Whether you’re hitting the gym or simply basking in the balmy July heat, chances are you’ll be working up a sweat! While you may feel sticky and uncomfortable at the time, a good sweat actually works wonders for your skin.
Sweating essentially allows the skin to detoxify. Sweat glands open and release dirt and bacteria from the skin’s surface, as well as toxins from deeper skin layers. The Greeks and Romans used steam rooms to work up a sweat, which opened up the body’s millions of sweat glands and pores. The same principle applies today. In fact, perspiration can eliminate up to 30% of the skin’s toxins, with your liver and kidneys flushing out the rest.
But you don’t have to be a Gladiator to get a healthy glow – and you don’t need a steam room either. According to dermatologist Dr. S. Johnson, exercise is a great way to get the same results. “Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, increases neuronal stimulation, and allows the sweat glands to increase their functions and rid the toxins”, she explains.
Exercise also improves oxygen and blood flow, bringing the skin natural nutrients from within the body, resulting in a fresh “glow”. Just remember to wash your face after a good sweat to rinse off the salt and residue, and use a toner to close pores afterwards to avoid letting in any bacteria in which can lead to breakouts.