Sportswear is often very tight, we sweat in it and the abrasive nature of workouts means that clothing rubs constantly against the skin. Most sportswear is synthetic, finished with chemicals designed to wick moisture and odour, repel water and prevent staining. Many also incorporate heavy metals, antimicrobials, chlorine bleach and formaldehyde in the production process, which can disrupt the skin’s microbiome. This disruption can contribute to inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis and acne.