As summer heat intensifies, I'm sure many of us find ourselves drenched in sweat. This is a natural response as our bodies work to regulate temperature. However, excessive sweating combined with improper skin care can lead to unwanted skin issues like body acne, irritation, and small bumps. While this might make you rethink those cute shorts or that backless top you've been dying to wear, don't worry-I've got a secret that can turn things around, and it starts with addressing some poor habits.
Why Do We Sweat and How is it Linked to Poor Habits?
Sweating is a crucial part of how our bodies manage heat. The human body produces sweat through sweat glands, which are plentiful in areas like the face, armpits, and back. Sweat is primarily made up of water and salt, and as it evaporates from the skin's surface, it helps to cool the body down. Fascinating, right? This natural cooling system allows our internal temperature to stay regulated, preventing overheating in hot environments, like those found in the sweltering South African summers.
While sweating is essential for temperature regulation, it can also negatively affect your skin, particularly when it mixes with oils, dirt, and other substances that build up on the skin's surface. This combination can block pores, leading to acne, skin irritations, and general discomfort.
3 Common Skin Problems Caused by Sweat
Sweat itself doesn't cause acne directly, however, when a proper hygiene or skincare routine isn't followed it can accumulate on your skin and cause all types of skin annoyances. Here are some common skin issues that can show up:
1. Body Acne: The Result of Blocked Pores
One of the most common skin issues related to sweat is body acne. When sweat is allowed to linger on the skin, especially during physical activities such as exercise or when exposed to scorching weather, it can combine with oils, dead skin cells, and dirt. If not cleansed properly, this mixture can create an environment where acne-causing bacteria can live, rent-free! This can lead to inflammation, and ultimately, the formation of pimples, cysts, or whiteheads on areas like the back, chest, and shoulders-some areas prone to sweat buildup.
2. Irritation and Rashes: Skin Sensitivity from Prolonged Sweat Exposure
Sweat that sits on the skin for a long time, particularly under tight clothing or humid conditions, can irritate the skin. The moisture in sweat softens the outer layers of the skin, making it more prone to friction and rubbing. This irritation can manifest in rashes, especially in areas where the skin is in constant contact with clothing, such as the armpits, inner thighs, and waistline. These rashes may appear as red patches, bumps, or even blisters, and they can get worse by wearing tight, non-breathable fabrics.
3. Bumps and Folliculitis: When Sweat Affects Hair Follicles
Sweat can also cause folliculitis, a condition where hair follicles become inflamed due to irritation or infection. When sweat is trapped in the hair follicles, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria, combined with dead skin cells, can cause an infection within the follicle, leading to small, red bumps or pustules on the skin. These bumps often appear on areas where sweat accumulates, such as the back, neck, and face, and can resemble acne but are actually a result of folliculitis.
Poor Habits to Avoid for Healthy Summer Skin
To prevent these issues and keep your skin clear and comfortable during the summer months, there are certain habits you should avoid and some skin-care practices you should adopt in their place:
1. Improper Washing Techniques
When you find yourself sweating a lot, your skin needs proper cleaning to remove dirt, sweat, and oils. But over-washing, using harsh soaps, or scrubbing too hard can disrupt your skin's barrier function and microbiome.
So rather, stick to washing your skin with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that won't clog pores. We have various cleanser formulation recipes available on our site, some of which can be found here. Avoid hot water, as it can dry out the skin and irritate it further, opt for lukewarm to cool water. Focus on areas where sweat accumulates the most.
2. Not Washing Hair First in the Shower
Hair products like shampoos, conditioners, and styling gels can leave residues on your skin. These residues, combined with sweat, can contribute to breakouts or irritation.
Therefore, it's best to always start your shower routine by washing your hair first and then making your way down your body. This ensures that any residue from hair products is rinsed off before it has the unwelcomed opportunity to come into contact with your skin, especially on your back and shoulders.
3. Tight-Fitting Clothes
Tight clothing traps sweat against the skin, making it harder for the sweat to evaporate. As mentioned earlier in this blog, when sweat is combined with constant friction from tight clothes, you invite unwanted skin issues to your doorstep.
To avoid this, always opt to wear loose, breathable fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate more easily. Pick clothes that pull moisture away from your skin, especially when you're being active. Consider sustainable fabric options such as organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo, which are better for the environment and often gentler on the skin.
4. Picking at Acne or Bumps
We all know the temptation to pick at spots or body acne is quite strong, however, picking or squeezing these spots can introduce bacteria, leading to even more issues like further inflammation, scarring, or infection.
Instead of picking at your skin, find the discipline to allow your skin time to heal on its own. Treat body acne with salicylic acid or tea tree essential oil, which can help reduce inflammation and clear pores. Consult a dermatologist or skincare practitioner if necessary.
5. Skipping Moisturiser
Many people skip moisturising during the summer, do not, I repeat, do not be tempted to do so. It can leave your skin vulnerable to dehydration, irritation, and increased oil production as it tries to compensate.
Make sure to use a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser with natural ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture without causing breakouts. You can try to make this fabulous Aloe Daily Moisturiser and incorporate it into your summer skin moisturising routine.
Natural Skincare Recipes to Combat Summer Skin Issues
Nature has, as always, has come up with the solution to your summer skin woes by providing some amazing ingredients that can help combat the negative effects of sweat and heat on your skin. First, let's make a Body Scrub and Bath Soak, that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and cleansed.
