Breaking Out After Workouts? Here’s How to Keep Your Skin Clear

Finding bumps and acne on your face, back, or chest after a gym session? You’re not alone.

Experts say factors like sweat, tight clothing, and shared exercise equipment can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

The upside? Simple changes, like quick showers and wearing the right fabrics, can help keep your skin healthy while you stay active.

Why Does Exercise Cause Breakouts?

Sweat itself isn’t the enemy; it helps cool your body. The problem starts when sweat combines with dirt, oils, and bacteria on your skin.

Tight gym wear and friction caused by gear can make things worse, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist, explains that while exercise boosts blood circulation and gives your skin a glow, improper skincare can trigger acne, especially in those prone to it.

What Makes Gym Acne More Common?

1. Tight Clothing & Sweat: A study from The Journal of Dermatological Science (2018) found that frequent exercisers often experience breakouts, particularly “bacne.” This is due to sweat and blocked pores caused by tight workout clothes.
   
   
2. Gear & Friction: Athletes who use equipment like helmets, straps, or weight belts may develop “acne mechanica,” a type of acne caused by repeated pressure or rubbing, as highlighted in the International Journal of Dermatology (2021).
   
   
3. Unclean Equipment: Shared gym surfaces like mats and benches can harbor bacteria and fungi, introducing harmful pathogens to your skin. Dr. Whitney Bowe warns that these bacteria can compromise your skin’s natural microbiome, triggering acne.
   
   

Are Your Habits Making Breakouts Worse?

Certain behaviors can worsen the impact of workout acne:

• Wearing makeup: Makeup mixed with sweat is a recipe for clogged pores. Skip it during workouts.
  
  
• Skipping a post-gym shower: Waiting too long to clean your skin gives sweat and oils time to block pores.
  
  
• Using pore-clogging products: Hair and skincare products labeled as comedogenic can intensify breakouts during exercise.
  
  

How to Treat and Prevent Workout Acne

You can stay fit and still protect your skin with these dermatologist-backed tips:

1. Shower Immediately After Exercise:

Use a non-comedogenic cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne-prone skin.

2. Wear Breathable Fabrics:

Moisture-wicking materials help minimize sweat buildup and reduce friction.

3. Clean Gym Equipment:

Use a barrier, like a towel, between your skin and shared equipment. Wipe surfaces before use.

4. Tie Your Hair Back:

Hair oils and products can transfer to your skin as you sweat, clogging pores.

5. Use a Toner or Wipes:

If you can’t shower right away, clean your skin with wipes or toner that contains ingredients like witch hazel or glycolic acid.

When to Seek Professional Help

If these steps don’t resolve your acne, it might be worth consulting a dermatologist. Persistent breakouts could be caused by hormonal acne, fungal infections, or other conditions that require tailored treatments.

Dr. Bowe reassures us, “Exercise is great for your health and should be enjoyable, not overshadowed by skin problems. With the right care, you can maintain clear skin and crush your fitness goals.”

Source: timesnownews

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.