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We’re always on the lookout for ways to curb one of summer’s most frustrating beauty issues: facial sweat. We all know that sweaty skin can cause our faces to look shiny, our pores to appear larger, and our makeup to slip and slide. So how exactly do you stop it once and for all?
Well, if we’re to believe some experts we spoke to, the solution could be hiding right in your medicine cabinet. Several makeup artists says that they curb facial sweat in their clients by applying deodorant onto the upper lip and cheeks before foundation or concealer. Interesting, right? But does it work? And is something we use under our arms safe to use on delicate facial skin?
“First, it’s important to understand the difference between an antiperspirant and deodorant,” says Dr. Jill Waibel at the Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute. “Deodorant is designed to help prevent or mask odor with fragrance. Antiperspirant, on the other hand, is an astringent designed to decrease the secretions of the eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, essentially plugging the pores and reducing the amount of sweat your body produces. I discourage using deodorant anywhere on the body other than where it’s intended because deodorants often contain dyes and fragrances that can irritate the skin and even cause allergic reactions. Similarly, antiperspirants normally used on the underarms can be too harsh for delicate facial skin.”
If you suffer from acne or other skin conditions like eczema, using deodorant on your face may just make matters even worse. “If deodorant is put on the face, it can lead to making acne worse, skin irritation, possible dermatitis and cysts,” says Dr. David E. Bank, founder of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery.
Instead of using deodorant on your face, Bank recommends applying Neat 3b Facesaver Gel, which is made specifically for the face, can be applied prior to makeup, and prevents and reduces facial sweat.
Another option? Botox! Most of us think of Botox as a procedure that gets rid of fine lines, but the injections do more than plump up skin. “An alternative to stopping facial sweat is by visiting a board-certified dermatologist and getting Botox,” Waibel says. “This procedure is covered by insurance and used off-label, and is a safe, well-oriented, and highly efficacious treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Ninety-one percent of patients don’t sweat excessively in treated areas for six to eight months after treatment.”
For more beauty tips, check out how often should you really brush your teeth and 6 universally flattering lipstick shades that look good on everyone.
