Summer fun never disappoints---to make you sweat like crazy! Even in milder climates around the country or the world, those scorching temperatures require your body to release toxins via your pores, producing sweat that’s attempting to cool you down fast. Though it’s your body’s natural reaction to ensure you’re not overheated, all of that excess moisture can mean double-duty cleanup for your pores. “Sweat in itself is not ‘bad’ for the skin if it is wicked or evaporated away. However, if it sits on the skin, especially if it remains in contact with the skin via sweat-soaked clothes, it can be problematic and cause an obstruction of the sweat pore. This blockage may occur when the bacteria within sweat mingles with dead skin cells and creates a plug of debris,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sharyn Laughlin, MD. Not only can this sweat-induced blockage result in acne breakout, too much sweat can also trigger a number of other skin conditions too, like skin rash, according to Dr. Laughlin.
The good news? Cleaning up your face and body after a day spent poolside, beachside or the gym is easy. It just requires a few simple steps:1. Avène Thermal Spring Water (10.1 oz.)
In a rush before heading off to a rooftop happy hour or don’t have time to grab your facial cleanser? Dr. Laughlin notes that even a quick splash of cool water, followed by patting your face dry with a towel (or even paper towels, if that’s all you have nearby) can stop your pores from getting clogged. No bathroom nearby and your skin is feeling overly sticky? Dr. Laughlin says to add a face mist or a thermal spray water to your beach bag to come to your rescue when you’re in a pinch.
2. HydroPeptide HydroActive Cleanse Micellar Facial Cloths (30 piece)
If you have plans to grab a green smoothie post-outdoor bootcamp with your friends, don’t forget to pack a cleansing wipe for your gym bag. Dr. Laughlin notes these come in handy when you want to cleanse the sweat from your face, neck, back and chest. For a no-frills simple buy, consider wipes containing dirt-grabbing micellar water to trap dirt and oil for a more effective cleanse without stripping skin’s natural barrier.
3. Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Foaming Gel (6.7 fl. oz.)
Prone to breakouts no matter the season? We feel ya. There’s nothing more disappointing than hoping you’ll be able to go makeup-free to a summer cookout and then waking up to a sweat-induced zit. Dr. Laughlin says to be careful when
choosing a cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin, as stripping off too many layers can lead to overproduction of sebum and clog your pores even more. In addition to talking to a dermatologist, Dr. Laughlin suggests using a medicated cleanser to defend your skin against acne-causing bacteria.
5. Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 25 AHA 2BHA Exfoliant Peel (1 fl. oz.)
Though Dr. Laughlin notes it’s wise to book an appointment with your dermatologist before deciding the best exfoliator for your skin, most skin types would benefit from a once-a-week chemical exfoliator to gently exfoliates skin’s surface and inside pores to combat blemish-causing congestion from the residues your sweat leaves behind.
