SKIN BASICS | EXERCISE AND ACNE

The Acne and Exercise Connection

Unfortunately, if you're expecting to read that you shouldn't exercise if you want to avoid acne, you're going to be disappointed. So much for being a couch potato. Seriously, exercise is great for both your body and your skin. It charges your internal systems to work at peak power, and that actually helps in your battle against acne.

That said, if you find your acne becomes aggravated when you exercise you do need to discover the source. What you wear, where you work out (are industrial oils present, for example?) and how hard you work out can all contribute. Remember, exercise-related acne is usually caused by something you put on your body rather than something you do with it.

Here are some great tips for avoiding acne without avoiding exercise:

Makeup

When exercising try to wear as little makeup as possible, or none at all (ideal). Even the oil-free stuff can clog your pores if worn during heavy workouts.

Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen while working out in the outdoors (like jogging) is a great idea. After all, your body needs to be exposed to the sun to function properly. But overexposure or improper exposure can lead to a variety of problems. Studies have proven that long sun exposure can lead to clogged pores and sun damage. The best advice is to find a sunscreen that won't clog your pores (non-comedogenic). These would be products that are oil-free and provide at least an SPF 15 protection level from UVA and UVB rays.

Clothing

If you're prone to body acne, avoid garments made of 100% lycra or nylon like the plague. Why? Synthetic fabrics of any type can trap heat and moisture against your skin. This creates a great breeding ground for the bacteria that causes acne. Always wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or other natural fabrics (wool, hemp, etc.) Blends (like lycra-cotton) are okay, but not ideal. Natural fabrics let your skin breathe and are less prone to cause friction, another factor in acne creation. That said, recent advances have resulted in synthetic fabrics that wick moisture away from your body, and you definitely want that.

Equipment

Equipment actually isn't the issue here; it's how much friction it creates when you wear or use it. For example, if you wear a helmet, make sure it fits snugly, not allowing for loose movement than can create friction. If you can line your helmet with a layer of soft, washable cotton fabric (such as an old t-shirt) you can go a long way to avoiding acne flare-ups. Conversely, if you wear a wetsuit or similar garment (like a bike riding outfit), make sure it doesn't fit too tightly or it will create problems as well. And regardless of what equipment you do use, always make sure it's clean and dry before putting it away. You may be done exercising, but bacteria has just started.

Moisture

"Let's get you out of those wet clothes." Sage advice from your parents. Why? Sweat is not your friend when it comes to acne. Sweat in itself doesn't cause acne, but if you are prone to acne, sweat can aggravate your skin. When you remove sweat off your body/face always blot. Never wipe as this can cause aggravation. Make sure to use a clean towel.

Showering

As a rule, it's best to wash immediately after you exercise with a medicated exfoliating cleanser. At the very least, take a shower. Remember to be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing harder does nothing but cause problems, including potentially more acne breakouts. If you can't shower right away, it's good to still wipe yourself down with medicated pads. They're easy to carry in your gym bag.

Proactiv

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