Daily Archives: October 28, 2020

Why Sweating is Good for Your Skin

is-sweating-good-for-your-skin

“A sweaty body is a healthy body.” 

Whether or not that statement is actually true, physical education teachers around the world have shouted it to thousands of kids as they’ve run laps over the decades. And while the claim is not at all specific in how sweat might help the skin, it just feels right. But is it? 

Turns out, sweating is good for the skin in primary and secondary ways. We’ll start with the secondary. Most of us sweat profusely when we exercise. And exercise, it has been shown, stimulates the skin to grow in more healthy ways, particularly in the ways that the effects of aging accumulate over time. This is due to many causes not directly related to sweat, but because sweat is so closely associated with vigorous exercise. We can at least affirm that the old saying of “a sweaty body is a healthy body” is at least partially correct. 

So exercise is healthy for the skin – no surprise there. But in what ways might sweating be directly healthy for our skin? For this insight, we’ll look to the book “The Beauty of Dirty Skin: The Surprising Science of Looking and Feeling Radiant from the Inside Out” by doctor Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist. Dr. Bowe says: 

“Sweat contains natural alternatives to antibiotics called antimicrobial peptides. The specific antimicrobial peptide in sweat, dermcidin, is pumped onto the skin via the sweat glands and coats the skin, thereby providing protection against infection from other microbes and harmful germs.”

Microbes and germs, another study reminds us, are responsible for numerous skin problems, including pimples, boils, impetigo, and folliculitis. We learn from Dr. Bowe that by sweating with regularity, we can counteract some of the effects that these natural microbes have on our skin’s health. 

Perhaps this is one of the reasons that saunas have been so popular for centuries. Although the notion of “sweating out toxins,” Dr. Bowe reminds us, is for the most part a myth. 

So sweat is good, but is too much sweat a bad thing? Dr. Bowe has information for us once again. She says, “If sweat sits on the skin too long, it can irritate the skin. Specifically, the ammonia and urea in sweat can cause irritation and inflammation if left on skin too long. The sodium in sweat can dehydrate skin if left too long on the surface, and the evaporation of sweat from skin can aggravate people prone to eczema.”

So there you have it. Sweating is good, and you should do it in dedicated workouts regularly. But also make sure that you hit the showers after working out at the gym. 

Of course, there are some skin challenges that go along with sweating. Because you’re likely not going to the gym right now because of Covid-19, you may be forced to work out outside. Outdoor workouts mean fending with the elements: the sun, the cold, the wind, and the dry (or excessively humid) air. Any of these factors can damage your skin. Fortunately, there are ways to give back what the stress of any workout takes from our skin. 

Cosmesis Healing Vitamin K Cream from Life Extension , Jade Facial Travel Kit – Normal to Dry Skin from Jadience Herbal Formulas, and Balancing Day Lotion will each have a restorative effect on your skin, whether you’re recovering from a workout, or are merely wishing to moisturize after a cleansing shower. Whatever the case, we hope you find that sweat helps your skin, and that you find a way to get sweaty that works perfectly for your situation.

Joint Support Supplements to Complement Your Physical Therapy

joint support supplements for physical therapy

Learn about joint support supplements for physical therapy.

Without fail, at some point in our lives most of us will start to have problems with our joints that may need to be looked at by a medical professional. Your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy, possibly in conjunction with other therapies, to help strengthen the muscles around your weak joints to reduce pain and improve function. What they should also be telling you, is how proper nutrition and joint supporting supplements can play a major role in your success during physical therapy.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment plan designed by a licensed medical professional to help develop, maintain, and restore function to one or more body parts after an injury, surgery, or deterioration due to age or a chronic condition. You will probably need several physical therapy sessions, which may include light aerobic activity, muscle training, stretching, and pain relieving exercises. Physical therapy can help with a variety of different conditions, and the benefits include:

  • Pain Management
  • Increased Mobility
  • Increased Flexibility
  • Recovery from Stroke or Paralysis
  • Recovery from Injury
  • Improved Balance

Joint Supplements and Physical Therapy

Nutrition can have a major impact on your success in physical therapy. Studies show that patients who consumed fewer inflammatory foods, such as sugar, and increased muscle supporting foods such as lean protein, had much more success in recovery and function after physical therapy. Joint support supplements can also make a huge difference. Here are some of our favorites that you can use on their own, or in conjunction with physical therapy.

Joint ReVITALIZER by Klaire Labs – This supplement contains hydrolyzed collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid that work together for superior joint protection and connective tissue health.

Advanced Inflammation Support by Klaire Labs – Joint pain is often caused by chronic inflammation. This supplement can help control that with a blend of anti-inflammatory herbs like stinging nettle, holy basil, ginger, and boswellia.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin by Vital Nutrients – Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are essential for building the protein molecules responsible for giving cartilage its strength and resilience.

Pure Omega Plus Omega-3 Fish Oil by NutraGen –  This blend combines the benefits of fish oil with inflammation reducing turmeric, astaxanthin, and vitamin D3.

Classic Protein by Sunwarrior – Up your protein intake for bone and muscle growth with a high-quality protein powder.

Physical therapy is a safe, effective, and all-natural way to get rid of pain and increase your mobility. Just make sure you’re following guidance from a medical professional and increase your chances for success with a proper diet and joint supporting supplements. Good luck!