Finding an antiperspirant that works for you can be difficult. Maybe the ones you've tried don't keep you dry or cause skin irritation. Or maybe you're concerned about the safety of certain ingredients. Either way, you still want to get your sweating under control.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about what will and won't stop sweating, as well as what you can safely use as a sweat remedy. Because I suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) myself, I've undergone dozens of hyperhidrosis treatments including too good to be true natural remedies for hyperhidrosis - plus the painful and expensive procedure of getting botox injections in my armpits, which yielded only preliminary results. After trying everything without much success, I developed Duradry, a simple 3-step system that has helped 97% of our clients become completely dry within a week. At the end of this post, I explain our 3-step system in more detail. But first I want to spend some time discussing 5 of the most popular home remedies that you may have heard of and I will examine why they are not the solutions the internet is trying to have you believe.
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5 home remedies for armpit sweating that are not what they say they are
There are many home remedies for body odorexcessive sweating. But a little research clearly shows that there are no effective natural remedies for hyperhidrosis. These home remedies do nothing to keep your sweaty armpits dry and may even lead to new problems.
don't believe me Let's take a look at some of the most popular home remedies for sweating.
1. Rub potato slices onto your skin every morning
While this may sound crazy, the idea of putting potato slices on your skin as a remedy for sweaty armpits isn't entirely out of the blue — although it's neither effective nor practical. (Who has potato slices ready in the bathroom?)
Potatoes are high in potassium, so the idea is that the potassium in the potato transfers to your skin and helps keep you dry.
We've done some research into the origins of this myth and believe it stems from potassium alum's antiperspirant properties. Commonly used as an astringent (a chemical that contracts body tissues), potassium alum is a naturally occurring form of aluminum salt that is sometimes compared to aluminum chloride (the active ingredient we use in Duradry).
remedial assessment: Impractical, misguided and ineffective
The problem with potassium alum is that its molecules are too large to be absorbed by the skin. They're useful for trapping body odor when you sweat (in fact, Duradry Body Deodorant Spray contains potassium alum), but since it can't penetrate the pores, these molecules don't prevent excessive sweating from occurring. You need an antiperspirant that is specifically designed to treat hyperhidrosis.
Simply put, if you're looking at slicing red potatoes in the kitchen to solve your body odor problems, you're better off using an actual deodorant made with potassium alum. And if you're considering potatoes as a home remedy for underarm sweating, you're better off using a powerful antiperspirant.
2. Drink a glass of tomato juice daily
Remedy rating:Misguided and ineffective
First, smaller pores don't necessarily mean less sweat, but smaller sweat beads. When you sweat from your sweat glands, that sweat has to end up somewhere. And secondly, if you are an excessive sweater, then the internal body temperature will not affect your condition. In fact, you can often sweat profusely even when you're not hot.
In short, we couldn't find anything to support the claim that drinking a glass of tomato juice has an impact on your sweating and is therefore as ineffective as the other natural treatments for hyperhidrosis.
Instead: Drink more water and healthy drinks
Drinking water helps you stay hydrated. This keeps your body temperature lower and reduces your body's need to thermoregulate through sweat.
While there are no proven herbal remedies for hyperhidrosis, healthy beverages like chamomile tea or decaffeinated green tea can help you feel calmer, which leads to less stress sweating.
3. Use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda (officially known as sodium bicarbonate) is often included in natural antiperspirant deodorants because it can absorb some sweat and trap odors. It can be semi-effective for treating normal armpit sweating (it doesn't have nearly enough potency for profuse sweating), but while it's "natural," it's not without its risks.
remedial assessment: Mislead
Since it doesn't penetrate deep into the skin, using baking soda for armpits doesn't help people who suffer from heavy sweating. Sweat comes from sweat glands, and you need an aluminum compound that can clog that duct when it comes in contact with sweat. Baking soda just doesn't cut it.
If you have sensitive skin, it's best not to use baking soda. Armpit side effects like redness and itching are likely.
Side Effects of Baking Soda
Baking soda often leads to dry, itchy, and flaky skin. This is because it disrupts "good" bacteria on your skin — which are there to fight breakouts, dry skin, and infections.
That baking soda is harsh on skin isn't an industry secret — sometimes companies say this skin reaction is part of a "detoxification" by switching from aluminum-based compounds to sodium bicarbonate, while other brands make deodorants for "sensitive skin" baking soda-free.
But here's what's not up for debate: Baking soda may help reduce sweaty armpits and sometimes treat a normal sweating condition, but it comes with an increased risk of side effects like skin irritation from baking soda armpits.
Our 3-step system works! Try it today
4. Avoid caffeine
Eliminating caffeine from your daily diet may be the right choice for you, but it's not necessarily a surefire way to stop your armpit sweating.
There was a study on a group of ballet dancers to see if taking 400 mg of caffeine (the FDA recommended daily maximum) before a concert led to an increase in sweating.It has not.
Remedy rating:Mislead
However, the logic is easy to see. Caffeine excites the nervous system, it can lead to higher levels of anxiety and make you use more energy. All of these variables can cause sweating (Click here to learn more about the relationship between excessive sweating and anxiety).
But remember that when we are talking about a problem with sweating - i. H. excessive sweating, which can occur even just watching TV — cutting out caffeine may help, but it won't keep you dry.
Instead: Avoid drinking and smoking
Like caffeine, alcohol dilates your blood vessels and increases your heart rate, which can lead to sweating. When looking for home remedies for excessive armpit sweating, it's probably best to avoid alcohol, especially at social gatherings. Nicotine also raises your body temperature and makes your heart beat faster. Giving up smoking is one of the healthiest remedies for underarm sweating. Not only does it help with excessive sweating, but it has many other health benefits too!
5. Eat grapes
There is a lot of information online about foods to eat (and foods to avoid, such as spicy foods) that will help your sweaty armpits. For example, some websites recommend that you eat a handful of grapes each day to help curb your sweating problem. Because grapes are waterproof fruits and increased water intake is recommended for thick sweaters, consuming a handful of grapes is said to help you stay hydrated. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, thus facilitating digestion, putting less stress on your body, and can be considered one of the good remedies for sweaty armpits.
Remedy rating:Ineffective
However, this is actually not effective as it does not treat sweating at its source - ie your sweat glands which are the source of excessive sweating. No matter how many grapes (or watermelon, kiwi, or pears) you eat, it doesn't change the fact that you sweat. You may have already spotted the pattern here. The home remedies above (and elsewhere on the web) do nothing to actively work against sweat since your body creates it. To understand how sweating works and what ingredients are needed to stop it, read on.
Instead: adjust your diet
The fact is, there are no foods that have been proven to be natural remedies for excessive sweating. Armpits and other parts of your body will continue to sweat profusely unless you change your diet. One of the things you can do is avoid the foods that are known to make you sweat, such as: • Spicy foods:Capsaicin doesn't just make your mouth burn. It tricks your body into thinking it's warmer. Eating a healthy diet high in vegetables and lean proteins won't stop excessive sweating, but many people find it helps them manage their hyperhidrosis.
• Salty dishes:Your body gets rid of excess sodium through urine and sweat.
• Greasy food:Fatty, processed foods put a strain on your digestive system, which makes you sweat.
• Onions and garlic:Aromatic bulbs like onions and garlic can give your sweat an unpleasant odor.
Home remedies don't work - Duradry does!
More to try if you still believe in home remedies!
Apple Cider Vinegar
You hear a lot about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar on the internet and wonder if there is a cure for excessive sweating using apple cider vinegar. In a way, yes, there is. While apple cider vinegar won't completely eliminate the problem, it can help you with some hyperhidrosis issues. Vinegar is a natural astringent that closes pores, which can help with excessive sweating when applied to underarm skin. Apple cider vinegar also has antibacterial properties that can help remove odor-causing bacteria. Since apple cider vinegar is cheap and readily available, it may be worth trying to find out if it works for you.
lemon juice
Lemon for armpits? Many swear that rubbing a lemon slice under your arms every day can replace regular deodorant. While it's not enough for those with hyperhidrosis, the citric acid in lemon has both antibacterial and astringent properties that can help with body odor. Lemon oil also has a subtle but pleasant natural scent. Be careful when rubbing lemons on newly shaved armpits, as the lemon juice can irritate the skin and cause a rash or discomfort.
Teebaumöl
One of the best smelling home remedies for deodorant is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is rich in sweat-fighting natural astringents and can serve as a natural deodorant. Apply a few drops directly to the armpits about 10 minutes after showering. The tea tree oil forms a fine film on the armpits and can reduce perspiration within a few days if used regularly. A little tea tree oil goes a long way. If a few drops aren't enough to relieve your excessive sweating, adding more will only irritate your skin.
witch hazel
Witch hazel is available over the counter and is sold as a natural astringent, aftershave lotion, and cleanser. Rich in tannins and astringents, it is particularly effective in reducing facial sweating. You can apply witch hazel extract or cold witch hazel tea directly to your face and armpits morning and night. While it's definitely not a cure for hyperhidrosis, witch hazel is one of the most effective home remedies for deodorant, so it can help you feel fresher and help fight body odor.
cornstarch paste
One of the most popular home remedies for armpit sweatingCornstarch paste acts as a natural deodorant to reduce sweat and odor. Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda. Add the cornstarch and baking soda to liquefied coconut oil until it forms a thick paste, or simply dab the powder under your arms. Some people find baking soda irritates their armpits. If this is the case for you, reduce the amount of baking soda. And while cornstarch paste may be enough for most people, it may not be enough for those with hyperhidrosis.
Salt peeling
Salt absorbs moisture, clogs your pores and keeps your skin dry. Keep some rock salt or sea salt handy and rub off sweaty patches if they become a problem. You can also mix water with lots of salt and then rinse off your sweaty armpits with brine. One of the best home remedies for underarm sweating is a mixture of salt and lemon juice. Combine equal parts lemon juice and rock salt for a pleasant-smelling scrub that cleans and exfoliates your armpits while eliminating odor-causing bacteria.
Why excessive sweaters need aluminum-based antiperspirants
Excessive sweating is a medical condition, and while it can often appear on the hands, feet, forehead, and lower back, it's more commonly concentrated in the armpits. OnlyIngredients approved by the FDA(read: safe and proven) for topical over-the-counter antiperspirants are aluminum-based compounds. When these aluminum compounds are applied to the skin, they leach into the sweat ducts. And when you start sweating, the sweat causes a chemical reaction — creating a plug, or blocker, that fills your pores and helps prevent sweaty armpits. This is how all antiperspirants work, but only some of them are powerful enough to stop excessive sweating. Antiperspirants differ in terms of the specific aluminum compound used, the concentration, how it is applied to the skin, and what other ingredients are added to keep your armpits dry—without causing skin irritation.
Introducing Duradry's 3-step system - an effective remedy for underarm sweating
Duradry's simple 3-step system includes a powerful antiperspirant that you apply 2 to 3 times a week before bed, a body wash to ensure your armpits are clean, and a daily antiperspirant deodorant to help you to keep you dry all day long.It is an effective, safe remedy and a good alternative to natural remedies for hyperhidrosis.
note: All of our products are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and full of natural ingredients.
Step one: applyDurandry PMBefore going to bed
Duradry PM is an unscented gel antiperspirant that is easy to apply to the underarms before bed. Because it's a gel, it's easy to cover the entire affected area without missing a spot.
You only need to use Duradry PM 2-3 times a week to get the best results.
It contains aluminum chloride as an active ingredient(whichresearch showsas the best aluminum compound to stop sweat)to form the most effective and safest concentration.
Step Two: Wash your armpits withDuradry laundry
Antiperspirants work by getting under the skin's surface, and that means they can't do their job properly if your armpits are clogged with oils and debris.
Duradry Wash (packed with natural vitamins) deeply cleanses your skin to prepare it for your antiperspirant.
Step Three: UseDurandry AMat the start of your day
Duradry AM is extra strong every dayAntitranspirant-Deodorant. It has a pleasant, gender-neutral scent to keep you dry and feeling fresh throughout the day.
Our 3-step system can be purchased from ourOnline-Shop. Every purchase is shipped straight to your door (in discreet packaging) and backed by a 100-night money-back guarantee.
Final thoughts: how to do itActuallyNo more sweaty armpits
In this post, we've covered 5 different home remedies and discussed why they're not what they're made out to be. And really, we're only scratching the surface, as there are dozens (if not hundreds) of other home remedies you can find online. These include things like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cornstarch, as mentioned above. They are being introduced everywhere as an alternative remedy for sweaty armpits. Since they are readily available and have no side effects, you can try some of them to see if they are really effective in controlling excessive sweating. But before you start rubbing potato slices on your skin or buying gallons of tomato juice, take a look at how each home remedy is supposed to work. Does it in any way actively work to unclog your pores and reduce the flow of excessive underarm sweat? According to the FDA, the only ingredients that can effectively (and safely) do this job in topical antiperspirants are aluminum-based compounds. At Duradry, we use the best science, the purest ingredients and supporting natural ingredients to ensure you stay dry every day.
Get started today
frequently asked Questions
How to stop armpit sweating naturally?
Although there are no natural cures for hyperhidrosis, there are a number of remedies that can reduce body odor and make you feel fresher naturally. Witch hazel is particularly good for stopping facial sweating, and tea tree oil can leave you smelling fresher thanks to its astringent and antibacterial properties. However, if you suffer from excessive sweating, you likely need to rely on sweat-stopping antiperspirants or stronger treatments.
How to get rid of armpit odor permanently?
Many online home remedies for underarm odor removal are said to be effective for controlling excessive swelling and odor, but none of them are permanent. There are two medical treatments that have been shown to permanently stop armpit sweating. miraDry uses microwave energy to permanently destroy sweat glands, while endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) severs the nerves that trigger your sweat glands. These treatments cost thousands of dollars and are intended as a last resort for people whose excessive sweating is unresponsive to other treatments.
What is the best treatment for armpit sweating?
Duradry's 3-step system is thatmost effectivesweaty armpits mediumavailable without a prescription. Duradry was developed by a hyperhidrosis patient to relieve even the heaviest sweating. Our 3-step system starts your day with Duradry Wash, an antibacterial skin cleanser and deodorizing body wash. Apply Duradry AM prescription strength antiperspirant and you are ready to greet your day. At night, use Duradry PM, a gel containing the same active ingredient as Drysol.
What Foods Reduce Hyperhidrosis?
Although there are no foods that will stop excessive sweating, eating healthier will reduce the pressure on your body and can lead to less sweating. If you want to know how to stop sweaty armpits by eating better, someFoods that reduce sweatcontain: • Waterproof fruits and vegetablessuch as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, and celery can help keep your body hydrated, which limits sweating.
• Milk, cheese and yogurtProvide your body with calcium, a mineral your body uses to regulate its temperature without sweating.
• Almond, spinach and soyare excellent sources of magnesium, another mineral used for temperature regulation.
What vitamins should I take if I sweat excessively?
When it comes to natural treatments for hyperhidrosis,The most valuable dietary supplements for excessive sweating caused by anxiety or stress are: • L-Theanin:L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, may help reduce the stress that leads to anxiety and sweating.
• Vitamin B:B vitamins promote healthy nerve function and are needed to produce the brain's mood-regulating chemicals.
• Magnesium:Multivitamins that contain magnesium, calcium, and zinc can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
FAQs
What home remedy can I use to stop underarm sweating? ›
- Use a topical antiperspirant. ...
- Dry your body after bathing. ...
- Shave armpit hair. ...
- Avoid foods that cause sweat. ...
- Eat a lot of foods that reduce armpit sweat. ...
- Always drink enough water. ...
- Wear loose, breathable clothing. ...
- Limit caffeine.
Vinegar is a natural astringent that closes pores, which can help with excessive sweating if you apply it to underarm skin. Apple cider vinegar also has antibacterial properties that can help remove odor-causing bacteria.
Does Duradry stop sweating? ›Duradry PM dries quickly and works on your underarms through the night to prevent excessive sweating the following day.
What naturally stops sweating? ›Natural remedies to treat hyperhidrosis may include herbal substances such as sage tea or sage tablets, chamomile, valerian root, and St. John's Wort. Acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques have also been suggested as potential treatments.
What vitamins can I take to stop sweating? ›Taking magnesium supplements could help keep your magnesium levels balances, in turn curbing sweat production. Calcium: As we already mentioned, calcium helps regulate body temperature. Additionally, if you're taking magnesium, you'll need calcium to improve your body's ability to absorb the magnesium.
What causes extreme armpit sweat? ›Eccrine sweat glands are numerous on the feet, palms, face, and armpits. When your body is overheated, when you're moving around, when you're feeling emotional, or as a result of hormones, nerves activate the sweat glands. When those nerves overreact, it causes hyperhidrosis.
What causes uncontrollable armpit sweat? ›Primary hyperhidrosis is caused by faulty nerve signals that trigger eccrine sweat glands to become overactive. It usually affects the palms, soles, underarms and sometimes the face. There is no medical cause for this type of hyperhidrosis. It can run in families.
How long does it take for Duradry to work? ›With the powers of all three products combined, Duradry promises this system can help banish body odor and help sweaty folks achieve "full dryness" in a week or less.
What happens if you put apple cider vinegar on your armpits? ›"Apple cider vinegar is a great natural underarm deodorant," says Georgianna Donadio, PhD. She suggests applying it directly to your armpits to kill body odor.
How long should I leave apple cider vinegar on my armpits? ›2. Apply a thin layer to the area under your arms. 3. Let set for 20–30 minutes until paste is mostly dry with a little bit of wetness.
What tea is good for hyperhidrosis? ›
Green and Black Tea for Hyperhidrosis
Green tea specifically contains magnesium and vitamin b which are calming substances that also constrict sweat glands. The effects of green and black tea can help with normal excessive sweating as well as any additional stress-related sweating you may experience.
Sometimes there's been too much product buildup under your armpit, which can lead to a lack of effectiveness. In order to fix the situation, take a break from using product on your armpits for three or four days to allow them to return to their natural state, then test your go-to product again.
How do you dry armpit sweat fast? ›Use Absorbent Pads and Powders
To absorb extra sweat, use talcum powder on your armpits after applying deodorant. This will prevent the sweat from soaking into your clothes. It is extremely important to wash regularly and keep your clothing clean, otherwise you may trigger the sweat glands.
This will help reduce sweating. Some of the veggies and fruits that have high water content include cauliflower, spinach, brinjal, broccoli, watermelon, oranges, strawberries, cucumber and grapes.
What is the fastest way to stop sweating? ›...
The Quickest Way to Stop Sweating After a Workout
- STEP 1: Add ice. Skip the lukewarm water fountain. ...
- STEP 2: Find a fan. ...
- STEP 3: Take a soak. ...
- STEP 4: Add more ice.
Lemon (or lime) contains a natural acid that regulates excessive armpit sweating. To use cut one lemon or lime into two halves, rub one all over your armpit, leave for five minutes so the juice gets dried and you are good to go!
Does vitamin D help with sweating? ›Excessive sweating, especially sweating of the head, can be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. A change in the amount you sweat or your sweating patterns should be cause for concern.
Can B12 deficiency cause sweating? ›Functional vitamin B12 deficiency is common and a major cause of morbidity. It can manifest with a wide variety of symptoms including fatigue and drenching night sweats.
Does Duradry work for armpits? ›Duradry PM will work while you sleep to minimize the sweat your underarms can produce. Duradry AM will make sure you are fully protected from sweat and odor during the day. And Duradry Wash will deodorize your skin and prime it for Duradry PM and AM, so these can perform to their full potential.
How long does it take to cure hyperhidrosis? ›Most patients notice results four to five days after receiving treatment. Reduced sweating lasts about four to six months, and sometimes longer. When the excessive sweating returns, you can be retreated.
What are the side effects of Duradry? ›
Severe side effects include: Permanently destroyed nerve cells, severe infections, permanent numbness and tingling, permanent skin damage, loss of the use of the treated arm and fingers, and paralysis. A patient in one study had muscle weakness in one arm, which improved after six months.
What kills armpit bacteria? ›Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. The acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria. Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
What is the best armpit detox? ›- Pacifica Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub.
- KIND-LY The Armpit Detox.
- New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask.
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask.
- Doppeltree Dead Sea Mud Mask.
- Plantifique SuperFood Marine Clay Mask.
- Megababe Happy Pits Detoxifying Underarm Mask.
- Wash and exfoliate with all-natural antibacterial soap and look for odor- and bacteria-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil, oregano, peppermint and eucalyptus.
- Dry off thoroughly after bathing to keep bacteria at bay and eliminate excess moisture from your body, especially your armpits.
- Tom's of Maine: Deodorant Soap.
- Mirai: Purifying and Deodorizing Soap Bar.
- Solpri: Shield Antifungus Soap Bar.
- Art of Sport: Body Soap Bar.
- Megababe: Space Bar Underarm Soap.
- Duradry: Deep Cleansing and Deodorizing Wash.
- Lume: Warm Vanilla Soap.
- Hibiclens: Soap and Skin Cleanser.
You can complete an armpit detox using natural products like baking soda, clay, charcoal, apple cider vinegar and essential oils on your armpits. These products work by killing bacteria, absorbing sweat and residue that clog your pores, and balancing your skin's microbiome and pH.
What should I drink if I sweat a lot? ›Many sports drinks, such as Gatorade and Pedialyte, are specifically designed to maintain your body's electrolyte balance when you're sweating a lot. You can also find electrolyte powder or tablets, which you can mix into a bottle of water, at many drugstores.
What drink is good for sweating? ›Water's best for most workouts, but if you're really sweating—working out for longer than 30 minutes, usually—a sports drink may be your best bet. These drinks offer potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes to replenish the minerals lost through sweat.
What can make hyperhidrosis worse? ›Doctors usually recommend starting with the least invasive treatment first, such as powerful antiperspirants. Lifestyle changes may also help, including: wearing loose and light clothes. avoiding triggers, such as alcohol and spicy foods, that could make your sweating worse.
Why is my aluminum free deodorant not working? ›The real reason none of the natural deodorants you have tried have worked for you is simply because you didn't give it time. When switching to natural deodorant, your body – and more specifically your underarms – will go through a natural transition period commonly known as an armpit detox.
Why am I still sweating after putting on antiperspirant? ›
Deodorant will only mask body odor and prevent sweat-loving bacteria from stinking up your pits. So, if you're sweating with deodorant, it's because deodorant isn't designed to stop the sweat.
Why is my aluminum deodorant not working? ›If you're using antiperspirant, check the ingredients. The concentration of aluminum chloride (the main sweat-stopping ingredient) may be too low for your needs. If you're extra sweaty, you'll need a clinical-strength product.
Why am I sweating so much under armpits? ›Some medical conditions can cause excess armpit sweat. These include diabetes, heart disease, infections, low blood sugar, cancers, thyroid problems, nervous system disorders, spinal cord injuries, and more. If you have underlying medical conditions, make sure that sweat isn't a symptom.
What soaks up sweat? ›- Cotton.
- Bamboo.
- Linen.
- Merino wool.
Use an Antiperspirant
Antiperspirants are your first line of defense when it comes to excessive armpit sweating problems. There are various forms of antiperspirants—ranging from regular to clinical-strength over-the-counter antiperspirants to prescription-level antiperspirants.