Can Sweat Actually Be Good For Your Skin? Here's What Dermatologists Say.

When you think of sweat in relation to your skin, oil buildup and acne come to mind. However, experts say sweat removes dirt and dead skin cells from the body .

In fact, sweating is a normal physiological response that plays an important role in keeping your body healthy. "The purpose of sweating is to keep your body at a normal body temperature and to cool you down when your body temperature rises, which can happen due to exercise, work, stress or external heat, among others," said Dr. Marissa Garcic , a dermatologist in New York City.

But if sweat has beauty benefits, we want to hear about it. HuffPost reached out to Garcic and another dermatologist for clarification.

Sweating can remove harmful bacteria from the skin

An average human has 2 to 4 million sweat glands . Three types: eccrine, apocrine and apocrine. The last two types usually play a minor role in sweat production and are restricted to certain areas of the body, but the eccrine glands play a role in the skin-friendly sweat we're talking about.

Sweat contains a natural antibacterial peptide called dermcidin. "These peptides naturally destroy bacteria and other harmful substances," says Dr. Dylan Alston , a dermatologist in Salt Lake City. "As a result, it helps reduce infection and may help with acne."

You may have heard people refer to it as "sweat poison," but don't think of excess sweat as poison. And why: while studies have shown that toxins and heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic can be eliminated from the body through sweat , most toxins are eliminated by the liver, kidneys and intestines. You don't have to "think" about them.

Sweat can have a moisturizing effect on the skin

Certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry , sweat plays an important role in maintaining skin moisture and enhancing the protective function of the skin. "Sweat increases blood flow to your skin, giving it a healthy glow," she says.

So what does circulation have to do with your skin? Gershick explains that when circulation is good, skin gets the nutrients it needs to look and feel more hydrated and healthy. When circulation problems occur, the skin can be damaged and appear dry and dull.

"Sweat is the most effective and natural moisturizer when it comes to skin and aging," says Alston. "It provides a protective benefit by increasing skin hydration and preventing sweat allergens from entering the skin." If you're wondering what allergies have to do with your skin, Alston further explains, “Lack of moisture and increased allergens disrupt the skin's ability to regenerate and repair itself. These two factors directly affect the rate of cell differentiation and regeneration. .

So why does sweat have such a bad reputation with skin?

If not properly controlled, sweating can lead to many negative consequences. According to Henry, excessive sweating can cause skin irritation, breakouts, and clogged pores, which can lead to acne. It also promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause infections or skin conditions such as ringworm of the feet, also known as athlete's foot.

Good hygiene is important to reduce the risk of skin irritation from healthy sweating. “Exfoliate your skin regularly during exercise or in hot weather and wear moisture-wicking, breathable clothing,” says Henry.

And don't overdo it with an exfoliating cleanser, you want to keep the skin barrier intact. "It's important to strike a balance between cleansing the skin to remove buildup and sweating without stripping the skin of its natural oils," says Gershick.

For people with hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, "there are treatment options and it's best to talk to a board-certified dermatologist," Garcic says.

A liana

Sweating has a positive effect on the skin, but do not neglect skin care and only bathe in sweat throughout the day. Sweat improves skin radiance and provides temporary hydration, but it's not the only thing that contributes to skin radiance.

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