Beauty

Is sweating a natural skin ally in the fight against acne?

As temperatures continue to rise around the world, here's a look at why and how sweating could be your best friend for flawless skin

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 01 Jul 2022 3:40PM

Is sweating a natural skin ally in the fight against acne?
Sweating could be a great ally when it comes to fighting acne. – ETX pic, July 1, 2022

SUMMER (unless you're somewhere it's always hot) is here, bringing with it all manner of tricks for avoiding the pesky perspiration that sticks to our skin at work, on public transport and even more so when exercising.

From thermoregulating clothing to deodorant and talcum powder, tips of all kinds encourage us to minimize this natural bodily function. And although sweating is bemoaned for many reasons, it's not all bad – quite the opposite, in fact – since perspiration is a major ally against acne.

Why do we sweat? 

When it's not excessive or linked to an illness, perspiration is a natural phenomenon that very simply manifests as the elimination of sweat through the pores of the skin. It is even described as a 'mechanism' because it allows the body to maintain a constant temperature. In other words, sweating helps to reduce body temperature by releasing heat when the body is at risk of overheating due to high outside temperatures, fever, intense physical effort or even stress. So there is nothing wrong with sweating, quite the contrary, especially if it can be beneficial to the skin.

Secreted by glands located under the skin, sweat is characterised by a layer of moisture on the surface of the skin, which can be embarrassing in everyday life. We have all – or almost all – felt that famous drop trickle down our backs during periods of high heat, and we could probably have done without it. However, contrary to popular belief, sweating does not favor the appearance of pimples and other imperfections, and it can even be helpful in getting rid of them... in certain cases.

Don't leave it to steep!

As we said, perspiration is nothing more than the evacuation of sweat through the pores of the skin. As a result, it simultaneously allows the body to get rid of sebum and other impurities that accumulate in these pores. In other words – goodbye acne, pimples, blackheads and the likes that can ruin our lives. Dr Viscusi, a dermatologist and co-founder of Dermatology & Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta (Dessna), told Allure magazine that sweat contains antimicrobial peptides that naturally protect against acne-causing agents. All the more reason to embrace perspiration.

The only downside is that it's best not to let sweat accumulate and dry out on the skin, which could lead to blemishes. After a sports session – or a trip to the sauna or steam room – it is recommended to wipe off the perspiration with a clean towel, cloth or handkerchief, or even to take a quick shower to reap the benefits of perspiration while minimising the drawbacks. – ETX Daily Up, July 1, 2022

Related News

Wellness / 8mth

Penang to ensure room for exercise and social development activities, says CM

Culture & Lifestyle / 2y

Beauty pageants can play major role in drawing tourists, says organiser

Malaysia / 2y

Never too busy: Saravanan flexes fitness routine

Beauty / 3y

Health experts voice concern about trend for ‘SPF cocktailing’

Beauty / 3y

Scent of luxury: India’s jasmine infuses global perfume

Beauty / 3y

TikTok beauty: ombré concealer a rainbow trick to hide dark circles

Spotlight

Malaysia

Desa ParkCity deaths: Netizens voice concern, call for increased enforcement, crackdowns on scammers

Malaysia

Seven Yemenis arrested over dangerous stunt on KL road

Malaysia

UMNO gives state leaders mandate to negotiate electoral pacts

Malaysia

Sultan Selangor warns against greed, abuse of trust

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Form Six students to get allowance from 2027

Malaysia

Desa ParkCity deaths: Wife believed to be victim of love scam, say cops

Malaysia

Saravanan's letter will be referred to MACC, relevant authorities - PM Anwar

Malaysia

Thirteen arrested after teen girl dies in suspected gang-related road attack in Kulai

You may be interested

Off beat

Time to look beyond manufacturing and tourism sectors, says Penang CM

By Ian McIntyre