Beauty Tip: Sweating It

Elle

My perspiration during summer is out of control. Any stay-dry tips?

By Emily Hebert


Photo: iStockphoto

Whether you're experiencing makeup meltdown, underarm wetness, foot odor-or all three, overactive sweat glands can definitely cramp your summer style. The good news is there are ways to combat hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive perspiration) and cope better with it.

Stay Cool on the Go
While it's commonly believed that sweating helps detoxify your body, the truth is that sweat contains few toxins. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, the liver and kidneys-not the sweat glands-are what filter toxins from the blood; sweat simply serves to cool you down when you overheat. With this in mind, be prepared the next time you're invited to an outdoor fete: Pack your purse with gentle facial cleansing wipes (the compact ones by Simple are easy to tuck away), cool-to-the-touch cream (Lumene's miniature Time Freeze Instant Cooling Eye Stick is ultrarefreshing), and travel sized Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray (bonus: It makes your makeup stay on longer). Another tip: Before popping open your ice-cold can of soda, hold it to the back of your neck for a quick cool-down.

Sweatproof Your Makeup
While supermatte '90s-inspired skin is in for fall, during summer a little shine is actually chic. (So don't blot away with oil-absorbing sheets the second you feel moisture poking through!) That said, Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens are a godsend. You should also never underestimate the power of a good makeup base. To keep brow sweat at bay, use makeup that allows your skin to breathe while keeping it shine-free: Start by using a water-based oil-absorbing primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Light and follow with a similarly absorbent powder foundation such as Make Up For Ever Duo Mat. And when it comes to your eyes, opt for powder shadow and waterproof mascara and liner. Plan on being outside during prime sweat time (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)? Nothing beats liquid liner.

Watch Your Diet
Caffeine and nicotine have both been linked to excessive sweating so instead of reaching for coffee or cigarettes, your best bet is to grab a glass of water and carrot sticks. While water helps hydrate and regulate body temperature, fruits and veggies are healthier alternatives to processed foods (particularly those with lots of sugar) which, incidentally, have also been shown to stimulate sweat glands.

Amp Up Your Antiperspirant
Many drugstore brands-Dove, Secret, Degree-have released "clinical strength" antiperspirant formulas, but if these don't work for you, consider talking to your doctor about a prescription version. Over-the-counter options like Drysol, Saldrize, and Certain Dry may help and can be used on the soles of feet as well if products such as Avon Footworks Deodorizing Foot Powder don't do the trick. Prescription oral medications such as oxybutynin and glycopyrrolate are another option but are typically considered a last resort, as they can be accompanied by serious side effects that include drowsiness, visual impairment, and dryness of the mouth.

Try Red Carpet Treatment
If you've exhausted over-the-counter antiperspirants to no avail, you may consider doing what many Hollywood starlets are rumored to do: Get Botox injections in your underarms and/or feet. In July 2004, the FDA approved Botox for hyperhidrosis that can't be resolved with topical treatments; by blocking the release of a chemical in the nervous system responsible for triggering the sweat glands, Botox can temporarily reduce perspiration in the area that's been injected. Results usually last for up to six months.