Summer is here and so are the summer temperatures. If you're like me then that means you might be sweating a bit more than normal, and trying everything to stay as fresh as possible. As frustrating as sweat is, it is actually necessary, especially when workout out outdoors.
Perspiration helps to regulate our body's internal temperature by cooling us down, which can be so helpful for outdoor activities but what about our day to day? No one wants to be sweaty all day, even when indoors or at work or a function. Believe it or not, there are a few things you can do to reduce your amount of perspiration, besides the classic antiperspirant.
Benefits of Perspiration
Before we get into the many ways you can reduce perspiration, I thought we should touch on a few reasons why it's healthy to get a good sweat in several times a week.
Regulating Body Temperature
As mentioned above, sweat should never be our enemy, as it is simply doing its job. We sweat when we are too hot and that sweat help to cool our internal temperature to avoid overheating. Just be sure that you are replacing those fluids by drinking more water.
Glowing Skin
Sweat itself gives a dewy look to your skin, but it also means that your blood is flowing properly which means that oxygen and nutrients are able to be spread around and soaked up by your skin cells. Again, just be sure you are drinking extra water and this, too, will help with the appearance of your skin.
The Myth: Detox
You may have heard that when you sweat you are also helping your body to detox all of the toxins in your system. Unfortunately, this is not really true. Toxins are disposed through our waste system with the help of water consumption and nutrients/fiber from healthy foods.
Reducing Perspiration
With all that said, I also know how annoying it is to sweat at inconvenient moments. Even after you caked on the deodorant and said a prayer to the sweat gods. Luckily, there is more you can do that just deodorant/antiperspirant and prayers.
Avoid Certain Foods
Your diet can absolutely affect the amount you perspire. Some foods can actually help reduce perspiration but others, like these below, cause more perspiration.
Salty or Highly Processed Foods
Highly Sugared Foods
Excess Carbohydrates
Spicy Foods
Caffeinated Beverages
Alcoholic Beverages
Try These Instead
Water
Green Tea
Water-Dense Fruits & Vegetables
Sweet Potatoes
Bananas
Whey Protein
Magnesium-Rich Foods
Vitamin B-Rich Foods
Calcium-Rich Foods
High-Fiber Foods
Lighten Up on Products
Heavy makeup and lotions close your pours and cause you to sweat more quickly. Take a hard look at your products and only reach for the essentials, like SPF. If possible try to get products that are oil-free.
Wear Natural Materials
Cotton, silk, and other breathable natural fabrics let our skin take a breath of fresh air. This can help to reduce the amount your body needs to cool itself down, reducing your amount of perspiration.
Apply Deodorant at Night
When you apply deodorant at night it gives your skin time to soak in the ingredients for the best results the next day. Try to avoid applying if you are already sweating, let your skin dry and take it easy while the deodorant does its job.
Wear Breathable Shoes
Make sure that your feet are able to breathe while you are out and about. Go barefoot as often as possible when convenient. You can also change your shoes and socks as much as possible to maintain a cool environment for your feet.