Did Exercise Trigger an Acne Breakout? 4 Ways to Prevent It

Got an acne breakout because of exercise? Unfortunately, that’s not just some lame excuse to avoid the gym. Breakouts are a part of life triggered by various internal and external factors. Acne in general occurs when excess sebum production in the skin. This can block the pores, mix with bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells, resulting in inflammation. Among other causes of acne are hormonal changes, diet, stress, and certain medications. The American Academy of Dermatology says excessive sweating from exercise can cause acne, too.

Sweating, along with the build of dirt, oil, and bacteria on the skin can lead to exercise-related breakouts. However, this type of breakout is avoidable, and it shouldn’t stop you from working out. Here’s how you can prevent them.

Okay, you might be thinking, “Why would I wash my face when I know it’s going to get dirty again?” Well, fortunately for you, your face is not a car, and you can wash it even if it looks like it’s going to rain. Our skin has pores that can trap oil, dirt, and bacteria. Washing your face before exercising removes the oil and dirt that may already be on it. This prevents buildup that can trigger acne when your skin produces more oil and sweat as you exercise. 

Use POND’S Men Acne Solution Anti-Acne Face Wash, which can keep your skin acne-free and energize you for your workout. Formulated with Thymol-T essence, this locks in on acne-causing bacteria and fights it deep within the skin. 

Avoid wearing the same unwashed workout clothes even if you “barely sweat” during your last workout. Not only is it gross, but it can also lead to acne. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil transfer on our clothes when we wear them. Wearing unwashed clothes, no matter how clean they may look or smell, can lead to an acne breakout, especially if you sweat in them. Similarly, you should always use a clean towel to wipe off sweat. 

Things like helmets, mats, gloves, and pads can be full of bacteria that can transfer onto your hands and face, and cause breakouts. Bring your equipment if you can. If this is not possible, make sure to sanitize shared equipment before using them. Cushions, handles, and even buttons on digital equipment can transfer bacteria onto your hands, and then your face. Wipe them down with alcohol before using them. 

It can be tempting to cool down and have a coffee after working out, but you can do this after showering. Don’t sit around in sweaty clothes! Shower with Dove Men+Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body Wash to effectively rinse away oil, sweat, and bacteria. Equipped with Micromoisture technology, this moisturizes skin, helping prevent dryness. Apply Rexona Men Natural Fresh Charcoal Detox Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On after showering to protect yourself from odor as well. If you can’t shower immediately, make sure to change into clean clothes right after.

If you have oily, acne-prone skin, follow these precautions to prevent an acne breakout from exercise. Consult with your dermatologist if your acne persists or becomes inflamed.