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Harvard Medical School states that a sweaty body is often one of the reasons for bathing. A body full of sweat also triggers body odor, that's why many choose to take a bath right away. However, is it okay to take a shower immediately while the body is still sweating?
Can you take a shower immediately when your body sweats?
Sweat makes skin sticky. In addition, it provides an opportunity for dirt, such as dust on the skin, sweat that comes out from around the armpits, groin, and chest, which tends to cause body odor.
In some cases, sweat can create moisture that stimulates the growth of fungus or bacteria on the skin.
All these considerations are what make most health experts recommend taking a shower after a day of activities. For example, taking a shower after an activity that tends to make the body sweat, such as after exercising or doing a day of outdoor activities.
Take a shower or not when the skin is still sweaty is actually your choice. However, most people will choose to take a shower because they feel uncomfortable. So, is it true that taking a shower while the sweat is still pouring down is safe?
Before answering whether or not you can shower when you sweat, you need to understand the process of regulating temperature in the body (thermoregulation/ temperature regulation). Body temperature regulation is the body's ability to maintain internal temperature.
One of the factors that influence body temperature regulation is activity. The higher the activity you do, the body temperature will increase.
Now, to normalize body temperature again, the central nervous system will cool the skin by sweating. That is why the body will sweat when you are actively moving.
After exercise or activity, the body will continue to generate heat to replenish energy reserves and normalize blood circulation. This process keeps your core body temperature high for a while and triggers sweat to persist even after you've stopped your activities.
A sports physiologist in San Francisco, namely Stacy Sims, PhD, advises not to shower immediately when the body sweats. Especially the shower with very cold water.
"Cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels and trigger body temperature to continue to rise," says Stacy. This can cause retained body heat and disruption of blood vessels.
Tips for safe bathing when the body sweats
Bathing when the body sweats is not recommended, especially if you use cold water. Instead of taking a shower right away, you should first lower your body temperature before deciding to clean yourself.
If your body is sweating from walking home from work, don't immediately rush to clean your body. Try to sit down and adjust your breathing first when you get home. You also drink a glass of water to help normalize your body temperature and prevent dehydration.
Meanwhile, if you sweat a lot after exercising, it's better to do cool-down exercises instead of taking a shower right away. Don't forget, drink a glass of water to recover from fatigue. After 15-20 minutes, then you take a shower.
Apart from giving pause to normalize your body temperature, there are other tips that you need to pay attention to if you can't stand it and want to take a shower after your body sweats. Choose the appropriate water temperature that matches your body condition.
Take a cold shower or warm water, both of which are good for the body, as long as the water is not too hot or too cold.
Bathing in water that is too hot can dry out your skin. Instead of choosing hot water, you better choose warm water. The warm water temperature can reduce muscle spasms after a day of activities.
Meanwhile, taking a cold shower can relieve muscle fatigue or injury. However, taking a shower with water that is too cold at night can make the body shiver. A cold body can lower your immune system, putting you at risk of making a cold or flu.
Again, it's best not to take a shower while your body is still sweating profusely. If you can't stand it, remember to choose the right water temperature for your shower according to your needs. Don't be too cold, neither too hot ..
