5 Benefits of Sweating

After that intense workout or just a simple walk, do you notice sweat dripping off of your face? Although it is a common thought that sweating is bad for your skin, in fact, it is the opposite. Sweating has several benefits to both your skin and the wellbeing of your body. Next time you are at the gym or walking around the track don’t sweat it if you notice your shirt becoming saturated, rather embrace it as your body is performing its duty.

What is Sweat?

Sweating, also known as perspiration, is your body signaling that you need a cool down. Your body begins to sweat once it gets warmer than the average body temperature of 98.6 degrees. Once this occurs, your brain signals to the hypothalamus, responsible for controlling temperature, to begin the cooling down process. As a result of the body increasing in temperature, sweat acts as a cool down method for the body to return to normal temperature.

Sweat consists of mainly water, with small amounts of ammonia, urea, salts, and sugars. The way in which sweat exits the body is through small holes called pores.

Now that we have the basic understanding of what sweat is and how it leaves us, we can move on to ways sweating benefits the skin.

1. Detoxifies Body

As stated above, sweat is comprised of mostly water along with a few chemicals. As the sweat leaves your body and enters the air, the chemicals found in sweat are also leaving. Along with releasing the chemicals, perspiring also rids of substances such as alcohol, cholesterol, and salt. The body is capable of releasing these potential pore-clogging toxins. After a workout, your body will have rid of some of the toxins that have been building up allowing for your pores to open.

2.Clears Blemishes

Since sweating opens the pores and allows for flowing out of sweat, it reduces the likelihood of noticing zits on your face. Many toxins have the ability to clog your pores, however, perspiring allows for the pores to become unclogged and the toxins to be released. Pollution, dead skin cells, makeup along with other toxins are examples of substances that might be clogging your pores. This is why it is crucial to clean your face properly before entering a workout, as well of afterwards, to ensure that your sweat can freely release.

3. Fighting Germs

It has been studied that sweat contains a natural antibiotic called, Dermcidin. This particular antibiotic is naturally found in sweat and aids the immune system in fighting off any potential threats. Dermcidin helps fight off any E-coli and Staphylococcus aurues, bacteria that causes acne. Overall, sweating can help prevent sickness as it fends off germs and boost your immune system.

4. Reduces Kidney Stone Risk

Although not directly correlated to the appearance of your skin, sweating can reduce the chances of developing kidney stones. Now how is that? Sweating helps release salt along with helping to retain calcium within the bones. As a result, it reduces the salt and calcium build up in kidneys and urine, which causes kidney stones. People who tend to sweat a lot, or engage in strenuous activity, tend to drink more liquids also aiding in the prevention of kidney stones.

5. Mood Booster

Last, but certainly not least, sweating makes people happy. Perspiration releases endorphins in the brain that make people feel good. It has been shown that people who workout regularly feel more satisfied and happier once finishing the workout. Along with being labeled, the “feel good” endorphin, sweating can also ease pain. When the brain signals our endorphins, it also targets any area of the body that might be experiencing pain or discomfort.

Recap

Now that you are aware of the benefits of sweating, you also have to consider the proper techniques for washing your face after your workout. Although there are benefits, there are also downsides. This is why it is imperative to take action as soon as possible once the workout is complete. Leaving sweat on the skin’s surface for too long can cause adverse effects and result in the opposite goal of clear skin. In order to properly wash your face, make sure that you are avoiding common face-washing mistakes.

All in all, sweating has many skin benefits along with long-term health benefits. In order to optimize these results, ensure to engage in regular activity to increase sweat glands and also to increase your overall health.