There is nothing worse on a hot summer day than ending up with your shirt soaked with sweat. And it is that when the temperature rises, sweat increases, which can cause a feeling of modesty. However, nobody gets rid of it, as it is a sign that your body is too hot and needs to cool itself by evaporating water from the skin to cool it.
The pharmacist Belén Acero, owner of the Avenida de América Pharmacy, points out that sweating in summer is something that can cause many headaches, as it can lead to problems such as hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration), leading to acne or, even affecting emotional health.
Why do we sweat?
Acero explains that sweat can be caused by everything from intense exercise, hot weather, and hormonal fluctuations, to a specific emotional state, such as embarrassment.
“The body has the mechanism of sweating, a bodily function that helps regulate body temperature through the evaporation of perspiration.”
The problem lies, says the expert, when we sweat excessively, known as hyperhidrosis, where the body’s mechanism for cooling is hyperactive and can cause sweat production up to four or five times higher than normal. “It is important to remember that hyperhidrosis is a treatable medical condition and that symptoms can be managed with specific treatments.”
How does sweat affect the skin?
One of the collateral damages of excessive sweating is acne, both facial and body. “80% of adolescents suffer from it, but also 40% of adult women. And it is that pimples are the great workhorse, but they have a solution, as long as the appropriate active ingredients are used, ”explains Acero.
The expert is clear: salicylic acid or retinoids are the best allies for acne-prone skin, the result of excessive sweating, as they help reduce comedones, calm swelling and reduce scars. “Azelaic acid is also a good solution because it is better tolerated and reduces both acne lesions and the spots that are often associated with this skin problem.”
What is excessive sweating due to?
Excessive sweating is considered – indicates Acero – when it interferes with daily activities and causes emotional distress. Menopause and pregnancy increase the chance of experiencing its adverse effects, such as hot flashes and extra sweating. ” Sweat gland disorders are the common cause of any sweat-related problem and can lead to excessive sweating, decreased sweating, and even no sweating at all.”
Ultimately, hyperhidrosis can have a negative impact on quality of life and lead to social isolation and feelings of shyness. It can affect most of the body, but commonly affects the armpits, hands, and feet.
“Underlying medical conditions, such as having hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), can also lead to excessive sweating, night sweats, and heat intolerance. Obesity and alcoholism can also trigger episodes of intense sweating”, shares the expert.
How does sweat affect hair?
On the other hand, Dr. Joaquín Domínguez, from the Hospital Capilar clinic, adds that the excessive sweating that we experience in the summer months is another component that, due to its saline nature, encourages our hair to also dry out and weaken, causing the follicles become more fragile and brittle.
“Furthermore, the sun exposure that we face during the summer season is the most frequent cause of structural alteration in the hair shaft, since ultraviolet radiation induces the degradation of keratin and other hair proteins, producing morphological changes in itself, weakening it, making it more brittle, rough and with a greater loss of rigidity”, explains Domínguez.
Likewise, solar radiation, sweat, and chlorine from swimming pools or sea water cause the ends of the hair to become dehydrated and dry. For this reason, it is recommended to have a pre-summer haircut, as well as to use moisturizing masks, conditioners, or shampoos with hyaluronic acid, which soften the cuticle, temporarily restoring shine and helping to restore vitality to the hair.
On the other hand, it is advisable to do without irons and dryers, since, according to the specialist at Hospital Capilar, they harm the structure of the hair and burn its superficial layers more. “The sun already damages the hair and it is not convenient to add other sources of heat, so drying the hair outdoors will be a good option and, in the case of using these elements, it is recommended to apply thermal protectors.”
Finally, taking care of our diet and maintaining good hydration during this season will be essential to counteract the ravages of summer on our hair. Experts recommend eating a diet rich in fruits, such as peaches, raspberries, or mangoes, and vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, or pumpkins, while also promoting the intake of dairy products, fish, eggs, and legumes.
