Given our natural tendency to jump in the shower right after a workout, most of us always assume that dripping sweat will just wreak havoc on our complexion, but that's not necessarily the case.
In fact, there's a reason why people who sweat regularly tend to have a radiant, youthful complexion, whether it's in the sauna or hot yoga. However, there's a caveat: It's crucial to take care of your skin before and after you sweat.
Read on to learn why sweating is the most underrated skin care step (and what dermatologists recommend). What exactly is sweat? Quick science lesson: Sweat, or perspiration, is a mixture of mostly water and trace amounts of other chemicals, like salt and urea, that the body releases to cool itself.
When our nervous system senses an increase in temperature (triggered by exercise, fever, or even the "fight or flight mode" that accompanies stress and anxiety), our sweat glands release this fluid, which then evaporates to release and effectively regulate the heat we body temperature.
Yes, sweating is good for your complexion. When you sweat, your pores open and any dirt trapped in them is washed away. Its salty taste actually makes it a natural exfoliant. FYI: This doesn't mean sweating can replace your exfoliation routine.
The addition of the natural humectant urea also gives sweat a moisturizing effect, making sweating beneficial for particularly dry skin.
Sweating also has some indirect benefits for aging skin. Exercise (and the resulting increase in body temperature) increases blood flow and collagen production, giving our skin that glow after sweating.
Sweat also contains the protein dermcidin, a natural antibiotic that protects the body from infection and fights bacteria, keeping our skin barrier and youthful complexion intact. Perhaps most importantly, sweating is a natural mood enhancer, can improve sleep and ward off stress, both of which have a huge impact on the health of our skin.
How to care for your skin before and after sweating. Sweat itself does not have a negative impact on our skin, but it can if it remains on the skin for an extended period of time. Acne is easy to breed in a humid environment.
If sweat is not discharged in time, the skin will become a breeding ground for acne. Sweat can also disrupt your skin's pH balance, and since skin is alkaline, it's best to use a pH-balanced cleanser (like Gentle Cycle).
Clogged sweat glands are also a cause of oryzae, which are tiny, hard, white bumps commonly seen on the cheeks or eyelids. Additionally, the salts in sweat can dry out the skin, cause itching, or worsen existing conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Here are some tips to make sure your sweat benefits your skin instead of damaging it: Start from scratch. Be sure to remove makeup and avoid using heavy skin care products, such as: B. Apply a thick layer of cream before you notice yourself sweating.
If sweat is not discharged in time, the skin will become a breeding ground for acne. Sweat can also disrupt your skin's pH balance, and since skin is alkaline, it's best to use a pH-balanced cleanser (like Gentle Cycle).
Clogged sweat glands are also a cause of oryzae, which are tiny, hard, white bumps commonly seen on the cheeks or eyelids. Additionally, the salts in sweat can dry out the skin, cause itching, or worsen existing conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Here are some tips to make sure your sweat benefits your skin instead of damaging it: Start from scratch. Be sure to remove makeup and avoid using heavy skin care products, such as: B. Apply a thick layer of cream before you notice yourself sweating.
"If your skin care product or makeup is particularly heavy or thick, sweat may become trapped underneath and not be able to evaporate quickly," warns Dr. Nancy Samolitis, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Facile Dermatology.
"This can lead to breakouts or itchy bumps called heat rash." If you sweat outdoors, apply waterproof sunscreen or reapply after drying off. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which traps sweat.
"When you sweat excessively, such as during exercise, it's best to wear loose, lightweight clothing to allow the sweat to evaporate properly," says Samourtis. This is especially true if your body is prone to acne.
In addition to choosing your outfit, keep a bottle of our Back-Up Plan Acne Control Body Spray on hand to treat and prevent body breakouts that may appear after sweating.
Wipe away excess sweat with a towel. While it's a good idea to shower as soon as possible, this isn't always possible.
Instantly cleanse sweat, dirt, and bacteria with our Baby Cheek Moisturizing Toner that easily fits in your gym or beach bag.
Since we lose water when we sweat, it's always a good idea to drink water again after sweating. Cool down and rehydrate thirsty skin with our Hydrating Plumping Mask.
"This can lead to breakouts or itchy bumps called heat rash." If you sweat outdoors, apply waterproof sunscreen or reapply after drying off. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which traps sweat.
"When you sweat excessively, such as during exercise, it's best to wear loose, lightweight clothing to allow the sweat to evaporate properly," says Samourtis. This is especially true if your body is prone to acne.
In addition to choosing your outfit, keep a bottle of our Back-Up Plan Acne Control Body Spray on hand to treat and prevent body breakouts that may appear after sweating.
Wipe away excess sweat with a towel. While it's a good idea to shower as soon as possible, this isn't always possible.
Instantly cleanse sweat, dirt, and bacteria with our Baby Cheek Moisturizing Toner that easily fits in your gym or beach bag.
Since we lose water when we sweat, it's always a good idea to drink water again after sweating. Cool down and rehydrate thirsty skin with our Hydrating Plumping Mask.
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