Facial sweating: what are the causes and possible solutions?

Forehead, temples, nose, and even the upper lip are all areas of the face that may exhibit increased sweating.

As on the rest of the body, perspiration relies on the activity of eccrine sweat glands, which are primarily activated to regulate body temperature. However, when it becomes excessive, frequent, or occurs outside of situations involving heat or physical exertion, it is referred to as facial hyperhidrosis . Because it affects a particularly visible area, this sweating can be difficult to cope with on a daily basis. It can reduce comfort, interfere with makeup or applied skincare, and be a source of social embarrassment or loss of self-confidence. This psychological dimension is important, as it can in turn perpetuate the phenomenon, especially when perspiration is related to stress.

Facial sweating is explained in part by the relatively high density of eccrine sweat glands, particularly in the forehead area. Although less numerous than on the palms or soles of the feet, these glands are highly reactive and sensitive to thermal and emotional stimuli, which helps explain why some people can start sweating quickly from the face, even in the absence of physical exertion.

Several factors can be responsible for facial hyperhidrosis. It may be classified as primary, meaning that no underlying medical cause has been identified. In this case, it is often linked to hypersensitivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which overstimulates the sweat glands. Hyperhidrosis can also be secondary, in which case it is associated with an underlying condition: heat, consumption of alcohol or spicy foods, stress, hormonal fluctuations (menopause, thyroid disorders), or the use of certain medications.

Certain simple actions can help limit facial sweating. Hygiene is first and foremost essential: showering daily, especially after physical exertion, then carefully drying your face to avoid a persistent feeling of dampness; choosing gentle cleansers that do not disrupt the skin barrier and do not increase skin reactivity… these are all good practices to adopt. Likewise, if you are prone to facial sweating, it is better to opt for a light moisturizer rather than a rich one, especially during the summer, so as not to trap heat at the skin’s surface.

During the day, if you feel your forehead becoming damp from sweat, feel free to use wipes or a thermal water spray to cool yourself down, then dry your face with a clean cloth.

Facial sweating can sometimes be influenced by diet. Alcohol or spicy foods, for example, promote vasodilation and can increase sweating in some individuals. However, this sensitivity varies greatly from one person to another. If you are prone to facial hyperhidrosis, it may be useful to keep a food diary in order to identify potential triggers. By identifying the foods that appear to worsen sweating, you can then adjust your intake, particularly in situations where you want to limit it.

Finally, when sweating is related to stress, learning techniques for emotional regulation, such as controlled breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help reduce activation of the sympathetic nervous system and, consequently, episodes of sweating.

When these measures are not sufficient, topical solutions can be considered. Certain deodorants aim to locally reduce the activity of sweat glands. A study conducted in 25 patients with facial hyperhidrosis evaluated the effectiveness of a deodorant containing 2% glycopyrrolate, applied to one half of the forehead, with the other half serving as a control with a placebo. The results showed a significant decrease in sweat production. From a subjective standpoint, 88% of patients rated the effect as good to excellent, and 96% reported being satisfied with the outcome. However, the effect remains temporary, with sweating reappearing within 24 to 48 hours for most participants, which requires repeated applications.

In more pronounced cases of facial hyperhidrosis, certain medical options may be considered. Injections of botulinum toxin are currently one of the most effective approaches to reduce sweating. A study conducted on 77 patients showed a significant reduction in symptom severity. Quality of life also improved markedly, with a 75% improvement in the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index), the score used to assess it. This demonstrates not only the effectiveness of this method, but also its positive impact on patients’ well-being.

If you suffer from facial hyperhidrosis, do not hesitate to discuss it with a healthcare professional so they can offer you appropriate treatment options.

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