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UNDERSTANDING EXCESSIVE UNDERARM SWEATING
Some people experience higher-than-average armpit sweating compared to others. It might come and go, or show up in certain situations, like during stressful moments or warmer days. But when your body produces more sweat than it needs to stay cool, it could be a condition known medically as hyperhidrosis.
This isn’t the typical sweating you experience from heat, physical activity, or moments of stress or anxiety.¹ Instead, you might find your armpits drenched in cool conditions or while you’re resting or sleeping.
"Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that affects roughly 5% of the US population, who suffer from excessive sweat on their hands, feet, and underarms,” says Unilever R&D scientist Matt Annecharico.
But for heavy sweaters, some common triggers are:
- Heat or physical activity
- Stress and anxiety
- Spicy foods or caffeine
- Certain prescription or over-the-counter medications
Understanding excessive armpt sweating can help you choose the right approach—whether that’s simple lifestyle adjustments or seeking more targeted support. Because no matter where you fall on the spectrum, there are ways to manage it and feel more in control.
THE ROLE OF SWEAT GLANDS
You have two main types of sweat glands, and both are active in your underarms. But each plays a different role in how sweat and body odor develop:
- Eccrine glands help cool your body down by producing a light, watery sweat.
- Apocrine glands are found around hair follicles in areas like your armpits and groin, and produce a thicker fluid. When apocrine sweat mixes with natural bacteria on your skin, odor kicks in.²
If you're dealing with excessive underam sweating, then odor can become a real challenge.
DEODORANT VS. ANTIPERSPIRANT
Deodorant and antiperspirant have different jobs. To help you manage underarm sweat and odor, it's important to understand the difference.
Deodorant
Deodorants are made to handle odor, but they don't stop sweat. Here’s how the process works:
- Sweat is produced by the glands in your underarms.
- Bacteria on your skin feed on that sweat.
- Deodorant neutralizes the bacteria, stopping odor before it starts.
Antiperspirant
Antiperspirants are designed to help you manage underarm sweating and odor. Many men prefer a product that’s also comfortable on the skin, like Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Antiperspirant Stick.
Max-strength antiperspirant
For excessive sweating, clinical-strength antiperspirants are the way to go. They provide maximum, protection and long-lasting performance.
INGREDIENTS THAT FIGHT ARMPIT SWEAT AND ODOR
The most effective products are built with ingredients that target the root of the problem. Here’s what to look out for:
- Aluminum: Helps target sweat at the source.
- Antimicrobial agents: Work to limit the bacteria that cause odor.
- Fragrance: Adds a clean, fresh scent to mask odor.
Dove Men+Care products also include moisturizing and dermatologist-tested ingredients to protect the skin from irritation, while providing effective sweat and odor protection.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT
“First-line defence for excessive underarm sweat is a quality antiperspirant, like Dove Clinical Protection,” says Matt. “Outside of the underarm, look for a whole-body deodorant that contains sweat absorbers. If these are not effective, it’s best to speak to a medical professional.”
For heavy underarm sweating, apply a max-strength antiperspirant to clean, dry skin, ideally at night, so the ingredients can get to work while you sleep, and your sweat glands are less active.
Whole-body deodorants give you wider coverage if you're dealing with sweat beyond the underarms.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE
If you notice sudden or severe sweating, sweating mostly at night, or it comes with other symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. These could be signs of an underlying medical condition. If excessive underarm sweating is getting in the way of your daily life, your doctor can also help you manage things.
FAQs
Is excessive underarm sweating a medical condition?
Some people just sweat more heavily than others, but hyperhidrosis is a recognized condition.
Why do underarms sweat more than other body parts?
Your underarms have many sweat glands, especially apocrine glands, which produce thicker, oilier sweat that can lead to odor.²
Does stress or anxiety cause more armpit sweating?
Absolutely. When you’re stressed or anxious, your nerves tell your sweat glands to ramp up, which can leave your underarms drenched even when it’s cool outside.
How can I prevent sweating under my arms?
Apply an antiperspirant after your shower to clean, dry skin, wear breathable fabrics and try to eliminate any typical triggers that you've identified.
Managing armpit sweat becomes much more doable once you know what’s going on and how to tackle it. Understanding the different types of sweat glands, the triggers that make sweating worse, the most effective products, and how to apply them correctly, all add up to better control and more confidence every day.
