Five easy tips for a sweat-free summer

The summer sun breathes down our neck, causing our pores to produce ample amounts of sweat which can be quite embarrassing for us. Although it’s our body’s natural reaction to cool down our sweltering insides, some of us more prone to it than others. Here are 5 ways to keep cool and prevent yourself from sweating bullets.

Easy on the Caffeine
Most of us look forward to that early morning shot of caffeine to kick-start our days. Bonnie Taub, a registered dietitian says, “Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, which activates your sweat glands—so the more caffeine you drink, the more you end up perspiring.” Swap your cup of hot drink with a cold brew, for that much-needed jolt of energy without waking up your sweat glands.

Antiperspirant is a friend
An awkward by-product of the scorcher is soaking pits and the stench that comes with it. Deodorants go so far as to mask any unpleasant smells, but it does little to prevent sweating. Choose a deodorant with antiperspirant. The aluminum salts in antiperspirants will plug up your sweat glands and lessen the sweat reaching your skin. You can breeze through your days, staying clean and smelling great.

Dress for the season
According to Dr. Krant, Laser& Skin Surgery Center of New York, “If you know you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, opt for a cool and breathable fabric like cotton or linen.” Clothes with water-wicking fabric like work out gear help keep you dry by absorbing the sweat. The same goes for feet. Don’t go bare feet in closed toe shoes, because the dark swampy interior is a perfect breeding ground for smelly bacteria. Opt for cotton socks, which will absorb sweat better than any other synthetic material.

Keep pimples at bay
With our sweat glands working overtime in summer, clogged pores are an inescapable problem as they result in your skin breaking out with pesky pimples. Excessive sweating brings the dirt from the scalp to the skin, which further worsens the problem. This season make sure you add a lightweight, SPF-packed moisturizer to your skin-care regimen to let your pores breathe. For better measure, keep face wipes in your bag to cleanse and hydrate your skin.

A little trim
Let’s not beat around the bush about this. Hair follicles trap sweat and promote bacteria growth which gives rise to all sorts of foul odor. Spare yourself the discomfort by keeping your pits and groin region shaved this summer. It will reduce moisture and prevent sweat from accumulating. Moreover, it will allow air to reach the skin and keep it cool, while letting the sweat evaporate.