Working out comes with many benefits for your body, skin included! On the flip side, exercise can also create the perfect conditions for acne-causing bacteria and yeast to thrive, causing annoying breakouts. But don't worry, our partners over at Curology have the best tips for breaking a sweat, pimple-free.
1. If you're wearing makeup, remove it.
Before you do the burpees, cleanse your face of any makeup. During exercise, sweat can mix with makeup and oil on your skin, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Try micellar water to easily remove makeup! It comes in face wipes for easy on-the-go cleansing, and even travel-sized bottles. Just soak a cotton pad with micellar water and swipe the pad over your face for a quick cleanse.
2. Wear loose, moisture-wicking clothes
Sweaty, tight-fighting clothes trap moisture next to your skin, creating the perfect conditions for acne flare. Opt for clothing with a looser fit that won’t trap heat or cause friction on your skin. And most importantly, rinse or cleanse your skin ASAP after breaking a sweat to help wash away those gnarly microbes.
3. Keep a clean change of clothes
If you’re breaking out on your chest or back, a sweaty sports bra might be the culprit. So, no matter what clothes you prefer to work out in, changing into a clean outfit is a good idea. Be sure to launder your clothes before wearing them again since pore-clogging oils and dirt can get trapped there and be transferred to your skin the next time you work out.
4. Wipe down the equipment
Wiping down equipment prior to use will help remove some of the troublesome bacteria, dirt, and oils that might find their way onto your skin. This goes for ankle weights, bike helmets, and anything else you strap on.
5. Shower after your workout
If possible, shower after your workout to remove any sweat, oil, dirt, and bacteria that may have accumulated. If you have body acne, try adding an acne body wash with salicylic acid to your routine — like the Acne Body Wash by Curology. You can use its lightly foaming goodness every day. A splash of the dermatologist-designed body wash treats and helps prevent acne, plus washes your pores of regular dirt and grime. Their body wash is formulated with 2% salicylic acid — just enough to be tough on acne but kind for all skin types.
Treating acne is kind of their thing. If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, they're here to help — sign up for a free trial of Curology to get your very own custom acne-fighting cream (subject to medical consultation). Just pay $4.95 for shipping and handling. Subscription required.