IS YOUR WORKOUT DAMAGING YOUR SKIN

Sweat can lead to pimples, clogged pores and can even contribute to premature ageing. The latter is an even bigger concern if you tend to exercise outdoors, regularly exposing your skin to the harsh UV rays of the sun.

Whether you jog outdoors, take a yoga class or hit the gym, that’s a whole lot of sweat. While exercise and sweat are good for your body- is it good for your skin?

While sweating aids in the accelerated release of toxins from the body, it has also been proven to cause a number of skin problems, and to exacerbate existing ones.

• Sweat contains large amounts of sodium which dehydrates the skin and can lead to premature ageing.

• Sweat can cause clogged pores due to dead skin cells on the skin, sebum production (natural body oil) and bacteria. Clogged pores result in pimples, blackheads and blotches.

• Sweat alters the pH balance of the skin. This can lead to an over production of sebum. This can cause redness, irritation, itching, blotchiness and or breakouts.

• Sweat drains toxins. If you workout a lot, it can result in the loss of key minerals and vitamins that are essential for a healthy complexion.

• Vigorous workouts may subject skin to oxidative stress. This is when large amounts of free radicals are released as our cells use glucose to make energy. This can encourage collagen degeneration, resulting in a decrease in the skin’s elasticity.