Sweating has its downsides
Exercise is certainly a good thing that most of us could use more of. It keeps our bodies functioning in top shape and is a great way to relieve stress. However, sweating itself can cause some problems for your skin and even lead to acne breakouts.
Sweating allows your body to stay cool, but along with your sweat a lot of waste products also make their exit from the body. If you don’t wash up afterwards, sweat can leave a film of waste over your skin that can promote bacterial growth and make you more susceptible to skin blemishes. Because of this, it’s always best to take a shower soon after doing any strenuous full-body exercise that leaves you covered in sweat. You don’t want to invite bacterial build-ups in your pores after working out.
Most of us don’t exercise in the nude, and so it pays to also be aware of the threat to clear skin that sweaty clothes can pose. When your clothes become wet with sweat, they often stick tight to your skin. This can promote clogged pores, as the pressure provided by sweaty clothing (especially tight outfits, as many wear when exercising) can trap sweat and bacteria within the pore, preventing it from easily escaping to your skin’s surface. The combination of sweat and fabric can also attract additional bacteria, further promoting skin problems. If you suffer from back or body acne, it’s especially important to remember to change out of sweaty clothing as soon as you’re done working out.
The last point is the simple fact that when you sweat, your body loses a lot of water. Your skin cells are particularly susceptible to irritation and infection when they are dried out, so you need to replace that water soon afterwards. This should seem like common sense, since working out leaves many people thirsty, but it’s always good to keep in mind the importance of getting plenty of water when it comes to your skin’s health.
