How to Sweat Less: 12 Tips to Reduce Sweating

Want to know how to sweat less? First off, everyone sweats. That’s just how our bodies work. When we get too hot, they turn on the sweat taps to help cool us down.

Remember that sweating is good for us – it allows us to push our bodies to the max or explore hot climates without overheating. But what about when you sweat more than you’d like to?

Discover why some people sweat more than others and our top tips to sweat less below.

Why do I sweat so easily?

Some people sweat more than others. Both internal and external factors influence how much you sweat – your stress levels, age, genetics as well as the fabrics you wear or the humidity levels in your environment could all contribute.

While you can’t do much to change your genetics, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your battle with sweat.

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your battle with sweat.

12 ways to sweat less

1. Be sun smart

Been asking yourself, “how do I sweat less in hot weather”? Most of the time, we sweat because our bodies need to cool down. So, if you don’t get hot in the first place, you’ll sweat less. Here are a few ways you can keep cool when it's hot outside:

• Avoid venturing out during the hottest parts of the day – around 11 am to 3 pm, depending on where you live.
• Head for the shade or take breaks indoors when you can.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.

2. Wetter = better

• Keep a cooling spray, fan, or both on hand.
• Take cool showers.
• Put your hands and feet in cold water.

3. Stay hydrated

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Replenish salts, sugars, and fluids with an isotonic sports drink.

4. Keep your home cool

• Cover windows to protect your home from direct sunlight with blinds, curtains, or shutters.
• Shut windows during the day and open them at night when it’s cooler.
• Invest in a good electric fan if the temperature is below 95°F.

5. Save the workouts for cooler parts of the day

To avoid sweating so much during exercise, try working out early in the morning or in the evening when it tends to be cooler. This way you still get to move and do what you love, without getting as hot or sweaty.

For men: Degree® UltraClear Black+White Driftwood Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick pairs 72-hour sweat and odor protection with a zesty, driftwood-inspired scent.

7. Avoid or limit certain foods

Ever found yourself sweating after eating a hot curry or spicy tamale? Spicy foods can make you sweat more. This is because they contain chemicals that make your body think it’s hotter than it is, so sweat comes to cool you down and save the day.¹

8. Quit smoking

We all know how bad smoking is – but did you know that it can also make you sweat more? Nicotine can cause increased activity of sweat glands. So, it may be time to stub it out.²

9. Remember to breathe

Stress and anxiety can get our hearts racing and our sweat flowing – no wonder it’s so common to get clammy hands before a big interview. So, in stressful situations, try this breathing technique to help you sweat less:

• Breathe in slowly through your nose for a few seconds, letting the air flow down into your stomach
• Hold for a few seconds, if you can
• Slowly breathe out through your mouth
• Repeat, until you feel your body start to relax

10. Use antiperspirants the right way to sweat less

Firstly, know the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. They may look and smell the same, but they do very different jobs. In a nutshell: deodorant tackles the smell that sweat causes whereas antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat you produce.

If you want to reduce sweat and smell good, go for a dual-action antiperspirant deodorant, like one from our Advanced Dry Protection range:

For women: Degree® Stress Control Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray, featuring 72-hour sweat and odor protection, with a fresh, uplifting scent to help you face the day with confidence.

For men: Degree® Cool Rush Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray that combines 72-hour protection from odor and sweat with a cool, crisp scent to make you feel unstoppable.

11. Apply antiperspirant before bed

Consider applying your antiperspirant at night to clean, dry skin. Your sweat glands are less active when you sleep, which allows the product to work better the day after. Feel free to use it in the morning, too, for extra protection.

12. Don’t be scared to get clinical

If regular antiperspirants just aren’t cutting it, you may need something stronger. Give our clinical range a go. Each product gives you prescription-strength wetness protection for up to 72 hours, so you can tackle anything your day throws at you with confidence.

For women: Degree® 5in1 Protection Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant
For men: Degree® Clean Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant

Well, there you go. Armed with these tips, sweat doesn’t stand a chance. Now, go out there, smash those goals, and live life confidently.

References:

1. Bodily functions explained: spicy food reaction. Pfizer.
2. McLachlan CS, Spence I, Satchell P. Immediate and sustained effects of smoking on autonomic arousal in human subjects. Jpn J Physiol. 1998.