Exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for your body and mind, and with mindful post-workout skin care, you can enjoy the perks of sweating without suffering from its drawbacks.
There’s nothing like breaking a sweat after a great workout.
Whether you’re jogging along the scenic coastline in Cape Town, hitting the gym on a cold Johannesburg morning, or joining a weekend soccer game in Durban, exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. It improves your mood, strengthens your heart, and keeps your body in shape.
But there’s one part of your body that often gets overlooked during workouts: your skin. Many people have noticed the radiant glow that follows a workout.
This is thanks to increased blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. But when sweat beads up on your skin, things can get a little more complicated. Sweat has both benefits and potential downsides for your skin.
With summer heating up in some parts of the country, let’s explore how sweat affects your skin and, more importantly, how to strike the perfect balance between staying active and maintaining that healthy glow.
What happens when you sweat? Sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling down.
When you exercise or your core temperature rises, your sweat glands get to work, releasing a mix of water, salts, and other compounds. But sweat isn’t just about temperature control. In trace amounts, it can also help flush out impurities and toxins.
Believe it or not, sweat can be good for your skin!
Here are a few of its surprising benefits:
Interestingly, sweat and anti-ageing: How it keeps your skin young.
Our skin tends to lose youthful qualities as we age; the inner layers thin out while the outer layers thicken, resulting in dryness, fine wrinkles, and a lack of flexibility. Sweating and frequent exercise, however, can reverse these ageing symptoms.
This technique promotes a fresher appearance by improving circulation and stimulating skin cell regeneration. According to research, sweating helps repair damaged skin cells by influencing mitochondrial DNA, which is vital to skin ageing.
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Hydration boost: Sweat contains natural humectants like amino acids that help your skin retain moisture. This can leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Antibacterial properties: Sweat is rich in antimicrobial peptides that help ward off harmful bacteria. This natural defence mechanism helps your skin fight some common germs.
Post-workout glow: The increased blood flow during exercise enhances your skin’s oxygen and nutrient supply, giving you that radiant, flushed look.
Unfortunately, sweat isn’t all good news. Without proper care, sweating can wreak havoc on your skin, especially in South Africa’s humid summer climate.
Here’s how sweat can negatively impact your skin:
Clogged pores: Sweat can mix with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, clogging your pores and leading to breakouts. Areas like your back, chest, and forehead are particularly prone to this.
Chafing: Trapped sweat against the skin, especially under tight or synthetic clothing, can lead to irritation and chafing. This is common in skin folds or high-friction areas.
Dryness: Sweat contains salts that can dehydrate your skin, leaving it dry or flaky.Sweat rashes (Miliaria): Excessive sweating can block sweat ducts, causing itchy, red bumps or rashes, especially in hot, humid conditions.
Sweat and body odour: Sweat itself is odourless, but when it mixes with bacteria on your skin, it can create body odour.
Tips to protect your skin from sweat damage
The good news is that you don’t have to compromise your fitness goals to keep your skin healthy.
Here are actionable tips to safeguard your skin while staying active:
Shower after any strenuous activity: As tempting as it might be to lounge in your gym clothes after a workout, resist the urge. Showering immediately helps remove sweat, bacteria, and oils that can clog your pores if you’re short on time, at least change into clean, breathable clothes.
Stay hydrated: South Africa’s summer heat can be unforgiving, and sweating depletes your body’s water reserves. To keep your skin hydrated, drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also replenish lost electrolytes with drinks containing potassium and magnesium.
Use non-comedogenic skincare products: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends blotting sweat off instead of wiping, as wiping can push dirt and bacteria deeper into your skin.
Also, using noncomedogenic skincare products (those that won’t clog pores) can help keep your skin clear. Salicylic acid is your secret weapon against clogged pores. This ingredient gently exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells, and clears away excess oil.
Wear breathable clothing: Opt for loose, moisture-wicking fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. Cotton and other natural fibres are excellent choices, especially in South Africa’s summer humidity. Tight-fitting synthetic fabrics can trap sweat and increase irritation.
Treat breakouts effectively: Despite your best efforts, sweat-induced breakouts can still happen. Treat them like you would facial acne. Wash the affected area with a salicylic acid cleanser and apply a soothing serum containing niacinamide or tea tree oil.