggings, cycling shorts, and running vests - can also help to prevent chafing and skin irritation caused by sweat. 

For these reasons, and because they're just so darn comfortable, athleisure clothes have found a place in most of our everyday closets, especially during summer months.

However, it's important to note that these fabrics do not contain antiperspirant properties, so you may still need to use an antiperspirant or deodorant to control sweat and odor.

5. Stay Hydrated

When the body is dehydrated, it tries to cool itself down by producing more sweat, which can lead to an increase in underarm sweat. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps to keep the body hydrated and maintain proper body temperature regulation. This can help to reduce the amount of sweat produced by the body, including underarm sweat. Additionally, staying hydrated can help to flush toxins and waste products out of the body, which can help to reduce body odor.

6. Avoid Sweat-Inducing Foods Including Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can increase sweating in some people, as they contain compounds like capsaicin that can cause a temporary increase in body temperature and activate the sweat glands. 

If you're trying to manage sweat - including underarm sweat - it may be helpful to avoid spicy foods or limit your intake of them. Instead, focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Eating a healthy diet can help regulate body temperature and reduce the production of sweat.

However, it's also important to note that everyone's body reacts differently to different types of foods: Some people may not notice increased sweating after eating spicy foods! You know your own body best!

7. Use Underarm Sweat Pads

Sweat pads (also known as underarm pads) are disposable adhesive pads that attach to the underarm area of your clothing. They are designed to absorb sweat and prevent sweat stains. Sweat pads are typically made of a soft, absorbent material, such as cotton or bamboo, and are designed to be discreet and comfortable to wear.

Sweat pads can be a helpful solution for managing underarm sweat, as they can prevent sweat from staining your favorite clothing and reduce the need for frequent washing. They are also an alternative to other sweat management products, such as antiperspirants or deodorants. To use sweat pads, you simply remove the adhesive backing and place the pad on the inside of your top, with the absorbent side facing your skin.

8. Manage Your Stress 

In times of stress, you may experience even more sweaty armpits. It even has a name: Emotional sweating and it can occur in response to a variety of stressors, including anxiety, fear, embarrassment, or excitement. 

When you're stressed, the sympathetic nervous system sends signals to the sweat glands to produce more sweat, which can cause an increase in underarm sweat. This response is often referred to as emotional sweating,

If you experience excessive underarm sweating in response to stress, there are several strategies you can try to manage it, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

9. Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls sweat production. When the body is exposed to caffeine, it can trigger the sweat glands to produce more sweat, which can cause an increase in underarm sweating.

For some people, caffeine may have a greater impact on sweat production than others — and the amount you drink can also be a factor. We know Don't take your coffee! But, if you're experiencing excessive underarm sweating and consume large amounts of caffeine, it may be helpful to reduce your caffeine intake or avoid it altogether.

10. Get Enough Sleep

Another good reason to put down that phone and get some quality shut-eye: Poor sleep or sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on sweating, as it can disrupt the body's natural cooling mechanisms and lead to an increase in body temperature. When the body is sleep-deprived, it may struggle to regulate its internal temperature, which can cause an increase in sweat production.

11. Remove Underarm Hair

Another personal choice here, but we’re just going to share the information and let you be the judge! 

Removing underarm hair can help with sweaty armpits because hair can trap sweat and bacteria, which can lead to odor. When hair is removed from the underarms, it can allow sweat to evaporate more easily, which can help to keep the underarms dry and reduce the production of sweat.

Additionally, removing underarm hair can also improve the effectiveness of antiperspirants and other sweat-reducing products, as these products can more easily come into contact with the skin without being blocked by hair.

In Cases of Excessive Sweating, Chat With Your Healthcare Provider…

If you suspect you have excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, it’s important to chat with your doctor. Treatment options for hyperhidrosis include:

• Iontophoresis: Iontophoresis is a medical procedure that uses electrical currents to reduce sweating. It involves immersing the affected body part in water and applying a low electrical current.
• Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin injections, also known as Botox injections, are a medical treatment option for managing excessive sweating, specifically for primary hyperhidrosis. Botox injections work by temporarily paralyzing the sweat glands, which reduces the amount of sweat produced in the treated area.
• Medication: Prescription medications such as anticholinergics or beta-blockers may be used to reduce sweating in severe cases.
• Surgical options: In severe cases of hyperhidrosis, surgical options such as sympathectomy, where the nerves that control sweating are cut, or sweat gland removal may be considered.

It’s worth noting that hyperhidrosis affects only about 4.8% of the US population.

However, if you’re still struggling with excessive armpit sweat, don’t hesitate to bring it up at your next checkup!

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.