No Sweat for Wedding Couples

Posted on: June 13th, 2024 by Our Team

Reviewed by Kathy Aronson, RN, BSN

Got the rings? Bouquet? License? But also pit stains? A drippy forehead and palms so slick you might drop the bouquet or – heaven forbid – the ring?

It could happen. Combine intense wedding day nerves with summer heat and layers of fancy wedding clothes. And there’s your wedding crasher: excessive perspiration also known as hyperhidrosis.

There was a time when you’d have had to pin your hopes on fans, handkerchiefs, and antiperspirants. Now thanks to technologically advanced treatments, there’s no need to let worries about wetness put a damper on your special day. From leading edge treatments like Botox® and miraDry® to expert advice on best sweat defense OTC options, California Skin Institute dermatologists can help you keep cool, calm, and dry.

What causes anxiety sweating?

You can credit your sympathetic nervous system for excessive sweating when you’re stressed. Think of it as a loyal dog who senses when you’re upset and reacts by also getting upset.  Your sympathetic nervous system developed from an evolutionary imperative to protect you in a way that aligns with all your other body systems. It’s called “fight or flight” syndrome. When encountering a prehistoric predator, our ancient ancestors had to decide whether to battle the beast or try to outrun it. That system still functions in much the same way today – even without prehistoric beasts. Now the triggers are whatever makes us anxious.

As hormones surge to provide extra energy to muscles, sweat glands launch perspiration to try to cool the body. The idea is that as the body runs, the sweat will evaporate and lower body temperature. But when there is no burst of intense movement, the sweat has no place to go. Instead of evaporating, it might just drip.

New sweat-defying technology to the rescue

We’ve come a long way since prehistoric times in terms of sweat management. Today we have new effective and minimally invasive technologies to halt or eliminate excessive sweating in key areas, primarily underarms.

Botox® and miraDry® are both FDA-approved to significantly reduce perspiration and odor. They have been extensively studied and proven safe and effective for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant reductions in sweat production and high patient satisfaction rates, making them popular choices for those seeking long-term relief from excessive sweating.

Before undergoing any treatment for hyperhidrosis, your California Skin Institute dermatologist will consult with you to discuss your concerns, review your health history, assess your individual needs, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to help you achieve the best possible results.

Beat Sweat with Botox

Did you know that Botox injections can prevent excessive perspiration? It’s considered one of the most effective treatments for sweat on underarms, hands, forehead, and feet.

Botox achieves this by temporarily blocking nerves that stimulate sweat production, providing effective relief for three to five months. With a one-time in-office treatment, you can benefit from sweat-free confidence on your wedding day and beyond.

But don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule an appointment with CSI at least several weeks before the wedding to ensure that Botox can reach its full effects before your big day.

The Miracle of miraDry

If you’d like a more permanent solution for sweating, try miraDry. It’s a popular non-invasive treatment that uses thermal electromagnetic energy to target and eliminate sweat glands in your underarm area. The procedure takes no more than an hour and a single session may be enough for immediate effect. But again, just to be sure, consider getting miraDry well in advance of your wedding date.

Non-technical assists for the big day

In addition to the tech procedures, there are low-tech and no-tech steps you can take to help minimize wedding day hyperhidrosis.

• Focus on fabrics. Opt for breathable options like linen and cotton or blends.
• Get a grip on your bouquet. Wrap absorbent terrycloth around the bouquet’s handle.
• Have backup shirts on hand for the groom and the groomsmen
• Add pads. Experiment in advance with absorbent underarm pads.
• Go back to basics with deodorant soaps, deodorants, and antiperspirants. Talk to your CSI dermatologist about the current best ones to try.

With the help of professional cosmetic treatments like miraDry and Botox, along with savvy fabric and clothing options and personal care, you can bid farewell to sweat stains and hello to a dry, confident, and unforgettable wedding day. So go ahead, dance the night away, exchange heartfelt vows, and create memories that will last a lifetime – all without breaking a sweat.