Skin Experts Share How to Stop Sweat Stains for Good: At-Home Solutions, Deodorant Options and More

No matter how hard we try to stop sweat in its tracks, there can be times where we're left dealing with embarrassing sweat stains. Maybe we didn't apply enough deodorant and/or antiperspirant or we're wearing too heavy clothing for the weather. Regardless, there are a few smart strategies that can help prevent (excess) perspiration and the marks it leaves behind on our clothing — even when it's extra hot and humid outside. Read on to learn how to stop sweat stains once and for all.

Why do I sweat more in the summer?

As you likely already know, sweating is the body's process of regulating body temperature. So, when the weather is warmer, our body temperature rises and sweat glands become more active in order to help cool us down. For more on sweating in the summertime and in general, watch the below YouTube video from dermatologist Andrea Suarez, MD .

How to stop sweat stains

Keep scrolling to see the easy solutions for how to stop sweat stains so you'll stay confident all season long.

1. Try a different deodorant

The secret dermatologists tell their patients? Use an antiperspirant that contains 15% aluminum chloride, like Maxim Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes , just once a week. “The compound absorbs into skin and forms a ‘plug’ in glands to limit perspiration, and the higher concentration ensures sweat won’t seep through,” says New York City dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD . Use just once a week and you’ll be sweat-free for seven days!

Also smart? Using a whole body deodorant , like Lume Cream Tube Deodorant + Sweat Control . It contains aluminum salts (to hinder sweat) and tapioca starch (to absorb sweat), so you stay dry. Just apply to sweaty spots (underarms, lower back, underboob!) before getting dressed.

2. How to stop sweat stains: Apply antiperspirant at night

Dermatologists say the key to ensuring maximum sweat protection lies in when you apply antiperspirant. “They are best applied at night, as people are generally sweating less at night so more product can [close] sweat ducts,” explains dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD . She suggests a formula, like Carpe Antiperspirant Underarm Lotion , that contains sweat-halting aluminum sesquichlorohydrate and silica. Plus, it can be applied to any sweaty spots on the body. Apply before bed, then reapply in the morning for sweat-free skin all day long.

Check out Dr. Suarez's TikTok below for more deodorant tips.

3. Wear underarm pads

"I have a great trick that I use during photo shoots to deal with sweating from the hot lights—garment guards," says celebrity stylist Elysha Lenkin . "These thin, disposable shields are oval-shaped, about 6 inches long, and have an adhesive on one side to attach to your clothing. The other side features a breathable cotton pad that absorbs moisture." Ones to try: Kleinert's Disposable Underarm Pads . She says to place them anywhere you typically sweat like the lower back or under your bra. "I also suggest opting for tops in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and chambray over silk, which traps moisture and shows stains."

Stylist and costume designer @ebonybrownstyle also swears by these pads and shows how they work in her TikTok below.

4. How to stop sweat stains: Spray on witch hazel

Dermatologist Michele Green, MD , advises using a spray containing witch hazel and lemongrass oil. “Witch hazel’s tannins have an astringent effect that temporarily tightens pores to control sweat production.” Plus, it balances skin’s pH to reduce the odor-causing bacteria that comes with sweat. And lemongrass oil adds extra astringent protection, while its citrusy scent overpowers odor and decreases stress triggers (another cause of sweat!) in the brain.

To do: Add 1 cup of witch hazel and five drops of lemongrass oil, like Aura Cacia Lemongrass Essential Oil , into a small spray bottle; shake to combine. Store in the fridge (the cool liquid leaves skin with a lasting “chill”) and mist onto areas that get sweaty once a day.

5. Pre-treat skin with a DIY paste

Another simple recipe to control sweating? Pretreat skin with a paste made of baking soda and cornstarch. Both kitchen staples have astringent properties that temporarily tighten pores and cut down on sweat production to keep you dry. What’s more, says aesthetician Danné Montague-King, who’s worked with Oprah Winfrey and Cindy Crawford, these antibacterial powders kill the odor-causing bacteria that can lurk on warm, damp skin, so you’ll stay smelling fresh all day.

To do: Mix ½ Tbs. of baking soda, ½ Tbs. of cornstarch and 3 tsp. of water to form a paste. Apply with a washcloth or cotton pad to sweat-prone areas like the underarms, breasts, skin creases and feet. Let sit for two minutes; rinse skin and follow up with antiperspirant. Tip: Baking soda can sting if it gets into nicks or cuts, so avoid using it immediately after shaving.

6. How to stop sweat stains: Dust on a powder

Medical aesthetician Cassandra Bankson suggests using an ultra-absorbent powder made with cornstarch, arrowroot powder and kaolin clay, like Megababe Body Dust , along with antiperspirant to help wick away moisture so clothes stay dry regardless of the temperature. To do: After applying your regular antiperspirant, pour a palmful of the powder into one hand and rub onto sweat-prone areas like the underarms, breasts and back.

See this powder in action by watching esthetician @cierralin 's TikTok video below.

See more beauty tips perfect for summer:

6 Ways to Increase Sun Protection While Wearing Sunscreen to Ward off Sunburn, Wrinkles and More

Skin Pros Share How to Use an Epilator so Legs Stay Smooth and Hair-Free Weeks Longer Than Shaving

Heatless Beach Waves: 6 Easy Steps To Voluminous Hair Overnight