It's nearly summer, which means underboob sweat szn will officially be upon us soon. With just how hot it can get in our country, it can lead to a number of uncomfortable, malagkit situations. But just to be clear, there is absolutely *nothing* wrong with sweating. After all, it's the body's natural way of cooling us down and regulating our temperature.
The location of the perspiration, however, can definitely change a lot of things. Sweating on your underarms, for example, is manageable. You can turn to an effective antiperspirant deodorant or at least you can wear a tank top to let them ~air~ out throughout the day. Plus, you can easily wipe your underarms dry with cooling wipes. Your underboobs, though, are a different story. "The skin hangs and folds on itself, leaving less air to evaporate the sweat," explains dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. Add an ill-fitting bra to the equation and you've got yourself painful chafing and just a whole lot of irritation.
READ MORE: You've Probably Been Wearing The Wrong Bra Size All Your Life—Here's How To Get The Right One
Thankfully, you don't have to give in to the heat and sweat. To help you navigate how to deal with underboob perspiration, we've got the 411 on what exactly it is, what causes it, and of course, all the ways you can combat it. Keep on reading to learn more:
What is underboob sweat?
Just like the name implies, underboob sweat is the accumulation of sweat and moisture in the skin folds underneath the breasts. All women can experience this, but it commonly affects girls with bigger and heavier busts, according to Alexes Hazen, MD. "An overhang of skin tends to get sweaty," she noted, and a sweaty, damp area is a prime breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can cause all sorts of skin irritations and rashes.
What causes underboob sweat?
1. Humidity
The ~eternally hot~ weather in our country is the top culprit for underboob sweat. When your body temperature rises, the sweat glands on your underboobs become more active, leading to perspiration.
2. Clothing choices
Are you a fan of wearing tight tops that emphasize your body? They may be another cause of underboob sweat due to the restrictiveness of the fabric and lack of ventilation.
3. Lack of air circulation
As we mentioned earlier, women with bigger, heavier breasts tend to have little to no ventilation on their underboob, which can further *intensify* the sweating in the area.
4. Physical activity
If you like going to the gym, it's highly likely that you'll experience underboob sweat, even if you don't have large breasts. The combination of movement, heat, and the compression of your sports bra can lead to you perspiring underneath your boobs.
What can you do about underboob sweat?
1. Apply deodorant.
Yep, deodorant isn't just limited to your pits. If you're experiencing underboob sweat, you may need to apply deo on the area, too. But FYI, it should be the right kind. An antiperspirant is your best bet, as it's made with ingredients that specifically reduce sweat. Go for a powder or talc formula as it will help soak up the moisture underneath your boobs.
Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder, P72, Shopee and Lazada
2. Repurpose pantyliners.
It may sound weird, but applying pantyliners underneath your boobs can help soak up sweat in a pinch. Stick some inside the cups of your bra to help lessen the perspiration.
3. Choose the right bra.
Most of us wear bras daily, but it's not really something most of us give a second thought about. However, if your bra of choice is too tight, it can create a moist environment for bacteria to breed in. Not to mention, it can also cause chafing and irritation. The cups of a good, well-fitting bra should rest snugly underneath your breasts, while the straps should not dig uncomfortably into your shoulders. (Check out our guide on how to pick the *right* bra for you, based on your cup size!)
4. Ditch your tight tops for now.
Unless the occasion specifically calls for it, you may want to give your tight tops a break, as the tight fabric can get you hot quickly, which can lead to pawis underneath your breasts. Instead, opt for loose tops made with light, moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk.
4. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics for your clothes.
Some clothing is made from synthetic material, which can draw moisture in. Instead, opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or high-tech polyester that don't trap air inside your clothes.
5. Free the nipple.
Remember what we said earlier about our boobs needing proper ventilation? Well, if you're comfortable, why not just lose the bra and ~free the nipple~? But if you're not comfortable with your nips being seen through your shirt, you can always opt to wear nipple pasties which only covers your areolas, which still leaves your underboob free to breathe.
Hiraya Pilipina Slap On Pasties, P299, Shopee and Lazada
6. See your doctor.
If your underboob sweat still persists, it may be time to go visit your doctor. They can help you determine whether there's an underlying cause behind this, such as hyperhidrosis, a condition that makes your sweat glands go into overdrive and produce excessive sweat.
