The Effects of Exercise on Hygiene

Many people are aware of the well-known effects of exercise, such as weight management and muscle toning. What you might not know is that exercise can also have play a role in your personal hygiene, for better and for worse. Daily cleansing routines can help keep the effects of exercise a positive experience rather than a negative note.

Acne

• Increased acne may be an effect of exercise on some people. Sweat, oils, dirt and bacteria that build up on your skin may clog pores, increasing your risk of a breakout. Workout clothing and equipment can also play a role in acne. Clothing and sports helmets that fit snugly don't let your skin breathe and hamper the evaporation of sweat. Dampness can lead to skin irritation, which in turn can cause a new crop of pimples to sprout. Washing your face and showering directly after a workout can help control exercise-related acne.

Body Odor

• Body odor is another not-so-pleasant effect of exercise on hygiene. When you work out, your body temperature rises and you start to sweat as a way to cool off. Bacteria that live on your skin break down the sweat, which causes an odor. Although sweating during exercise is normal, you can take steps to manage the fluid you lose and the odor it produces. Synthetic moisture-wicking workout clothing and socks help absorb the sweat so it doesn't stick to your body, thus slowing the odor-producing bacterial breakdown. Regular bathing and the use of antiperspirant deodorants can also control body odor.

Skin Infection

• Skin infections are a common side effect of working out, especially for those who exercise in a communal setting such as a gym. Bacteria, fungi and viruses thrive in damp, dark places such as the padded crevices of exercise machines, damp clothing and the creases in between your toes. Wipe down machines with an antibacterial solution before and after each use to reduce your risk of contracting staff infections and ringworm. Changing your socks frequently and drying your feet thoroughly after a workout prevents athlete's foot. Wash your workout clothes after each use to prevent bacterial build up on the clothing, which can transfer to your skin.

Hygiene, Exercise and Mental Health

• The act of exercising can play a large, positive role in your personal hygiene as it relates to mental health. Depression is a serious disorder that affects up to 25 million American adults, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. One of the signs of depression is a lapse in personal hygiene such as regular bathing. It's a well-known fact, according to the American Psychological Association, that exercise can be a natural mood-booster and in some people alleviates symptoms of depression. Thus, exercising makes you feel good and can keep you on track with your everyday routines, including personal hygiene.