Easy Tips To Avoid Post Workout Acne
If you’ve started hitting the gym or a Yoga center recently, and have noticed your body getting toned but your acne flaring up, then you’re not alone. It is not uncommon for people to develop acne once they start working out. But how exactly? We tell you.
How does working out cause acne?
When you do any sort of physical activity, be it gymming, Yoga or playing a sport, you sweat in manifolds. Sweat mixed with bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum, clog your pores and ultimately cause acne. Sweat also provides an environment for bacterial growth. Oops!
Plus, if you’re consuming whey protein to build muscles, that too is another reason why you must be breaking out. This is because whey protein shoots up the insulin production, which in-turn, increases the production of sebum, causing inflammation and leading to acne.
What can you do to prevent acne caused by working out?
The process to prevent work-out acne begins even before the workout. Here’s what you should do.
Before you workout
1. Steer clear of makeup
Do not wear any makeup while working out. Makeup can choke your pores, and you do not want that especially when you’re going to sweat a bucket. If you’re wearing makeup, use the double cleansing technique to take off before the workout. Begin with using an oil-based cleanser, our Mon Cherry Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm is packed with nourishing oils as well as salicylic acid that hydrate and gently exfoliate your skin as well. Then follow it up with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any impurities.
2. Wear breathable clothing
Firstly, ensure that you are never repeating your workout clothes without washing them. Leaving them out to dry out and wearing them the next day is the worst thing you can do for your skin. Next, be mindful to always wear skin-friendly and loose clothing. If your clothes do not allow your skin to breathe then you might end up developing body acne as well. Cut through the friction and heat by wearing easy-breezy fabrics and non-skin-hugging clothes.
3. Wear SPF if it is an outdoor workout
Outdoor workouts are sure fun, whether it is a crossfit session or a simple run or jog. If you’re stepping out to sweat, make sure that your skin is protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Our Bravocado SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Gel has an ultra-lightweight, non-oily, and non-sticky formula that gets absorbed quickly without leaving a white cast. It also has UVA and UVB filters that protect skin from harmful rays and infrared waves. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before you step out.
During you workout
1. Always carry a clean towel
Allowing the sweat to sit on your skin will aggravate your acne. Always carry a clean cotton face towel and gently dab it on your face to wipe off sweat. Do not rub it or wipe harshly. That can cause irritation and anger your skin.
2. Do not share your gears
Be it gloves, bands or weight straps, refrain from exchanging it with others. They carry a lot of bacteria, sweat and dirt, and you obviously do not want any exchange of fluids.
3. Wipe the equipment
Everyone around you is practically a walking sweat ball, before you use any equipment, use a towel to wipe the seat and the handle. This towel should obviously be different from the one you’re carrying for your face. And as a habit, always wipe the machine after you’ve used it.
After you workout
1. Take a shower
You might be tired and you want to sit and relax. But if you do that, keep in mind that you will also be sitting in a pool of sweat. After you’ve cooled down, hop in for a quick shower to reduce the chance of oil and bacteria to seep into your pores. Also, avoid hot showers. Opt for cold or warm water baths instead.
2. Use a gentle face cleanser
Wash your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser to get rid of all traces of dirt, grime, sweat and bacteria. Gently massage your face and neck in circular motion for a minute and wash off. Ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid and Korean ginseng are excellent acne-fighters. Using skincare products infused with them can really help combat acne.
Do not let acne get in the way of your fitness journey. Follow these steps to steer clear of it and have healthy, acne-free skin!
While working out in itself doesn't cause acne, the skincare habits you maintain around your before, during and after sweating out can significantly impact your skin.
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