We exercise for a lot of reasons: to fit into that cute little sundress in the back of our closet, to work off the baby weight, to burn through some lingering anger or frustration, and especially to look and feel our best. There is nothing more infuriating than coming home from the gym to find a giant, blaring outbreak of acne, all ready to kill our self esteem! Luckily, exercise acne is easily manageable, and we can help you get your skin cleared up in no time! Take a look at the tips below to see how.
Cleansing is key. Dermatologists from all over agree that one of the most important components to clear skin is to immediately wash yourself post-workout. The accumulation of sweat, makeup, and oil creates a formidable cocktail that wedges itself into your pores. Your skin becomes the perfect site for an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria, so make sure you are hitting the shower as soon as you finish your workout!
>> Read more: 6 Problem-Solvers for Post-Workout Acne Sufferers
Invest in facial wipes. If you don’t have the time to jump in the shower after you finish exercising, then it’s time to purchase some facial wipes to prevent against the outbreak of acne. Many professionals recommend using a salicylic acid-based toner or simple facial wipes in order to banish any trace signs of dirt, sweat, and makeup residue. These wipes are incredibly effective in eliminating any icky substance in your pores, so try to stash a packet or two in your gym bag for a quick post-workout clean up!
Avoid wearing makeup. We don’t blame you for wanting to look your best when you are working out, especially if you exercise at your local gym or yoga studio! Unfortunately, makeup clogs our spores and can cause some pretty nasty acne breakouts, so try ditching the mascara and foundation for a more natural look! Trust us, cranking up your heart rate will give you a beautiful glow without all the extra time and effort you spend on prettying yourself up!
Keep your face dry. You can be proactive during your workout by blotting your skin with a soft towel when you sweat. This will prevent the excess sweat, dirt, makeup and so forth from sinking into your pores, plus it will keep you looking a little less bedraggled! Many gyms provide their guests with hand towels, but a wash cloth or dish towel from home will work just as well! See what else you should be sticking in your gym bag by clicking here.
Avoid loose-fitting clothing. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your workout, but professionals claim that loose-fitting workout outfits can create friction on the surface of your skin that can aggravate your pores and can make a breakout way more likely. Your clothes may also contain bacteria which enter the pores once the skin has become aggravated. A fitted top (that is not too tight!) will prevent excess friction, so check out our favorite spring selections by clicking here!
Use oil-free moisturizer. After your post-workout shower we highly recommend applying some oil-free moisturizer to your face. If you can find some lotion that contains ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria, or aloe vera, which alleviates inflammation, you will be even better off! Avoid products with synthetic coloring and fragrances, though, as they can actually increase the likelihood of an acne outbreak!
>> Read more: 39 Essential Oils for Your Health
Don’t touch your face. We know it might be tempting to wipe your hair or sweat out of your eyes when you are in the middle of a workout, but touching your skin too much (especially your face!) is one of the primary causes of exercise acne! Just think about the equipment you’ve been handling — those weights and cardio machines are probably laden with bacteria and germs that will jump right off your hands and into your pores! Just stick a spare towel in your gym bag on your way out the door.
Fabric is important. The clothing you wear can go a long way in keeping your skin acne-free. We recommend avoiding synthetic fabrics like polyester at all costs, and sticking with more natural material like cotton or hemp. If you are especially prone to sweating, then you can try out some moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you comfortable and dry!
If you stick to these simple rules, you should have no problem keeping your skin beautiful and clear! If you need more information, feel free to check out our sources here: Acne.com, Livestrong.com, Hellawella