Underboob sweat is real here's everything you need to know about managing it in a heatwave

Underboob sweat season is officially upon us. To be clear, we've got nothing against a bit of sweat. After all, it's an entirely natural, biological process, which helps regulate our body temperature and literally keeps us alive. But one of the biggest bugbears is the itchiness that goes hand in hand with underboob sweat, especially

Underboob sweat season is officially upon us. To be clear, we've got nothing against a bit of sweat. After all, it's an entirely natural, biological process, which helps regulate our body temperature and literally keeps us alive. But one of the biggest bugbears is the itchiness that goes hand in hand with underboob sweat, especially when you peel off a sports bra only to uncover an unsightly rash. 

18 best sports bras of 2023 for every kind of workoutGallery18 PhotosView Gallery

If you're silently dealing with the issue, remember that while sweating under your breasts is annoying, it's also totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of. “Underboob sweating is your body’s natural way of regulating heat, so as a health professional, I’d certainly not recommend trying to preventing it,” says Yvette MacDonald, a Trainer at Fitness First. "Instead, embrace underboob sweat as it shows you’re working out hard and you’re well hydrated."

This sentiment is echoed by Dr Aamer Khan, clinical director and managing director of The Harley Street Skin Clinic. “When skin touches skin it impedes the ability for sweat to evaporate,” he explains. "This means that the area under your breasts can accumulate sweat. Friction, the wrong type of bra and a lack of air circulation can also make underboob sweat a real summer issue."

There is one caveat, though. In some cases, excessive underboob sweating can be caused by hormones. “If you notice that you are unexpectedly sweating more than usual, see your doctor,” says Dr Khan. "Additionally, if your boob sweat causes chafing, an uncomfortable rash and red, itchy or broken skin, it could be a sign of a yeast infection. Candida loves a moist, warm, dark environment like your underboobs, in which case you may need a prescription cream to treat it."

Is it okay to use deodorant under your boobs?

The jury's still out on whether it's safe to use deodorant anywhere other than your armpits. There’s been some debate about whether the ingredient aluminium, used in some deodorants, is linked to breast cancer. "There are no strong studies to support this claim or any clear evidence that aluminium increases your risk,” says Dr Khan. But if you have concerns, try using a natural deodorant in a solid stick form or try Lush's Silky Underwear Dusting Powder, which is talc-free and smells of jasmine.

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How should you deal with underboob sweat?

According to Dr Khan there are plenty of things you can do to improve underboob sweat and the wetness and chafing that come with it. Ahead are his top tips:

Stock up on foods that reduce body heat 

Tuck into water rich foods like watermelon, cucumber and mint-based drinks.

Ditch the synthetic materials

Most bras are made with materials like polyester and rayon. Synthetic materials don’t ‘breathe' so they trap heat and prevent sweat from evaporating. Look for bras in soft lace or cotton, a naturally breathable fabric. Full-support bras or push-up bras can also help by keeping the breasts from laying on the chest wall. But avoid padded bras as the extra material may cause even more sweating.

Use panty liners to mop up sweat

They’re not sexy, but they will do the trick. Panty liners are the ultimate DIY breast sweat solution. Stick a couple inside your bra to help soak up the sweat and prevent stains from forming on your clothes.

Baby powder can help prevent chafing and rashes

Sprinkle baby powder in your bra cups and over your upper rib cage before dressing. If you want a quick kitchen cupboard solution, you could use cornflour, which is super-fine and very absorbent although a bit tricky to apply.  sparingly if you’re wearing black, though.

Keep a bottle of argan oil handy

Thanks to its antioxidants and fatty acids, argan oil can help to reduce redness, repair skin damage and hydrate skin. Apply after showering under and around your breasts. Argan oil is also packed with nutrients such as vitamin E, phenols and carotenes to restore skin to a healthier condition.

Keep a packet of wipes in your handbag

Use wet wipes when you need to freshen up. Sweat only smells when it mixes with bacteria so cleaning your skin as soon as you start sweating should help.

Avoid tight tops and bras 

These trap heat and moisture. If you do get hot and sweaty, change into clean, dry clothing straight away.

Whether you decide to embrace the underboob sweat or invest in a pack of pantyliners for your gym bag (or both), we've got your back. Oh, and if you aren't feeling the pantyliners, why not have a look at GLAMOUR's selection of the best bra liners instead, which discreetly slide beneath the bottom of your bra?

For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.

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