All about bodycare > Perspiring  > Hints and tips for dealing with perspiration

It's not just the summer heat. Stress, an overheated environment... even dancing too much can activate your sweat glands. To help people suffering from excessive perspiration to stay comfortable, healthy and self-confident, here are a few hints and tips for dealing with perspiration.

Let's start with the basics - personal hygiene tips

Choice of deodorant
In the days of the pharaohs, people would rub themselves with ointments made with incense, and the Romans wore sachets of aromatics or boiled oatmeal under their arms... effective methods, it seems, to repel body odors. Keep in mind that ordinary deodorants basically combat odor. When your're faced with excess moisture, a basic deodorant isn't enough. You have to think "antiperspirant" to control perspiration. Used two or three times a week, it contains metallic salts that slow down the flow of sweat by partially blocking the sweat glands. These days, most deodorants combine both effects - check the label when you're shopping. When it comes to effectiveness, opt for sticks or creams that have a higher concentration of aluminum salts than sprays. Have you tried new Secret Clinical Strength that keeps working overnight and keeps you fresh throughout the day?

Away with hair!
Armpit hair plays only a secondary role in sweat production, since this area is controlled by hormonal activity. On the other hand, smooth armpits have the advantage of making body care easier if you tend to perspire a lot under your arms, since in this case, hair retains moisture and promotes the bacterial action that we're trying to avoid. The best choice is waxing by an esthetician which will give you a month's grace, or a depilatory cream.... but avoid shaving.

Did you know that sea salt has an effect on perspiration?
The salt left on the skin retards heat transfer, making it harder for your body to dissipate excess heat. Shower off after swimming.

Adopt good hygiene habits
A warm shower is still the best way to eliminate unpleasant odors and wash away the sweat that hides in damp areas. Choose a "real", slightly antiseptic soap instead of those little fancy soaps that smell nice but have no real effect when it comes to combatting odor over the long run.

Pay attention to what you wear
Choose natural fibers that breathe, such as cotton, or material that is specially designed to keep you cool. During the summer or holidays in the sun, wear light, pale, loose-fitting clothes to allow air to circulate around your body.  

• Avoid synthetic materials; 
• Avoid heavy fabrics like twill or denim;
• Wear natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool); 
• Opt for loose-fitting clothing. 

On active days, choose tops with thin straps that let your skin breathe and perspiration evaporate. Remember that dark clothes retain the heat. During the day, choose light colors and set aside your little black dress or blue jeans for the evening.

Watch what you eat

Drink water
Drink often and don't wait until you're thirsty, particularly when the weather is warm. Thirst is a signal that your body's fluid levels are low.

Say no to spice 
Try to reduce your intake of spicy foods, which will make you perspire. 

Stay calm
Try to reduce your exposure to stressful situations as much as possible. Stress and pressure can be detrimental to attaining a more relaxed attitude.