Facial sweating: what are the causes and what solutions are available?

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

As on the rest of the body, perspiration is based on the activity of the eccrine sweat glands, which are activated primarily to regulate body temperature. However, when it becomes excessive, frequent, or occurs outside situations of heat or physical exertion, this 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 impair comfort, interfere with make-up or applied skincare products, and be a source of social embarrassment or loss of self-confidence. This psychological dimension is important, as it can itself perpetuate the phenomenon, particularly when perspiration is linked to stress.

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

Several factors may be responsible for facial hyperhidrosis. It may be described as primary, meaning that no 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 may also be secondary, and in this situation 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 medicines.

Certain simple measures can help to limit facial sweating. Hygiene is first and foremost essential: showering daily, particularly 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 moisturising cream that is light rather than rich, especially during the summer months, so as not to trap heat at the surface of the skin.

During the day, if you feel your forehead becoming damp with perspiration, do not hesitate to use wipes or a thermal water spray to cool yourself down, before drying your face with a clean cloth.

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

Finally, when perspiration is linked to stress, learning techniques of emotional regulation, such as controlled breathing, meditation or yoga, can help reduce the 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 the sweat glands. A study conducted in 25 patients with facial hyperhidrosis assessed the effectiveness of a deodorant containing 2% glycopyrrolate, applied to one half of the forehead, the other half serving as a control with a placebo. The results showed a significant reduction in sweat production. From a subjective perspective, 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 the majority of participants, which implies repeated applications.

In more pronounced cases of facial hyperhidrosis, certain medical options may be considered. Injections of botulinum toxin are currently among the most effective approaches for reducing sweating. A study conducted on 77 patients demonstrated 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 highlights 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 that they can offer you appropriate treatment options.

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