How does sweat affect the skin?

We’re in the spirit of the games, and this week we’re looking at how sweat affects the skin. One of the vital functions of our skin is sweating, which allows our bodies to cool down.  So how does sweating affect your skin and what is the best way to care for your skin after exercise? 

What are sweat glands? 

Made mostly of water, sweat also contains a small percentage of salt. There are two main types of sweat gland: 

• Eccrine glands: This gland is found in almost all areas of the body. Sweat is brought to the surface of the skin through coiled tubes. 

• Apocrine glands: These glands are in the groin, armpit and breast area. They are scent glands so will tend to have an odour. 

The sweat glands cover the skin with moisture which then evaporates and takes excess heat with it, and this is what helps to cool down the skin temperature.   

The effects of sweat on the skin. 

There are benefits to sweating of course, as it’s a natural and important function of our body. It’s important to take care of our skin after sweating to avoid any negative affects to our complexion. 

✅ Regulates body temperature – The main purpose of sweating is to keep you cool. As the sweat evaporates this helps to reduce the body’s internal temperature. 

✅ Glowing skin – As you exercise, blood flow increases, and the circulating blood gives your skin a healthy glow as oxygen and nutrients flow to skin cells. 

❌ Clogged pores - When you sweat, your pores flush out oil, dirt and bacteria. If the sweat is left to dry on the skin, this oil, dirt and bacteria can become trapped, which can lead to breakouts. Try to remove the sweat as soon as possible, with an effective natural cleanser for face and body in the shower, followed by your skincare routine. 

❌ Prickly heat  - This can also occur if sweat becomes trapped in the skin. Sweat is brought to the surface of the skin through tiny ducts, and if these become clogged the sweat has nowhere to go. This leads to a rash on the skin, and is very common in areas like the thighs, where there is more skin to skin contact. 

Tips to care for skin before and after exercise 

Pre-exercise 

• Remove your make up and cleanse your skin with Active Cleansing Lotion. 

• Keep hydrated – you will lose a lot of water through sweating so drink water beforehand. 

• During exercise, a list mist of a refreshing spritz like our Hebridean Marine Toner is a treat for the face. You could even keep it in the fridge beforehand for an extra cooling treatment! 

Post exercise 

1.Wash – Cleanse the face and body as soon as possible after exercising so oil and bacteria don’t become trapped in your skin. For your face you could use Active Cleansing Lotion and for the body ishga Body & Hand Wash. 

2.Moisturise – Use a nourishing and hydrating moisturiser to calm the skin and replace lost moisture. Our Anti-oxidant Marine Cream will soothe and hydrate your skin leaving it glowing. Don’t forget to reapply your SPF before heading back outside. 

3.Soothe muscles - If your muscles are feeling sore after your workout our Muscle Recovery Oil will deliver a soothing and relaxing effect. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and will help relieve your muscles and joints. 

4.Keep hydrated – You will have lost water through sweating so make sure you keep hydrated post exercise. 

Enjoy that healthy glow exercise gives your skin and don’t forget your skincare routine!