Sweat and the Skin

There are good and bad aspects to perspiration. On the one hand, sweating is the body's way of maintaining a core temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit when body temperature rises, perspiration comes into play to cool things off. On the other hand, left to run its course, perspiration can often lead to skin blemishes and irritation.

We all know that perspiration can be annoying, even embarrassing. We always begin to perspire just when we least expect or want to, when we're nervous about to meet someone new, for example, or to speak before a crowd. But perspiration is not a voluntary process, and while it is often a response to environmental heat, sweating can also be triggered by stress, both the emotional kind and the physical variety for instance, the stress of combating an illness or infection or the hormonal stress of entering menopause. (If perspiration becomes a year round or particularly serious problem, it should be checked by a physician, as it could be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance.)

While most of us think of sweating as something that goes on under our arms, sweat glands are actually spread across almost all of the body skin in varying concentrations. There are two types of sweat glands: the apocrine glands, which secrete the type of sweat associated with body odor and are concentrated in the underarm area, and the eccrine glands, which are found on the forehead, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Sweat glands are also found in smaller numbers on the shoulders and back.

Perspiration itself regardless of the kind of gland it is secreted fromis odorless; odor develops from the mix of bacteria with sweat that has been secreted on the skin. The reason that sweat on the forehead rarely develops an odor is that bacteria have no chance to react with sweat in this area.

Other problems that can occur as a result of sweat that pools on the forehead are blemishes and clogged pores. When the salts that are contained in perspiration are not cleansed off the skin rapidly enough, or when sweat pools under bangs on the forehead, it is not unusual for tiny blackheads or whiteheads to appear. This is especially common among women who exercise outdoors in hot, humid weather. The solution, however, is fairly simple: If you exercise or work up a sweat in summer, always carry cotton balls doused with an astringent in a plastic bag in your purse or gym bag; that way, you won't need to be near a sink or shower to cleanse your skin. If you forget to carry astringent soaked cleansing pads, then at least remember to wipe your forehead with a water soaked towel during the break between tennis sets or during a quick stop when you play other outdoor games. After you've finished exercising, cleanse your face and body thoroughly in a shower or bath and apply a scented powder or moisturizer.

Other precautions to take when the weather's warm and your activity level is high enough to work up a sweat:

Don't wear makeup while you're exercising. Forget about vanity, forget about your appearance; all it will earn you is an irritated complexion. Makeup whether cream or liquid formula will trap perspiration on the skin, and the combination of the salts in perspiration and the oils and fragrance in makeup will inevitably contribute to skin breakouts. Instead, cleanse your face thoroughly before exercising. If you'll be working out outdoors, apply a sunscreen formulated for use on the face if you're wise, you'll choose one with a high SPF. If you're heading for an indoor gym or tennis or racquetball court, leave your skin bare or apply a lightweight moisturizer; save the heavier creams for days you're not exercising. Applying a too rich cream during exercise can cause even dry complexions to develop blemishes.

* If you have sensitive skin, be aware that blotchiness can be the skin's reaction to irritation resulting from the salts contained in perspiration. Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle, creamy cleanser and avoid potentially irritating highly fragranced cosmetics at this time of year.

Be aware of the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant and choose the formula that's appropriate to your needs. A deodorant is merely a fragrant cover up and will not reduce the degree of perspiration; most women find that a deodorant is a fine choice when the weather is not too warm and what's wanted is a fresh feeling rather than a perspiration flghter. An antiperspirant, however, contains chemical compounds that work to inhibit, although by no means completely eliminate, perspiration. For best results, apply a deodorant or antiperspirant fifteen minutes before getting dressed, so the product has time to dry. Experts note that an antiperspirant can even be applied the night before, after you take a shower, and still be "active" the next morning, as long as you have not showered it off or perspired heavily overnight. In any case, remember that you'll want to avoid getting deodorant products on your clothes, as the stains can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

* Don't be harsh in cleansing your skin after you've perspired. One of the most frequent causes of skin irritation or sensitivity is a too heavy hand with a cleansing sponge or cloth. Rubbing at the skin will only cause your complexion to become red and dry; instead, gently apply a creamformula cleanser and use either a water soaked cotton ball or repeated splashes of cool, clear water to rinse the cleanser away. Finish with several more splashes of water and patdon't rub your skin dry with a clean, soft towel. Also, remember to change and launder your towels and washcloths regularly, as bacteria and dirt that you have cleansed away can be unknowingly reapplied to the skin with a not so fresh towel.