Here's how to avoid getting sweaty right after a shower

Virgin Radio

14 Jul 2022, 15:12

There's nothing worse than getting clean in the shower during a heatwave, only to become a sweaty mess again the moment you step out of the bathroom.

With temperatures heading well into the thirties next week, you'll probably be trying everything possible to stay cool.

Here are some top tips to stay chilled despite the warmer weather.

Dr Abha Gulati is a consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic.

He told Metro.co.uk: ‘In the summer months, we see lots of people with troublesome excess sweating. Sometimes this is related to increased body temperature from exercise or hot environments, but can also be due to other conditions.'

After a walk or a work out, it can be tempting to jump in the shower straight away.

However, experts say its better to wait at least thirty minutes to give your body a chance to cool down first.

It can also seem like a good idea to have a freezing cold shower to cool off, when that can actually give the opposite result.

Very cold or hot showers will interfere with the body’s heat signals.

While it might seem obvious that having a hot shower makes you feel warmer, it seems that a very cold shower will also do the same.

Having a cold shower tricks your body into thinking it’s cold outside.

Then, when you step out of a cold shower and into a hot room, your body to try and cool down to make up for it.

It's this overcompensation that causes you to sweat.

A lukewarm or cool shower is a better idea. 

‘Cool showers are a good strategy to help with troublesome sweating in hot weather,’ says Abha.

‘And be sure to shower for a little longer to ensure your body temperature is lowered enough to stop the sweating.’

It can also be useful to slowly turn the water cooler towards the end of your shower.

When it comes to drying off, Abha explains: ‘Vigorous rubbing with towels can cause friction and increased body heat which worsens sweating but also can cause excessive dryness and irritation of the skin.

‘I would recommend gently tapping the skin with a light towel to dry or investing in one of the wide range of towelling robes on the market to prevent any rubbing.’

If you still find you're overly sweaty away from exercise or heat, you may have a condition called hyperhidrosis, Abha says. 

‘This can be idiopathic (primary) of unknown cause or due to medical causes such as endocrine or heart-related,’ they explain. 

‘You should see a doctor if it is associated with other symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain or weight loss. There are several treatments for primary hyperhidrosis that can be discussed with your GP or dermatologist.’