Sweat and Skin: 4 Ways to Deal with Summer Heat

by | Updated: December 2nd, 2016 | Read time: 2 minutes

Whether you’re heading out for a run or simply walking to your car, chances are you’ll be working up a sweat at some point this summer. Sweat can be uncomfortable, sure – but it’s essential to regulating your body’s internal temperature.

Sweat and Skin

Mostly composed of water with trace amounts of sodium, minerals, and selectively excreted toxins and chemicals, perspiration can benefit your skin by helping to purge impurities through your pores and naturally exfoliate your skin.

There is a downside, though. Sweat that stays on the surface of your skin for too long can lead to clogged pores, blemishes and in some extreme cases, severe rashes. The impurities sweating flushes out can stay on your skin, and when the skin begins to re-absorb them, the pores can become clogged at the surface, leading to irritation and blemish-causing blockage.

Follow these 4 easy tips to save your skin from sweat-related issues:

1. Start with a clean slate. 

About to hit up the gym or head out on a hike? Wash your face beforehand to help reduce surface impurities that can become lodged in the pores. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer and sun protection product if you plan on being outside.

I recommend Fruit Enzyme Cleanser to keep skin healthy and clean pre-workout, followed by Daily Defense Cream SPF 17 to hydrate and moisturize in one easy step.

2. Let your skin breathe. 

Wear breathable clothes made with fabrics that help wick sweat away from the skin. Doing so can help reduce the chances of breakouts, irritation, chafing and rashes. (Tip: Cotton is breathable, but NOT a good choice when you’ll be sweating profusely.)

3. Wash up when you finish.

Make it a priority to keep your pores clean and unclogged by always washing your face and body as soon as possible after sweating. If your skin is especially sensitive, remove all sweaty clothes immediately to avoid irritations.

Keep products like Clear Skin Clarifying Pads in your gym bag or purse and use to quickly wipe down your face, neck and other areas before you shower. They contain powerful plant extracts such as willow bark and neem leaf to dissolve excess oil and clear dead cells and pore impurities.

4. Drink water, then drink some more.

The higher the water content in sweat, the better! The more water in your body, the lower the chance your sweat will cause skin irritations. Water intake will increase essential minerals and acids in sweat, which can help stabilize the skin’s pH balance.