I actually have two questions, one of which is medical and the other ethical. I'm a 60-year-old man who returned to acting three years ago after a career in an unrelated field. I've been relatively fortunate so far in getting representation and in booking one lead role on stage and two supporting roles in independent features.
My problem is that on set, particularly when I'm on camera under the lights, I tend to sweat buckets. The director and crew seemed to take it in stride, but several times they had to stop to change my shirt, blow-dry my hair, redo my makeup, and re-tape my mic. I've perspired a lot my whole life, and my father and grandfather were also like this, but it never quite had implications for me until now. I know I'm probably not the only actor who has faced this. Other than bringing extra identical shirts and trying to stay relaxed and calm, would you have any other advice for me? One idea I've thought of trying is to apply some clear, unscented antiperspirant gel over my neck and face, but I don't want to take a chance on overheating either.
My other question is about the content of the film clips in my reel. Can I put in clips with profanity? One of my film characters was very profane, especially in his biggest scenes. There's hardly a swear word that he didn't use, but I still think the work was fairly good. If I put in other clips without profanity, is it still okay to use it?
—Retread Actor, Las Vegas
Dear Retread:
I have two answers for your two questions. On the first, take heart. Few problems are unique, and, fortunately for you, makeup artists have developed a multitude of methods for besting prolific perspiration. I consulted several, who were happy to share their professional secrets.
"It sounds as if your reader is suffering from hyperhidrosis—excessive sweating," says makeup artist Cheryl Thomas, current makeup supervisor for the "Mary Poppins" national tour. Thomas recommends No Sweat by Mehron ProFace, a product that she says your on-set makeup artist probably already knows about and may already use. If not, it can be purchased at Naimie's, a professional theatrical and film beauty supply store (www.naimies.com). No Sweat is applied before makeup to help reduce or prevent sweating.
"One product that actually rocks is Dermadoctor Med e Tate," says professional makeup artist and hair stylist Patrice Miranda. They're medicated wipes that are safe to use on the face, as well as your other sweaty parts. According to the product description, the towelettes contain "a patent-pending formulation of newest generation antiperspirant therapy with a blend of botanicals that work synergistically to maximize hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) control." You can learn more at www.dermadoctor.com.
Powders can also help, but, notes makeup artist Kristi Ross-Clausen, "Not all powders are created equally. Kaolin Clay is superabsorbent—more so than talc or corn starch. I don't know the chemistry as to why that is, but Kaolin sucks out a bunch of moisture." "There is a powder from the Kama Sutra company that comes in a can called Honey Dust," offers Miranda. "The one in the honeysuckle flavor is the one that I use. It doesn't really have a scent, and it works nicely. I have layered that over deodorant."
According to Ross-Clausen, other tricks of the trade include spraying antiperspirant on the face (close your eyes first!); using blotting tissues, available at any good makeup store (you press them over makeup; they absorb the moisture but leave makeup behind); and using old-fashioned pancake makeup, which is applied with water and, she says, seems to allow the skin to breathe better than other kinds of makeup. For under the arms, ask for "pit pads," thick ovals of layered fabric that attach to the insides of shirts and dresses. They absorb the moisture (thereby disposing of the evidence, so to speak), leaving the garment dry and stain-free.
Another helpful hint for sweaters: Shave. "Women have used this trick for years," says Thomas. "It helps to reduce perspiration as well as keep down the odor factor. Follow that with an antiperspirant deodorant and corn starch or baby powder." She also suggests using a facial scrub three times a week, on your body as well as your face. "This helps to unclog pores. The glands don't have to work as hard to cool the body down, which is what our sweat glands do. This remedy does work over time once the body realizes it doesn't have to work as hard to get past clogged pores."
Sweating can also be affected by lifestyle—specifically, drinking. "Reduce excessive drinking or drinking alcohol 24 hours before a shoot," says Thomas. "Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body and in intense situations cause the body to produce more sweat." There is, however, one cocktail she does recommend, but you don't drink it. It's called a Sea Breeze cocktail—a combination of ice, water, and the astringent Sea Breeze. "Submerge a handkerchief in the mixture, squeeze out, and apply to the neck," she says. "Instantly cools the body down and helps retard sweating."
Still want a drink? Thomas has just the thing: "Have a cup or two of sage tea a day. This holistic remedy reduces the amount of activity that goes on in the sweat glands." And then "there are certain foods that can cause you to sweat excessively: garlic, onions, certain spices, and caffeine."
If none of that works, the problem may be genetic (you mentioned a paternal pattern) and need to be addressed medically. Thomas continues, "If this is something that's in his DNA makeup, he would need to consult a physician or dermatologist. It will take a bit of research. There are a few medical remedies on the market: Botox, iontonphoresis, and endoscopic thoracic surgery, to name a few. A doctor's advice on these remedies is necessary."
"Everyone does something different," says Miranda. "I would definitely encourage you to try any and all suggestions and see what works best for you."
I haven't left much room for your second question, because I can answer it in just a few words: Unless you're looking to make your career strictly in the realm of religious or children's entertainment, there's no reason to exclude scenes with profanity from your reel. This is showbiz, after all. I'm pretty sure most people who'll view it have heard those words before, and probably used them themselves. If the scene shows good work, it's worth including. So the answer to both of your questions is: Don't sweat it.
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