SKIN
Avoiding workout acne See clearer skin when working out, with these tips
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hose hitting the gym may find that their skin is breaking out more than usual, putting a damper on that post-workout glow. According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, working out can cause excessive sweating, as well as a buildup of oil, dirt and bacteria on your skin — all of which can lead to acne. Despite this, people don’t have to quit exercising in order to see clearer skin. The key, say dermatologists, is to maintain proper hygiene before, during and after your workouts. “While exercise itself doesn’t cause acne, the skin care habits you maintain around your workouts can significantly impact your skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, FAAD. To help prevent acne caused by working out, Houshmand recommends: 1. Dress in clean, loose-fitting,
moisture-wicking clothes that won’t rub your skin. Clothing and accessories that are too tight can cause a type of acne that occurs at the spot of repeated friction. 2. Remove any makeup before working out, as makeup can clog your pores. Use an oil-free makeup remover, towelette or micellar water to take makeup off your face. 3. Before exercising outdoors, generously apply sunscreen on any skin not covered by clothing. Not only do the sun’s harmful UV rays cause skin cancer and premature skin aging, unprotected exposure can also cause breakouts. 4. During your workout, keep your skin dry. Use a clean towel to gently pat sweat off of your body, since rubbing your skin can cause acne to flare. 5. Wipe off shared equipment. Shared workout equipment can be full of acne-causing bacteria and dirt.
Most gyms supply a cleaning spray or towelettes to wipe off the equipment. Clean off the equipment before and after your workout as a courtesy to others. 6. After your workout, shower immediately. Use warm — not hot — water to remove sweat, dirt and oil from your skin. Wash acne-prone skin with a mild cleanser that is labeled “oil free,” “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” However, if your skin tends to be oily and not dry, consider using a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide instead. If you can’t shower immediately, wash your hands, and wipe off your face using a pad that contains salicylic acid. Take a spare t-shirt and change out of your sweaty clothing. 7. After showering, change into clean clothes and wash the dirty clothes, which are full of sweat and pore-clogging culprits. Always wash your gym clothes between workouts.
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