8 gross things that can happen if you stay in sweaty clothes for too long
Although it might be tempting to run errands or grab brunch with your friends after hitting the gym, it's important to change out of your sweaty workout clothes beforehand.
If you hit the gym hard enough, sweating is both inevitable and extremely beneficial to your health. But, not if that sweat and damp clothing lingers on your body for too long.
Here are eight things that can happen from staying in your sweaty clothes for an extended amount of time after you finish a workout.
1. Sweating can clog your pores
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Wet, sweaty clothing can trap dust and dirt that clogs pores and often leads to breakouts.
Experts recommends that you wipe off sweat using a clean towel during a workout and put on clean clothes after. Showering right after a workout can also help rinse away bacteria that causes acne, according to The American Academy for Dermatology.
2. Your stank might follow you around all day
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Although your sweat and clothes might dry after you leave the gym, the smell of your hard work will probably stick around.
Cotton absorbs water and deflects body oil, but high-tech performance gear made of synthetic materials are made specifically to deflect water. For that reason, those wicking fabrics absorb body oils — and unfortunately, the body odor that comes along with it, Lee Silverman, managing director of WIN laundry detergent, told the Observer.
To avoid the lingering smell and bacteria left on your clothing, experts recommend to rinse athleisure pieces immediately after use, alternate your workout clothes and don't leave them in dark places where they will stay wet for long periods of time, such as a gym bag, according to the Observer.
3. Fungus might find a home on areas of your body
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If you think jock itch only affects men, think again. Jock itch is a fungal infection that takes places in sweaty and moist environments such as the groin area, inner thighs and butt.
If you go about your day in your sweat-drenched clothes, the fungi can multiply quickly, and cause a burning or itching sensation.
To avoid contracting the infection, make sure to shower and change clothes after working out. Once the infection starts to manifest, apply antifungal cream, according to Reader's Digest.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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