HOW TO AVOID POST-WORKOUT ACNE

The main goal of working out is to look and feel physically healthy, however, if you’re not careful, it can actually be the reason why you develop breakouts. Working out on a dirty yoga mat, wearing makeup to the gym, and the type of clothing you choose as your workout attire are all potential contributors to post-workout acne. Luckily, there are a few small changes you can make to prevent these breakouts and maintain the overall health of your skin!

1. Remove makeup before exercising

Before hitting the gym, it’s absolutely crucial to remove your makeup. As you sweat, makeup sinks into the skin and clogs pores, which can cause some major breakouts. It’s essential to wash your face before and after a workout to ensure no bacteria is left sitting on your skin’s surface. If you prefer to workout in the evening, it’s as simple as packing face and body wipes in your gym bag so you never forget.

2. Use a clean towel to wipe off your sweat

When you sweat, the last thing you should use to remove it are your hands, arms, or the t-shirt you’re currently wearing to workout in. Using any of these will only transfer bacteria onto your clean skin. Using a clean towel is the best method but it’s important that you keep it clean. You don’t want to put your clean towel on the shared workout equipment as not everyone cleans it after use. You can, however, clean the equipment with antibacterial wipes or spray before using and putting your towel down.

3. Shower directly after your workout

After your workout is not the time to make multiple errands or meet a friend for lunch. The longer sweat and bacteria sits on your skin, the more likely you are to breakout. Be sure to shower right after you exercise to clean and cool your skin down. If you’re short on time, don’t be afraid to use a shower at the gym if that’s available to you.

4. Give your skin a refresh

Exfoliating two to three times a week can make a huge difference in your skin’s appearance and overall health. Doing this regularly will remove dead skin cells and sebum from clogging your pores (which is a culprit of acne), along with many other benefits to the skin. Another way you can exfoliate your skin is by using a product containing a retinoid as this stimulates cell turnover, which both renews your skin and clears up existing acne.

5. Use non-comedogenic products always

If you are exercising outdoors, be sure to take a close look at the ingredients in your sunscreen and moisturizers. Comedogenic products contain ingredients that are likely to clog your pores. These ingredients typically include almond oil, benzaldehyde, lauric acid, sodium chloride, and a host of others. Before applying anything to your skin, first, verify that it doesn’t contain any of these ingredients. This will not only help with post-workout acne specifically but also help prevent acne indefinitely.

6. Stick to loose clothing

Although there are so many fashionable gym outfits on the market today, it’s important to find the ones that work best for not only comfort but your skin as well. If your gym clothes are tighter or you typically wear a hat, this can cause friction on the skin leading to irritation and breakouts. Opt for lightweight and breathable clothing instead.

Give these tips a try next time you workout and before long your skin will shine bright like a diamond.