Do You Really Need to Shower Post-Workout?

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Gross question, yes…but you know you've wondered the same thing yourself!
By Esther Crain, Women's Health

So you're doing the wind-down during your pilates class, and a quick glance at the wall clock tells you you're gonna be late getting back to the office or meeting friends for dinner. You're tempted to shave several minutes off your locker-room time by skipping the showers--and the time-consuming blow-dry and makeup session you'll need before finally getting out of the gym. Is that totally gross--or can you get away with it?

The truth: If you're sweaty, it's better for your body if you make time for a little soap and water. And this isn't just out of concern for anyone who comes within smelling distance.

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"It's not the smell of sweat that you have to worry about but the fact that perspiration left behind on your skin allows bacteria to proliferate, and that can lead to rashes and breakouts," explains Holly L. Phillips, M.D., a women's health physician and medical contributor to CBS News in New York City. And believe it or not, bacne and butt zits aren't the worst of it. Sweat helps breed funguses--hello, potential yeast infection! (On that note, Tips for Troubleshooting Your Vagina) "Also, your workout may have caused a microabrasion in your skin, and that can allow microbes to get into your body," says Phillips. That can lead to infections like staph, which can be life-threatening (although, yes, rare and unlikely).

Bottom line: If you're crazy-late, you can occasionally skip the suds--so long as you change into clean, dry clothes and sprinkle on some baby powder to absorb any residual moisture on your skin. Baby wipes can also be a godsend, and can reduce microbes in funky body regions in a rush. Plus, employ these 5 genius strategies for cleaning up post-workout in a serious hurry. But really, the best thing is to wash off with soap... and hit the gym a few minutes earlier, so you won't feel like you have to dodge the showers.

More from Women's Health:

The Best Way To Reduce Post-Workout Soreness

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The Best Workout for Your Body Type