How to deal with boob sweat
We’re all about getting hot and sweaty at Bawdy. But we mean hot and sweaty in a good way, not in a gross way. And boob sweat is never pleasant. Whether it’s from warm weather, working out, or an underlying health problem, our bodies sweat to reduce our body temperature. It’s a pretty neat system, but it comes with its problems. Sweat can get… fragrant. And your under boobs can become a haven for nasty bacteria to grow and create all sorts of uncomfortable rashes and infections. Definitely not the type of hot and sweaty we’re into. So to beat the boob sweat, we’re giving you the lowdown on what to do about your boob BO: how to minimize it, what to do if you’ve ended up with a sore rash under your boobs, and general tips for keeping things fresh under there.
What does it mean when your breasts sweat?
It is absolutely normal to get sweaty boobs. It shouldn’t be taboo at all. It’s completely natural and can be dealt with pretty efficiently if it’s bothering you. Generally speaking, underboob sweat is more common for those who have bigger breasts because there are areas of skin that don’t have much natural access to air. Dr. Nazarian explained to the New York Magazine: “The skin hangs and folds on itself, leaving less air to evaporate the sweat.” It’s usually nothing to worry about, but if you find it’s getting in the way with things and that other remedies haven’t helped, it can be worth talking to a dermatologist to get things checked out. A few conditions, including hyperhidrosis, cause excessive sweating. The condition can be treated with medication or more invasive specialist treatments.
How do you keep the area under your breast dry?
If you search online, you’ll find a massive range of ideas designed to keep your under boob area dry and free from sweat. Some of these methods are a little more outrageous than others, but we’ve included some of our go-to tips and tricks here:
- Apply powder under your boobs before putting a bra or top on: talc powder and cornstarch are popular choices, but some specially formulated anti-chafing powders are super practical too.
- Find a bra made of wicking fabric: usually, these are sports bras. They are made from specifically designed material that draws sweat away from your skin. They won’t stop the area under your breasts from sweating, but they will help prevent you from feeling soaked. And they can also help prevent those pesky nipple pimples - what’s not to love?
- Use panty liners to absorb sweat. No, really. If you place a panty liner in each of your bra cups, they will absorb any sweat and keep the area pleasant and dry. Word of caution on this one, though: if you don’t get the positioning right, you’ll end up with a sticky and itchy mess. So we’d recommend practicing this one at home before using it on a first date or at a job interview. Because, you know, it’s always best to have these kinds of issues at home where you can whip your bra off carefree…
How do I keep my underboob from smelling?
You’re going to need to get to the root cause of the smell to keep it at bay. Is the scent worse after you exercise? Does your bra smell too? Does it only happen when you’re wearing particular clothes?
- Change up your wardrobe: steer clear of synthetic materials unless they’re specifically designed to wick away sweat. You’re going to want to look for clothes and bras made from cotton or hemp. For example, these let your skin breathe better and help regulate your sweating naturally.
- Consider using an antiperspirant under your boobs. Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants work to diminish the amount of sweat you produce, so they keep the area dryer and fresher smelling.
- In a pinch, use some hand sanitizer. This one is efficient now that there’s hand gel literally everywhere! You can use it to fix any unpleasant boob odors by applying a little bit under each breast. It will work to kill any odor-causing bacteria. If you have sensitive skin, it’s probably best to skip this one, though!
If none of these tips work, it’s a good idea to rule out any kinds of skin infection if you’re experiencing boob BO too. Your doctor will be able to take a look at the area and recommend tests or treatment to resolve an underlying infection. If you’ve been putting off going to the doctor about the smell, use this as your sign. Talking boobs with your doctor can feel uncomfortable, but doctors are there to help, and skin infections are usually super easy to treat. So even if it’s a gnarly 5 minutes getting your under boob peered at, it’ll be worthwhile.
What’s the best personal hygiene routine for boob sweat?
If sweat is a problem for you, you’re going to want to adjust your routine to fit your lifestyle. It’s totally fine to shower more than once a day if you need to. You’re just going to want to make sure your skincare is on point to keep your skin in good shape and well hydrated. To combat odor, you’re going to want to think about what triggers it in the first place and arrange your bathing schedule around that. If your workouts make your boobs sweat, you should think about showering after each workout. If everyday life leaves you feeling sweaty, then taking a shower each morning or even twice a day is likely the best course of action. Showering too much, especially in boiling water, can leave your skin feeling tight and dried out, though. So be sure to use a nourishing body wash and hydrate your skin with body oil or lotion after towel drying your skin. Ensure your under boob area is very well dried because leaving it wet after bathing can also increase irritation.
What cream is best for rash under breasts?
If you have developed a rash under your boobs, there are some prescription-free creams and ointments you can try out. Diaper rash creams are usually a good place to start. If you’re experiencing a yeast infection, you can consider using Vagisil or another vaginal cream to treat it. If you think chafing is the source of your rash, then look for a product containing dimethicone (it’s a silicone derivative). It will help your layers of skin glide over each other more easily. If your rash still doesn’t get better after trying over-the-counter creams, then having a chat with your doctor or pharmacist is a sensible next step.