Share Post:
Exercise offers numerous benefits for the skin, including improved blood circulation and reduced stress, which can help with stress-related acne.
Increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to skin cells while aiding in the removal of waste, potentially supporting healing.
However, sweating during workouts can also create an environment where acne-causing bacteria and yeast thrive, leading to more frequent breakouts.
To counter this, it’s important to keep the skin clean and dry.
Over-the-counter medications can also be effective in managing these issues.
How Your Workout Might Be Causing Acne
It’s not always obvious, but several factors during and after exercise can contribute to breakouts.
Sweat, friction, and even certain types of clothing or gym equipment can all play a role.
Let’s look at some of the most common culprits.
Sweat: Friend or Foe?
Sweat itself isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s your body’s way of cooling you down and flushing out toxins.
But if it stays on your skin too long, it can mix with bacteria, dirt, and oil, creating the perfect storm for acne according to Irish Examiner.
Tight Clothing and Gear
Those sleek leggings or compression tops might make you feel like a fitness pro, but they can also trap heat and sweat against your skin.
Add friction to the mix—think about the rubbing from sports bras, helmets, or weightlifting belts—and you’ve got a recipe for clogged pores and irritation.
Skincare and Hygiene Mistakes
It’s easy to overlook your skincare routine when you’re focused on working out, but skipping a quick pre-workout cleanse or using the wrong products can make things worse.
Harsh cleansers, heavy lotions, or makeup left on during exercise can all contribute to breakouts.
How to Prevent Acne While Working-out
Thankfully, there are simple tweaks you can make to keep acne at bay without sacrificing your workouts. Here’s what works for me and many others.
1. Clean Your Skin Before and After Exercise
- Start with a clean slate by washing your face before you exercise. Sweat mixes with whatever is already on your skin, so cleansing beforehand reduces the chance of clogged pores.
- After your workout, wash your face (and body, if needed) as soon as possible. A gentle cleanser that suits your skin type is your best bet.
2. Choose Breathable Clothing
Opt for workout gear made of moisture-wicking fabrics. They draw sweat away from your skin, keeping it drier and less likely to cause irritation. Make sure your clothes aren’t too tight or restrictive—your skin needs to breathe too!
3. Avoid Touching Your Face
This one’s easier said than done, especially when you’re wiping away sweat. But gym equipment and even your hands can carry bacteria that can transfer to your skin. Instead, keep a clean, soft towel handy to blot sweat away.
4. Shower ASAP
Don’t let sweat sit on your skin for too long after working out. A quick shower not only helps you feel refreshed but also removes the grime and bacteria that can trigger breakouts. If you can’t shower immediately, try using cleansing wipes to tide you over.
5. Pick the Right Skincare Products
- Use non-comedogenic or oil-free skincare products—they won’t clog your pores.
- Avoid heavy or occlusive products like thick creams or greasy sunscreens before exercise.
- For acne-prone skin, look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in your cleansers or spot treatments.
6. Incorporate an Over-the-Counter Retinoid
Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are widely recognized for their effectiveness in treating acne and reducing the appearance of wrinkles according to UW Health. These products are typically available as creams or gels and come in various strengths to suit different skin types and needs.
Over-the-counter options, such as adapalene (Differin), can be applied daily to promote skin cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and help unclog pores, which can lead to clearer skin.
For additional skin benefits, consider adding products like a Korean vitamin C serum to your routine. Vitamin C serums can brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and promote a smoother complexion when used consistently.
For more persistent or severe acne, prescription-strength retinoids like tazarotene (Tazorac) and tretinoin (Retin-A) may be more effective.
The Role of Diet and Hydration
You’ve probably heard it before: what you eat affects your skin. I’ve noticed my skin looks and feels better when I stick to a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
Foods high in sugar or dairy sometimes trigger breakouts for people, so it might be worth paying attention to what you eat around your workouts.
Hydration is also key. Drinking enough water not only supports your workout performance but also helps your skin stay healthy. Plus, it can reduce the chances of sweat-related irritation.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’ve tried everything and your skin still isn’t cooperating, it might be time to consult a professional.
Persistent or severe acne could need prescription treatments, like topical retinoids or oral medication, to get it under control.
There’s no shame in asking for help, your skin is worth it.
My Personal Tricks for Clearer Skin
Here are a few things I swear by to keep acne away while staying active:
- Buy a good gym towel. I keep one with me during workouts and another clean one for my post-gym routine.
- Use a lightweight moisturizer. Sweating can dehydrate your skin, so applying a light, hydrating lotion afterward helps keep it balanced.
- Double cleanse after heavy sweat sessions. First, I remove dirt and oil with micellar water, then I follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser.
Bottom Line
Exercise is important for your overall health, but it can lead to acne if sweat, bacteria, or irritation from clothing and gear aren’t managed properly.
The good news is that simple adjustments like washing your skin before and after workouts, wearing breathable fabrics, and using non-comedogenic skincare products can make a significant difference.
If you’ve tried these steps and still struggle with breakouts, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist to explore other treatment options.
Staying active doesn’t have to come at the cost of healthy skin, and with the right approach, you can address both effectively.
