Sweating: Benefits for Your Skin

We know breaking a sweat is a good thing. We always talk about the benefits of exercise for our cardiovascular, skeletal and muscular systems- but what about our skin? Sweating benefits our skin, the largest organ in our body, in many different ways!

A need for increased blood flow during exercise subsequently tells our body to dilate blood vessels. This transaction is not limited to certain body systems, but occurs throughout the body, causing the vasculature, or veins, in our face to dilate as well. Studies have shown the positive impact this has on maintaining and “working out” the vasculature that supports our skin. Well supported skin equals less wrinkles!

We know one of blood’s many roles is to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Again, this includes the skin! With the increased blood supply to face cells, they are free to soak up everything they need. This is where that healthy glow comes from!

Sweat itself is full of our impurities, including salts, minerals and toxins. In addition to purging the skin, sweat can naturally exfoliate with the elements in which it’s made! The liquid portion of our sweat also has a benefit- hydration- and it can balance your skins microbiome. The microbiome is basically the habitat our skin lives in and we want this to be as balanced as possible!

As with most things, there is a caveat to this. Although the things in which sweat is made can help our skin, it can harm it too if left on too long! Faces should definitely be washed post workout. If left dirty, it can clog our pores and throw off the pH of the epidermis, or the top layer of the skin. In addition to acne, it can cause rashes and irritation. So just be sure to wash your face when you get home!

All in all, a great workout and sit in the sauna goes beyond just a basic workout- your skin will thank you!