After a good workout you may notice that spots have suddenly appeared, well these are called ‘sweat spots’ and yes they are a nuisance – especially if you love a streamy sesson at the gym or regular jogs. However, if your not working up a sweat, over the past couple of years of wearing masks hasn’t help with the appearance of sweat spots, but that still doesn’t mean you just have to put up with them. Scroll down, to where you can find out everything you need to know about what actually causes them, as well as how to avoid them and give them a big swerve.
What causes sweat spots?
Firstly, sweating in itself doesn’t cause a spot but if you add in sweat, heat and frictions then this can lead to the clogging of pores on both your face, decolletage and body. Also, if you already suffer from acne, then salt in the sweat can irritate the skin and worsen breakouts – indirectly increasing your chances of getting spots. Dust and dirt are likely to stick to moist skin, which can lead to clogging of your pores.
Is sweat actually good for your skin?
Unfortunately, sweat is inevitable – whether you exercise or start dripping sweat the minute you step out in direct sunlight. But to minimise the effects that it has on your skin, the main aim is to remove any barriers that can create friction and seal the sweat in and it up close to the skin for longer periods than it needs to be. Like, removing sweaty clothing as soon as you can, also try to wear breathable clothes, for example: opt to wear clothing that is made from cotton fabrics. Also going to the gym makeup-free will allow your skin to breathe and reap the many benefits that exercise has on our skin.
Really take advantage of the gym showers facilities or at least give your face a quick cleanse with warm water just before heading off and if the morning communte to work has you in sweats, then consider applying your makeup when you get in. This will help to keep you skin clear for travel and you can face mist once you arrive to freshen up.
Can skincare help to treat sweat spots?
- Cleansing your skin in the morning and before bed with youyour usual face wash, but if you feel your skin to be extra greasy then opt for a double cleanse just before bed in order to ensure you’ve got rid of all the excess dirt and unclog pores.
- Unless you have problematic skin, try to use foaming cleansers instead of cremier options as creamier face wash can cause build-up and block pores during the summer months, where as it can be more beneficial during winter months.
- Using a gentle toner if you don’t already used after cleansing, but it will help to keep your skin feeling less oily and clean while also reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
- If you are wanting to get ride of any unwanted dead skin cells and dirt, then it is advised to exfoliating a couple of times a week.
- Are you more prone to breakouts? Well invest in a salicylic acid serum.
- Alway use an SPF products all year round. For your face, opt for a gentle sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30 with a UVA and UVB protection. For oily skin that is more prone to blackhead and breakout, then make sure to keep your SPF product lightweight.
