Excessive Sweating in Summer: Antiperspirants and Effective Methods

Picture this scenario: it's a hot July day, you have an important meeting, and of all days, today you put on a light-coloured shirt. After fifteen minutes you can feel things getting damp under your arms, and instead of listening to the person you're talking to, you're working out how not to raise your arms. Or another image: you shake someone's hand in greeting and realise it's completely wet. Sound familiar?

Sweating in summer is something practically everyone experiences. The problem is that for many people it stops being a minor inconvenience and becomes a source of real embarrassment - at work, on a date, at the gym. And here comes an important message: you don't have to put up with sweating in silence, because there's plenty you can do about it.

Today we'll calmly and matter-of-factly explain what physiological sweating is and what excessive sweating is, how antiperspirants really work and how they differ from deodorants, what helps with sweaty feet and hands, and also when excessive sweating is worth showing to a doctor. Without shame and without beating around the bush.

Sweating is not a defect - it's a cooling system

Let's start by saying that sweat is not your enemy. Sweating is a physiological, essential mechanism for cooling the body. When the ambient temperature rises or when you move, the sweat glands secrete sweat, and its evaporation from the skin draws away heat and helps maintain a constant body temperature.

That's why in summer, during exertion, with a fever or under stress we sweat more - and that is completely normal. The body is simply doing its job. Freshly secreted sweat is essentially odourless. The characteristic smell only develops later, when bacteria present on the skin break down its components - especially in warm and poorly ventilated places, such as the armpits or feet.

This distinction is important, because it leads us to two different "problems": the amount of sweat and its smell. And to two different groups of products that are often confused with each other.

Physiological sweating and excessive sweating

If sweating is natural, where is the line? We talk about excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) when the body produces significantly more sweat than would result from the temperature or exertion - so much that it makes daily life difficult.

What may indicate excessive sweating

• You sweat profusely even when it isn't hot and you aren't doing anything in particular.
• The sweat appears in specific areas - typically the armpits, hands, feet, sometimes the face and head.
• Wet hands or patches on your clothes get in the way at work, when interacting with people, when using your phone or keyboard.
• You find yourself changing your shirt several times a day or avoiding certain situations for fear of sweating through.

Excessive sweating is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is it the "fault" of the person dealing with it - it's simply an overactive sweating mechanism. The good news is that for milder forms, over-the-counter cosmetic solutions help. More pronounced excessive sweating, on the other hand, is a topic for a conversation with a doctor - we'll come back to that at the end.

Antiperspirant and deodorant - they are not the same thing

This is probably the most common misunderstanding on the subject of sweating. Many people use these words interchangeably, yet they are two different types of product that do two different things.

Deodorant - fights the smell

A deodorant does not reduce the amount of sweat. Its job is to mask and reduce unpleasant odour - usually thanks to a fragrance composition and ingredients that hinder the multiplication of the bacteria responsible for the smell of sweat. If your main problem is the smell rather than the amount of sweat, a deodorant may be enough.

Antiperspirant - reduces sweating

An antiperspirant works deeper: its goal is to reduce the amount of sweat secreted in a given area. Aluminium salts are most often responsible for this (more on them in a moment). Since there is less sweat, there is also less of a breeding ground for bacteria, so antiperspirants usually reduce odour as well. If wet patches and moisture are the problem - reach for an antiperspirant.

There are also combination products on the market (an antiperspirant with a deodorant function) as well as preparations of varying "strength" - from gentle ones for everyday use to stronger ones intended for people who sweat more. Pay attention to exactly what you are buying: the word "deodorant" on the packaging does not mean the product will reduce sweating.

Aluminium salts - how they work and how to use them

Antiperspirants most often contain aluminium compounds, e.g. aluminium chloride or aluminium chlorohydrate in various concentrations. Put simply: these compounds enter into a reaction at the surface of the sweat gland openings and reduce sweat secretion at the point of application. That is why an antiperspirant genuinely reduces moisture and doesn't just improve the smell.

The most important rule: apply at night

This is a tip that turns the effectiveness of an antiperspirant around 180 degrees for many people. An antiperspirant is best applied in the evening, before bed, to dry and clean skin. Why?

• At night we sweat less, so the active substance has time to work calmly in the area of the gland openings.
• The skin must be dry - applying it to wet, sweaty skin right after a shower reduces effectiveness and more often causes irritation.
• The effect lasts into the next day too - a morning shower does not "wash away" the action that has already taken place.

Many people use an antiperspirant the other way round: in the morning, in a rush, on damp skin - and then complain that it "doesn't work". Simply changing the time of application can make a huge difference.

How to reduce irritation

Stronger antiperspirants can irritate the skin in some people - especially freshly after hair removal or when used too often. A few practical tips:

• Do not apply a strong antiperspirant immediately after shaving your armpits.
• At first, use it less often (e.g. every few days) - once the effect is achieved, an application every few days rather than daily is enough for many people.
• If burning or redness appears, take a break and consider a gentler preparation.
• With sensitive skin, look for products labelled as gentle or for sensitive skin, and if in doubt, ask a pharmacist.

Sweaty feet - how to deal with it

The feet are a frequent front in the fight against sweating, especially in summer in closed shoes. The skin of the feet has a lot of sweat glands, and shoes and socks create a warm, enclosed environment in which bacteria readily break down sweat - hence the unpleasant smell.

What helps with sweaty feet

• Foot antiperspirants - preparations available at the pharmacy (sprays, creams) with aluminium salts, intended specifically for the skin of the feet; these are also best used in the evening on clean, dry feet.
• Powders for feet and shoes - they help absorb moisture and reduce odour.
• Breathable footwear and natural socks - leather, breathable materials, cotton instead of synthetics; in summer, sandals and open footwear.
• Rotating your shoes - don't wear the same pair every day; give your shoes at least a day to dry out.
• Hygiene - washing your feet daily and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Note: a persistent smell, itching, cracking or peeling of the skin between the toes may indicate an infection (e.g. athlete's foot), and not just sweating. That is a different problem, worth consulting with a doctor or pharmacist.

Sweaty hands - discreet methods

Sweaty hands can be especially awkward, because the hands are "on show" - when greeting someone, handing over documents, using a phone. What you can do without a prescription:

• Hand antiperspirants - preparations with aluminium salts intended for the skin of the hands are available at pharmacies; these too are best used in the evening on dry skin.
• Carry a tissue or a small towel with you - discreetly drying your hands before an important handshake is a simple trick.
• Avoid excessive stress just before the situation - easier said than done, but tension intensifies sweating of the hands; a moment of calm breathing can help.

If excessive sweating of the hands strongly hinders your work or social life and cosmetics are not enough - this is a good moment to talk to a dermatologist about other methods.

Hygiene, clothing and diet - everyday support

Antiperspirants are not everything. A lot is achieved by everyday habits that reduce both the sweating itself and its smell.

Hygiene

Regular washing of the body - especially in summer and after exertion - removes sweat as well as the bacteria responsible for the smell. After bathing, it is worth thoroughly drying the skin in areas prone to sweating before you reach for an antiperspirant or clothing.

Clothing made of natural fabrics

Materials such as cotton or linen "breathe" better and allow sweat to evaporate, thanks to which the skin cools faster and the clothing becomes damp and stale more slowly. Tight clothing made of synthetics traps heat and moisture. In summer, opt for breathable, looser clothing in light colours.

Diet and stimulants

In some people, sweating is intensified by spicy, heavily seasoned dishes, hot drinks, large amounts of coffee and alcohol. It is worth observing your own body - if you notice that something in particular increases your sweating, it is easier to limit it on hot days. In hot weather, also remember about adequate hydration - you drink to replenish what you lose through sweat.

When excessive sweating is a matter for the doctor

Home remedies and cosmetics help with mild and moderate sweating. There are, however, situations in which it is worth consulting a doctor - preferably a dermatologist.

• The sweating is so intense that it significantly hinders your work, studies or relationships, despite using antiperspirants.
• Antiperspirants from pharmacies bring no effect or cause troublesome irritation.
• The excessive sweating appeared suddenly, intensified over a short time, or affects the whole body.
• It is accompanied by other symptoms - e.g. night sweats, fever, weight loss, heart palpitations, general weakness.

A doctor can assess whether the excessive sweating is primary (when it is the main problem, with no identifiable cause) or secondary - that is, a symptom of something else worth diagnosing. They may also suggest methods not available on the shelf at a drugstore. One of them is iontophoresis - a procedure in which the heavily sweating areas (typically the hands or feet), immersed in water, are exposed to a weak electric current. Other methods are also available - the decision on their selection is made by the doctor individually. The most important thing: excessive sweating is a real health problem you can and should seek help for.

Frequently asked questions

How does an antiperspirant differ from a deodorant?

An antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat secreted (most often thanks to aluminium salts), so it genuinely reduces moisture and wet patches. A deodorant does not reduce sweating - its job is to mask and reduce unpleasant odour. If moisture bothers you, choose an antiperspirant; if it's mainly the smell - a deodorant may be enough.

Why is it better to apply an antiperspirant in the evening?

At night we sweat less, so the active substance has time to work calmly in the area of the sweat gland openings. The skin should be dry and clean at the same time. The effect lasts throughout the day too, and a morning shower does not "wash it away". Applying it in the evening often clearly improves effectiveness.

Is sweating in summer normal?

Yes. Sweating is a natural mechanism for cooling the body, and in heat, during exertion or under stress we sweat more - and that's how it should be. We talk about a problem only when there is significantly more sweat than the situation would suggest, and when it makes daily life difficult.

Are antiperspirants with aluminium salts safe?

Antiperspirants with aluminium salts are widely used cosmetic products. In some people they may irritate the skin, especially after hair removal or with too frequent use - in which case a gentler preparation and a less frequent application help. If you have individual doubts or a particular health situation, discuss the choice of product with a pharmacist or doctor.

What should you use for sweaty and smelly feet?

Foot antiperspirants with aluminium salts, moisture-absorbing powders, breathable footwear, natural socks, and rotating your shoes and thoroughly drying your feet all help. If persistent itching, peeling or cracking of the skin between the toes appears, it may be an infection - in which case consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Summary - what is worth remembering?

✅ Sweating is a natural cooling system of the body - in summer and during exertion we sweat more, and that is normal.

✅ Excessive sweating is sweating heavy enough to make daily life difficult - it is nothing to be ashamed of and it can be managed.

✅ An antiperspirant reduces sweating, a deodorant masks the smell - they are two different products for two different needs.

✅ Apply an antiperspirant in the evening to dry, clean skin - this is often the most important change determining its effectiveness.

✅ For sweaty feet and hands there are dedicated preparations - antiperspirants and powders available without a prescription.

✅ Hygiene, natural fabrics and observing your diet support the fight against sweating - this is everyday, free support.

✅ When sweating strongly hinders life or appeared suddenly - see a doctor - a dermatologist can suggest, among other things, iontophoresis and other methods.

Disclaimer

This information is educational in nature and does not replace a medical or dermatological consultation. If excessive sweating hinders your daily functioning, appeared suddenly, is intensifying or is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. night sweats, fever, weight loss, heart palpitations) - consult a doctor. Before using products with aluminium salts, read the information on the packaging, and in case of irritation or doubts, ask a pharmacist or doctor.

And remember: you don't have to spend the summer in constant tension over wet patches. The right antiperspirant, well-chosen cosmetics for the feet and hands, and a few simple habits can really change a lot. And since a summer care routine usually involves several products at once - an antiperspirant, a preparation for the feet, powder - it is worth shopping wisely. With CheaperForDrug you put a whole such set into a single basket, and the comparison tool shows where, among over 100 pharmacies, you will pay the least for it. Real savings come from comparing the whole basket, not a single product.

Take care of your summer comfort - sensibly, without shame and without overpaying.