Exercise is health, and as such, ideally, every habit surrounding our physical activity should be aligned with the comprehensive care of our body. Working out is one of the simplest ways to feel good. However, in order to do it all in a correct and healthy way, it is essential to also be mindful of 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 organism's natural processes. In this article, we explain what sweat is, what it is for, and what you should know before applying deodorant for a workout.
What is sweat and what is it for? The proper functioning of the organism
We are often 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.
But what exactly is sweat? It is a liquid composed mainly of water and minerals secreted by sweat glands distributed all over our skin. And what is sweat for? It is a natural and essential process, as it helps the organism regulate body temperature, eliminate toxins, and protect the skin by keeping it flexible.
So, is sweating good? Without a doubt: when we exercise, body temperature rises, and sweating is the mechanism your body activates to maintain correct thermal regulation and keep the skin in its ideal balance. In fact, it is bad not to sweat: interfering with this process can have medium and long-term health consequences.
That is why understanding what type of deodorant you use before exercising can make a big difference.
What happens if we apply deodorant when we are about to train?
It depends on the type of product you use. There are products that respect the body's natural physiology and others that alter or even block it. To understand this, it is very important to grasp the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants, as they are not the same and can have very different consequences due to how they act against sweat.
Antiperspirants work in a way that is not entirely suitable for protecting the body's health. What they do is block the sweat glands to avoid sweating, preventing the body from performing this function that is so necessary for its proper functioning. Furthermore, antiperspirants contain components that are toxic to the body and act as endocrine disruptors, chemicals capable of altering the organism's hormonal system.
In contrast, natural deodorants do not contain ingredients harmful to the body and respect the sweating process. They do not block the sweat glands and allow the body to sweat, although they do neutralize bad odor, care for the skin, and are free of aluminum, a compound whose safety has been the subject of scientific debate in recent years.
Natural deodorants can be applied before training without any problem, as they protect the skin, provide freshness, and can even help soothe potential irritations. Moreover, this type of product can become a supplement for body care during sports practice, as it helps protect sensitive areas against rubbing, moisture, or friction.
Is it good to sweat a lot? Sweat during physical exercise
During the time we exercise, sweating is normal, and you have probably wondered at some point if it is good to sweat a lot. The amount of sweat varies in each person depending on their genetics, physical condition, or the climate, and sweating more does not mean training better. It is also a myth that sweating helps you lose weight: when sweating, we only lose water and minerals that we recover by hydrating, not fat. The important thing is to let the body sweat as much as it needs, without blocking it.
If we apply products that are aggressive to the skin, we run the risk of promoting skin imbalances, eliminating beneficial bacteria, or weakening the skin barrier.
Additionally, when exercising, you are not just activating muscles: your skin is also in motion. It stretches, breathes, sweats, rubs against clothing... and if you use aggressive products, you may suffer consequences such as itching, irritation, dryness, or even pH alterations.
If you exercise often, the choice of deodorant is also a health choice. Your skin needs to breathe, release, and regenerate, and that can only happen if the products you apply collaborate with it and do not work against it. It is not just about avoiding what is harmful, but about choosing products that keep pace with you 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 that contain the following compounds:
Especially avoid:
- Aluminum salts: they block sweat glands, interfere with the lymphatic system, and alter thermal balance.
- Alcohols: they dry out, sensitize, and can promote micro-wounds on the skin, especially with rubbing or friction.
- Silicones and petroleum derivatives: they create an artificial film that prevents natural perspiration.
Ingredients that are recommended to use
Unlike conventional antiperspirants, natural deodorants do have ingredients that are respectful to the body and allow neutralizing odor, absorbing moisture, and protecting the skin without impeding natural function. Some ingredients 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. Additionally, it has a mild antibacterial action and is ideal for the most sensitive skin.
- Coconut oil: Helps prevent irritation caused by rubbing 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 skin pH. Ideal for those looking for a sensation of freshness and cleanliness without compromising skin health.
- Sodium bicarbonate: Has the ability to create an environment less favorable to bacterial growth. It also serves to minimize the risk of irritation and offer effective protection even on the most active days.
These ingredients do not block, do not overload, do not irritate. They simply help support 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 exercise, your entire body participates, including your skin. That is why it deserves to be cared for with the same attention as the other parts of your organism.
Choose formulas that add, that respect, that let your body do what it knows and needs to do. Because it is good to sweat, and taking care of yourself also means letting your skin function as it should.
