Exercise is a fantastic way to stay healthy and improve fitness. However, it can also contribute to the development of acne.

During exercise, your body produces sweat to help regulate its temperature. When sweat mixes with natural oils, dirt, and dead skin cells, it can clog pores, which may lead to acne.

Causes of Acne After Exercise

Besides sweat combining with oils and dirt, other factors can trigger acne, including:

• Friction and pressure on the skin from sportswear or sports equipment.

• Using makeup products that are not labeled as non-comedogenic (i.e., those that don’t clog pores).

• Sports equipment like mats or gym gear can also harbor germs, which may contribute to acne.

How to Prevent Acne After Exercise

Acne after exercise tends to appear on the chest, back, or other areas where sweat builds up. To prevent this, it’s crucial to maintain good skin hygiene and healthy habits.

Here are some steps to take to reduce the risk of acne after exercising:

Remove Makeup

Before working out, make sure to remove any makeup from your face. If you choose to wear makeup, opt for products that are non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores.

Tie Your Hair Properly

Loose and wet hair can come into contact with your skin during exercise, transfer oils, dirt, and bacteria onto your face and back, which may clog pores and trigger acne.

To avoid this, tie your hair back during your workout. After exercising, wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo to remove sweat and dirt from your scalp and hair.

Avoid Touching Your Face During Exercise

Your hands often come into contact with various pieces of sports equipment, like dumbbells, barbells, yoga mats, or gym gear. These surfaces can collect bacteria, which may then be transferred to your face when you touch it.

To prevent this, avoid touching your face during exercise. Instead, use a towel to wipe away sweat from your face and wash your hands with soap and water after working out.

Wear the Right Sportswear

Choose loose-fitting sportswear made from materials that can absorb sweat. Appropriate clothing helps keep your skin dry, reducing the likelihood of acne.

If possible, change out of your sweat-soaked clothes immediately after exercise. This will help prevent your skin from staying too moist for extended periods.

In addition to these habits, be sure to shower and clean your body right after exercising. If acne still appears in sweat-exposed areas, use over-the-counter acne treatments, such as products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

If acne persists and proves difficult to treat, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor for a more thorough evaluation and treatment options. You can also use the health consultation feature in the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about health tips and tricks, first aid, and other home remedies? Click here!