Sport is health, and as such, it is ideal that every habit surrounding our physical activity is aligned with the holistic care of the body. Exercising is one of the easiest ways to feel good. However, to be able to do everything correctly and healthily, it is also essential to monitor the products we apply to our skin before and after training.
Although the main reason for applying deodorant before exercising is usually to avoid bad odor, there are other important factors that should be taken into account, such as skin health, the body's thermal balance, and respect for the body's natural processes. In this article, we tell you how deodorant works while you exercise and what you should know before applying it.
Sweat and the proper functioning of the body
Many times we are taught to see sweat as something uncomfortable, annoying, and even dirty. However, the truth is that sweating is one of the most intelligent and vital functions of the human body. It is a natural and essential process, as it helps the body regulate body temperature, eliminate toxins, and protect the skin by keeping it flexible.
When we exercise, body temperature increases, and sweating is the mechanism your body activates to maintain proper thermal regulation and keep the skin in its ideal balance. Interfering with this process can have consequences for health in the medium and long term.
Therefore, understanding what type of deodorant you use before exercising can make a big difference.
What happens if we apply a deodorant when we are going to train?
It will depend on the type of product you use. There are products that respect the natural physiology of the body and others that alter or even block it. To understand this, it is very important to understand the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants, as they are not the same and can have very different consequences due to their way of acting against sweat.
Antiperspirants work in a way that is not entirely adequate to protect the health of the body. What they do is block the sweat glands to prevent sweating, preventing the body from performing this function that is so necessary for its proper functioning. In addition, antiperspirants contain components that are toxic to the body and act as endocrine disruptors, chemicals capable of altering the body's hormonal system.
In contrast, natural deodorants do not contain harmful ingredients for the body and respect the sweating process. These do not block the glands and allow the body to sweat, although they do neutralize bad odor, care for the skin, and are aluminum-free, a compound that has been linked to diseases such as breast cancer.
Natural deodorants can be applied before training without problems, as they protect the skin, provide freshness, and can even help soothe possible irritations. Moreover, this type of product can become a complement for body care during sports practice, as it helps protect sensitive areas from chafing, humidity, or friction.
Sweat during physical exercise
During exercise, sweating is normal. If we apply aggressive products to the skin, we run the risk of promoting skin imbalances, eliminating beneficial bacteria, or weakening the skin barrier.
Furthermore, when you exercise, you are not only activating muscles: your skin is also in motion. It stretches, breathes, sweats, rubs against clothing... and if you use aggressive products, you can suffer consequences such as itching, irritation, dryness, or even pH alterations.
If you exercise often, choosing your deodorant is also a health choice. Your skin needs to breathe, release, and regenerate, and that can only happen if the products you apply work with it and not against it. It's not just about avoiding harmful things, but about choosing products that accompany your rhythm without altering your natural functions.
What ingredients should you avoid?
When you train, your skin is more active, more exposed, more sensitive. Therefore, the ingredients you apply before exercise should be the best and healthiest. We recommend that you avoid using products containing the following compounds:
Especially avoid:
- Aluminum salts: block sweat glands, interfere with the lymphatic system, and alter thermal balance.
- Alcohols: dry out, sensitize, and can promote micro-injuries to the skin, especially with rubbing or friction.
- Silicones and petroleum derivatives: create an artificial film that prevents natural perspiration.
Ingredients that are recommended for use
Unlike conventional antiperspirants, natural deodorants do contain ingredients that are respectful of the body and allow to neutralize odor, absorb moisture and protect the skin without hindering its natural function. Some ingredients that we recommend looking for on labels for their active properties are the following:
- Zinc oxide: Prevents chafing, redness, and irritation, especially useful if you exercise. In addition, it has a slight antibacterial action and is ideal for the most sensitive skin.
- Coconut oil: Helps prevent irritation caused by chafing or moisture, softens the skin, and acts as a protective barrier without being occlusive. Perfect for keeping the underarm area comfortable and well-cared for during exercise.
- White Clay: It is gentle, does not dry out the skin, and maintains the natural balance of the skin's pH. Ideal for those looking for a feeling of freshness and cleanliness without compromising skin health.
- Sodium bicarbonate: It has the ability to create an environment less favorable for bacterial growth. It also helps minimize the risk of irritation and offers effective protection even on the most active days.
These ingredients do not block, overload, or irritate. They simply help accompany the body's natural process, even when it is activated by exercise. They respect your body and its natural processes, which is essential if you want to take care of your overall well-being.
Your skin also trains with you
When you play sports, your whole body participates, including your skin. Therefore, it deserves to be cared for with the same attention as the other parts of your body.
Choose formulas that add, that respect, that let your body do what it knows and has to do. Taking care of yourself also means letting your skin function as it should.
