Sweat, perspiration, whatever term you use, is a normal response of the human body. Whether you are exercising, enjoying a hot day at the beach, eating something spicy, or perhaps feeling stressed about your presentation at work, sweating is a common reaction. If sweating is not excessive, however, you don't have to be concerned. Although some unpleasant effects can accompany perspiration, it actually has several benefits. So, let's talk about everything you've wanted to know about this amazing body process but were afraid to ask – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Why Do We Sweat?

One of the main functions of sweat is to keep us from overheating. Sweating is the body's way of regulating its temperature. Cool, right? (pun intended). When you start to get too hot, your sweat glands release a liquid that's a combination of mostly water, salt, and some other minerals. As the liquid rests on your skin, it evaporates, causing a cooling effect.

Not all sweat serves to keep us cool. As mentioned above, sometimes sweating happens when we are nervous, angry, or under pressure – sometimes referred to as emotional sweating. When you feel anxious or some other emotion, your body can release stress hormones that trigger your sweat glands to start producing perspiration.

The Truth About Sweat

When it comes to your skin and sweat, maybe you have heard conflicting narratives about whether it is good or bad for your skin. Below we will share some good and not-so-good effects that sweating can have on your skin and self-confidence.

The Good

As previously noted, sweating is like nature's A/C for our bodies. But what are some other benefits of sweating specific to your skin? Take a look at what dermatologists have to say about it:

  • Moisturizing factor – Having a good sweat session is like a natural moisturizer that hydrates your skin.
  • Protects skin from germs – Sweat helps to fight off infection due to its microbial properties.
  • Clears out pores – Perspiring releases bacteria from the skin by opening your pores.

The Bad

With all the advantages of sweating, it seems like it's a natural solution for a healthy, vibrant complexion. Indeed, sweating is recommended not only to promote great skin but also to enhance overall health.

However, although sweat can work its wonders, improving your skin's appearance and helping to heal your wounds, when left to linger on the body, it can also promote the growth of bacteria, leading to an unpleasant odor.

And as indicated earlier, some people have hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which can be embarrassing and cause social anxiety.

The Ugly

Although sweating is normal, most people have experienced periods of sweating that made them feel uncomfortable – beads of sweat on the forehead during an interview, a sweaty handshake, or the classic underarm stains on a first date. These situations may be bothersome, but they are experiences that many have had at one point or another.

But when it comes to managing sweat and your skin, there are ways to enhance the beneficial effects and minimize the negative aspects to foster your skin's health.

The Remedy

Translating the benefits of sweat to your skin should be simple. It all starts with following nature's lead by keeping it natural; that means incorporating seamless processes into your routine utilizing clean ingredients.

Start Fresh

Starting with a clean face and body before you get your sweating on will help to reduce the toxins released when you perspire. For your face, begin with a cleanser rich in antioxidants, such as green tea that is great for hydrating skin and removing bacteria.

Work It Up

Now it's time to work up a sweat! Drinking water as you start to perspire helps to replenish the water you are losing from sweat and increases the water content of your sweat, making it less likely to cause skin irritation.

Wash It Off

Whether after a workout or a stressful encounter, you want to wipe away sweat so that bacteria don't get reabsorbed into the face and body. Again, for your face, you want to use a gentle cleanser and exfoliator that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) to assist in clearing away dead skin cells.

Smooth It On

After you have cleansed your face, you want to restore moisture. A mild toner that packs a triple punch with green tea, glycolic, and lactic acids will help to calm skin with anti-inflammatory properties and hydrate skin by increasing moisture. And to round out your skincare treatment, the application of a moisturizer fortified with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid will repair and improve the texture of your skin by further boosting its moisture content.

Sweat and your skin are actually a perfect combination; you just have to know how to make the relationship work to get the maximum benefits. To take your skincare regimen to the next level, visit HIMistry Naturals to learn more.