While sweat has gained quite the reputation for triggering the skin, there’s more to this acne-ridden situation than what’s taught to us. Coupled with the humidity of monsoons, this is a recipe for disaster. I remember spending all of my hours playing Eye-Spy and football with my friends from childhood—and I remember having to deal with a breakout-riddled forehead courtesy of how much I sweated—ah, wait, that’s where I might’ve gone wrong in my assumption.
Are You Breaking A Sweat? Or Is Sweating Breaking You?
Sweating Isn’t Inherently Bad. It’s What Happens When It Lingers On Your Skin
This is how it works—sweat prompts your pores to eliminate dirt, bacteria, and build-up from within. This is beneficial in that the act of sweating cleanses your body naturally—but if sweat is left to dry on your skin, it can form a seal over this build-up, and trap it all underneath your skin. Remember that your pores contract as you cool off—further trapping everything underneath. This is what triggers breakouts.
And That’s Why—Wipe It Off. ASAP.
To avoid this situation, you must clean your body as soon as possible. Step into your shower, and wash your skin with (lukewarm) water—and if that isn’t possible, wipe your body with a (clean) towel or cloth. Make sure you’re wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothes on days you anticipate you’re going to sweat a lot—whether you’re gymming, jogging, or cycling. Remove any makeup before exercising. Cleanse your face immediately. Exfoliate your face to unclog your pores, and moisturise your face with a non-comedogenic, non-oily formula. Avoid heavy, greasy body-lotions and oils, and opt for lightweight ones instead as post-care. Use a lightweight face/body-cleanser containing Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide to cleanse your skin thoroughly. These are a couple of no-effort ways you can do damage-control.
Does Sweating Have Any Benefits?
Yes—while the appearance of your skin post-sweating is more aesthetic than anything else, most of us enjoy the idea of dewiness and radiance. Beyond these superficial end-results, sweating moisturises and cools your skin, and purges your body of bacteria, makeup, and dirt—as established before. And once studies have attested to the fact that sweat contains antimicrobial peptides that excel at protecting the skin against acne-causing bacteria and germs.
But No—It Cannot Detoxify The Body
While sweat flushes toxins out of your pores, it cannot detoxify the body. Detoxification insinuates an elimination of toxic, harmful metals like mercury from the body—this ability lies with organs like kidneys, liver, and intestines. Sweat isn’t capable of detoxification, and this claim is a misconception a lot of us buy into.
The verdict is—while sweat isn’t directly linked to acne, this association between the two isn’t completely unfounded, and that’s why you must exercise the above-mentioned precautions to avoid having to deal with sporadic, unannounced breakouts. If acne is persistent, we’d suggest consulting a dermatologist to help the situation. Until then, gym away!
Featured: Pexels