Why Going To The Gym Might Be Causing You Acne

We all know that exercise is good for you – it keeps you fit and healthy and alleviates stress, but it can be a contributing factor to your acne. Exercise itself isn’t the enemy. In fact, exercise can release those ‘feel-good’ hormones that can actually assist your acne. The issue with exercise and your skin is sweat and hygiene. Of course, you want to work up a sweat when you are exercising, but workout sweat mixed with oil, dead skin cells, make up, and whatever else is on your skin – particularly your face, can cause clogging which can lead to acne. We have some simple tips below that will help you keep your skin clear when you are at the gym:

Cleanse!

Before you hit the gym remove all makeup, moisturiser and traces of dirt, oil and bacteria that may be on your skin by cleansing. By ensuring your skin is clean and clear your skin has a chance to breathe and it reduces the risk of clogging pores. It’s equally important to cleanse after your work out to clean your skin of sweat, oil and bacteria that you may have potentially transmitted to your face while exercising.

Pick the Right Clothes

If you already know that you are prone to acne you need to carefully consider your workout clothing. Synthetic fabrics like lycra and nylon trap heat and moisture against the skin which creates a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria. Choose natural, loose fitting fabrics like cotton that allow the skin to breath.

Shower

Get out of those sweat soaked gym clothes and take a shower! While at the gym you’ve potentially touched a lot of gym equipment that’s loaded with bacteria, as well as working up a sweat. Use a gentle cleanser like SkinB5’s Acne Control Cleansing Mousse and avoid scrubbing. Rough exfoliation will not help, and can potentially create more breakouts. Don’t let the fear of acne prevent you from exercising! Follow these simple tips and you shouldn’t exacerbate your acne.