How to Stop Sweating in Humidity and Conquer the Heat

Excessive sweating in hot, humid weather is no fun. Dealing with the humidity can be frustrating, especially for those who sweat a lot naturally. Luckily, there are ways to alleviate sweating, even during the hottest time of the year.

Why Do We Sweat More in Humid Weather?

Sweating is your body’s way of cooling down and regulating your temperature. When there’s a change in your internal temperature, your brain triggers a response that activates your sweat glands. Sweat is released and evaporates on your skin. It cools down your skin and prevents you from overheating.

So how does humidity come into play? Humidity is the percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere at any given time. In conditions with zero humidity, the air doesn’t hold any water vapor (so the weather feels dry). On the other hand, in conditions with 100 percent humidity, the atmosphere is so saturated with water vapor that it can’t absorb any more moisture (typically more tropical climates).

Humidity affects sweat’s ability to evaporate. Typically, you’d rely on fresh air or breeze to cool you down when you sweat. But when it’s humid, the atmosphere has already absorbed a fair share of water vapor, so the sweat on your skin isn’t able to evaporate as quickly.

Instead of evaporating, sweat lingers on your skin when it’s humid, making you feel hotter and more uncomfortable as a result. And for those who sweat excessively, humidity and hyperhidrosis are an unruly combination.

How to Sweat Less in Humid Weather

Sweating in humid conditions may seem grueling, especially if you have hyperhidrosis. But you don’t have to suffer in discomfort and be a sweaty mess. Follow these tips to stay cool and dry, even when humidity levels are sky-high.

1. Stay Hydrated

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s crucial. When it’s humid, your body can’t cool down as quickly, so drinking more water is a must. Additionally, try to stay away from alcohol or caffeinated beverages – they’re dehydrating and can cause you to sweat even more.

2. Limit Strenuous Outdoor Activities

To stop sweating in humidity, spend more time indoors. Keep cool in air-conditioned environments and avoid spending too much time under the sun. Partaking in intense physical activity in high heat and humidity could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.

Fortunately, weather and humidity levels are quite predictable, so plan your outdoor activities around the hottest times or days. Scope out your local weather report and keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels.

3. Use Antiperspirant

Antiperspirant controls sweating by clogging the sweat glands in your pits. Aluminum (the active ingredient in antiperspirant) dissolves onto your skin’s surface to form a gel. The gel plugs your sweat glands to reduce sweating and prevent wet marks on clothing.

Pro-tip: For best results and maximum effectiveness, apply antiperspirant the night before to give your skin more time to soak up the ingredients.

4. Use Talcum Powder

Sprinkling some talcum powder or baby powder on your skin can absorb moisture and help you stay dry and cool.

Keep in mind, though, that these powders don’t reduce or stop sweat. However, they can offer some additional comfort and protection on extra humid days. (And, it’s a quick and cheap hack if you find yourself in a pinch.)

You can pick up these products at just about any drugstore or grocery store.

5. Use a Dehumidifier

If you're struggling to combat humidity indoors, consider investing in a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works by removing water and moisture from the air for a drier, cooler environment.

For a better night's rest, you can run a dehumidifier while you're sleeping.

6. Wear the Right Clothing

Whether you have hyperhidrosis or want to tame your sweat in the humidity, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing made with the right materials.

Clothing made with synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon and spandex have “moisture-wicking” properties. However, these materials don’t absorb moisture – they repel sweat from the skin and push it through the outer layer of clothing.

Alternatively, natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo and linen are soft, breathable and absorbent, so they’re more effective at keeping you dry and cool on hot and humid days. They’re also a better option for those who have hyperhidrosis and want to conceal sweat stains.

If you’re looking for a shirt that can withstand sweating in humid conditions, try the Thompson Tee, available for men and women.

The Thompson Tee is a durable, absorbent, sweat proof undershirt made with 100% cotton. Built with patented Hydro-Shield sweat proof technology, these shirts are guaranteed to absorb and evaporate underarm sweat, meaning you’ll stay cool, dry and worry-free all day long.

Outsmart the humidity and try a Thompson Tee risk-free today!