10 Ways to Save Your Skin from Post-Workout Acne
After you finish working out, your body tends to produce more sebum in order to moisturise itself after the stress you put it under. Unfortunately, this excess sebum can block pores and cause pimples, which many of us experience after a hard workout or after an intense training session in the gym. In order to avoid acne and maintain clear skin, follow these 10 ways to save your skin from post-workout acne and stay beautiful even when you’re sweating it out!
1) Immediately Rinse Your Face with Water
Rinsing with water cleanses away any sweat, dirt or bacteria that may have accumulated on your skin. This is a crucial step that many people overlook. When you don’t rinse off after working out, sweat can pool on your face and clog pores, causing acne in an area you didn’t even touch. Cleanse Your Face with a Quality Face Wash: Choose a non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t clog pores (look for non-comedogenic or oil free on labels). Experts say using an oil-free cleanser will help prevent acne by keeping excess oil at bay, which can lead to pimples or blemishes. Check out our KARE Gentle Cleansing Gel.
2) Exfoliate After Workouts
When you’re finished exercising, it’s important to remove all of your sweat and body oils before taking a shower. Otherwise, these substances can clog pores and lead to acne. Use an exfoliator (or even just a scrub with a loofah) for a deep cleanse after your workout. If you don't have one at home, most gyms supply them for free—and they're well worth asking for if you plan on being a regular gym goer.
3) Keep Hands and Any Other Contact with Skin Clean
Washing your hands is simple, but can go a long way in preventing breakouts. Be sure you wash after every workout and keep a good hand-sanitizing spray with you for quick cleaning during intense training sessions. Aside from keeping them clean, it’s important that hands don’t make contact with your face or any other areas of skin during workouts. Try not to touch your face while exercising and put your hair up in a ponytail (or wear a hat!) to avoid any unwanted contact. Washing your hands is simple, but can go a long way in preventing breakouts.
4) Drink Lots of Water
You already know that staying hydrated is important. Not only does it help your body and mind feel refreshed, but it also improves circulation. If you are not properly hydrated during a workout, your skin can dehydrate and that can lead to acne. To keep breakouts at bay, try drinking 16 oz of water about 30 minutes before you exercise and another 8 oz throughout your workout. You might even want to do a little prep work in advance by bringing water with you when you’re on-the-go so that no matter what, you never run out of water!
5) Rub an Ice Cube on the Area beforehand
Rubbing an ice cube directly on your skin pre-workout can help constrict blood vessels, which helps prevent redness and swelling. It also helps numb your face so you don't feel as much of that post-workout stinging. For best results, rub an ice cube on your face 10 minutes before your workout. And yes, you will look a little ridiculous. But if it saves you from that awkward midday conversation with a coworker about why your face looks like a tomato on top of everything else—it's worth it!
6) Remove Makeup before heading to your Workout
When you exercise, this increases the blood flow to your skin which can open up your pores. Makeup can trap sweat and bacteria in enlarged pores, which can lead to clogged pores and acne, so make sure to remove your makeup before working up a sweat!
7) Spray KYLN Maskne Toner beforehand!
Spray some of our KLYN Maskne Toner before your work out. It protects your face and eliminates any acne bacteria that is sitting on your face, so you can sweat it out without worrying about your pores being clogged!
8) Consider Laser Treatment or Medication if Necessary
While you’re working out, your body will produce excess sebum—this is a natural and normal process. But if you break out immediately after exercising, you might be producing too much sebum. In that case, consider seeking treatment with a dermatologist or visiting a cosmetic surgeon for laser removal. If your skin is sensitive and prone to acne, avoid working out when it’s particularly hot or humid as these conditions can trigger breakouts. Some over-the-counter products are available that can help reduce post-workout acne; speak with your doctor about what is best for your individual needs. Finally, remember that sweat itself does not cause acne; don’t let excessive showering or washing of your face lead to more problems!
9) Find Exercise That Doesn’t Cause Problems for You
If your skin breaks out after working out, take a step back and consider how long you’ve been working out. You might want to try a few new things before making adjustments. If you do decide on an exercise program that gives you post-workout acne, make sure it fits into your overall schedule; workout time is something that needs to be flexible and convenient in order for you to keep doing it consistently. It can be tempting to try every trendy workout class under the sun, but if it leaves you with red bumps for days afterward, reconsider whether or not it’s worth your time.
10) Wear Sunscreen If Outdoors
While it’s always important to wear sunscreen, it’s especially important when you are outside playing sports. The sun can cause a number of skin problems, including post-workout acne. To keep your skin healthy and looking great, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 minutes before heading outside for a workout. Try our KARE Skin Defender SPF 30.
Conclusion
Remember, your skin needs some time to recover after a workout. With these 10 tips, you’ll be able to save your skin from post-workout acne so you can feel confident and ready for whatever else life has in store for you!