This is What Sweating Can Do For Your Skin

Although an often dreaded side effect of public speaking, sweat can be an essential part of your skincare routine. Sweating, also known as perspiration, is the natural bodily function of excreting liquid through the pores. The body uses sweating to regulate internal temperature in the wake of heat or exercise. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the perspiration that cools the body down, rather the evaporation of the liquid on the skin. Though, thermoregulation isn’t the only reason to get sweaty.

Eccrine sweat is the salty-watery substance produced from fluids in the blood. There are many misconceptions surrounding sweat and what it does for your body. The most common myth surrounding sweat may be that it can detoxify the body. Sweat does not remove toxins from the body. Yet, the post-sweat-sesh glow is not a myth. In fact, the luminosity you see after class is very real. This glow is a result of oxygen-rich blood flushing the skin and a natural moisturizer: sweat.

Sweat contains ammonia and urea (along with other salts and sugars). The liver creates these two chemical compounds during protein metabolism. Though these compounds are filtered in the kidneys, trace amounts are found in sweat. Urea, a natural humectant, absorbs and holds moisture on the skin. Getting your sweat on boosts skin hydration and provides support to the skin barrier.

But don’t let skin stay soaked in sweat for too long. Sweat blocked skin (made worse by sweaty clothing) can cause bacteria on the skin to thrive. Resulting in inflammation, breakouts, odor, and infections. Although sweat at its genesis is pure, mixed with bacteria it can be dangerous to your skin and well-being. Enjoy your sweat sesh and the glow it gives you, then wash up as soon as you can.