Sweat is a natural way to exfoliate and treat dry skin, as well as other skin conditions.
This happens because sweat contains minerals, salt and urea. Sweating also rids the skin of bacteria, oil and impurities, detoxifying the body.
According to New York-based board certified dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Bowe, “Sweat contains natural alternatives to antibiotics called antimicrobial peptides. The specific antimicrobial peptide in sweat, dermcidin, is pumped onto the skin via the sweat glands and coats the skin, thereby providing protection against infection from other microbes and harmful germs.”
However, Bowe warns that sweat causes skin-irritation if not immediately washed off after a workout. “Specifically, the ammonia and urea in sweat can cause irritation and inflammation if left on skin too long. The sodium in sweat can dehydrate skin if left too long on the surface, and the evaporation of sweat from skin can aggravate people prone to eczema,” Bowe said.
Experts advise changing out of sweaty clothes to avoid fungal infections that could show up as a result of skin type. “The problem is the moisture. Sweat and bacteria can get trapped in the fabrics and, in turn, irritate skin,” Whitney High, dermatopathology specialist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, said.
I – Word Understanding
Exfoliate – to remove dead skin cells
Eczema – a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to become red, rough, and itchy
II – Have Your Say
1, Do you sweat a lot or not enough? What do you know about the benefits of sweating?
2, Since sweating is beneficial to our health, what are the activities you do to promote sweating?
3,How do you deal with sweating and what products are known in your country to deal with it?
