How To Deal With Your Gross, Clammy Hands
Armpits, asscrack, brow and balls: When it comes to sweat, these are the problem areas that get all the attention. For good reason too, since they’re the parts of your body where unwanted perspiration is going to give you the most trouble on the daily. Sad to say though, that they’re not the only spots where a touch of salty moisture is going to cause you problems. Case in point: Your hands.
Slick, sweaty mitts are not only gross for you, but they also make shaking hands—be it with a business partner or the father-of-the-bride—an endeavor that’ll put you at risk of significant embarrassment. Unfortunately, it’s hard to predict when damp hands will strike; anything from heat to stress to genetics can trigger their unwanted arrival. Luckily, we’re here with a handful of tips to help sweat-proof your grip for when it really counts.
Try An Antiperspirant: Yeah, exactly like the stuff you use under your arms. The key here though, so you don’t have to deal with Speed Stick on your palms when you walk out the door in the morning, is applying it at night before you go to bed. This will give the active ingredients the time they needs to inactivate the sweat glands in your hands, so that you’ll (hopefully) remain moisture-free the whole next day long.
Don’t Forget to Moisturize: Interestingly enough, your hands may be especially drenched because they’re overcompensating for a perceived lack of moisture in your skin, so lather up daily to convince them otherwise. We like this stuff by Comfort Zone, but really any solid moisturizer will do. Whatever you use, though, make it’s not petroleum or oil-based because then it’ll seal in any excess sweat, making your hands feel particularly greasy.
Remove Excess Heat: When, despite your best efforts, your dukes do start to clam up, the first thing you’re going to want to do is make sure that nothing is stifling their ability to air out. Whether it’s taking your hands out of your pockets, abandoning gloves, or loosening the cuffs on your fancy button-down, do whatever you need to to make sure your hands have the freedom they need to cool off. A quick rinse under cool water wouldn’t hurt either.
Quick Fixes: Slick hands only a one time thing for you? Then there are a few tricks you can employ keep the moisture at bay until it goes away naturally. For one, you can use a quick sprinkling of baby powder or baking soda to sop it up . Alternatively, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to evaporate it. Of course, simply wiping your hands on a hanky would work too.
Go See a Dermo: So, you’ve tried everything and sweat’s still pouring out of your hands? You could always go see a dermatologist for a talk about extreme measures. They might suggest iontophoresis (basically, electro-shock therapy for your sweat glands) or Botox (which has been proven to block sweat-inducing chemicals in your skin). But before you go through with any of it, think: Are you really willing to go that far for a little less sweat?
Probably better off sticking with the over-the-counter stuff.
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