{"id":29417,"date":"2022-03-22T17:08:18","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T17:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=29417"},"modified":"2022-03-22T17:08:19","modified_gmt":"2022-03-22T17:08:19","slug":"does-sweat-cause-acne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/does-sweat-cause-acne\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Post-Workout Breakouts, According to A Dermatologist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does sweat cause acne<\/em>? A board-certified dermatologist breaks down why you may be experiencing post-workout breakouts\u2014and shares how to get rid of them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

There are endless benefits to exercise: It can boost your immune system<\/a>, reduce stress<\/a>, and improve your sleep<\/a>. But for some, there may be one downside to regular workouts: an unexpected bout of breakouts. If you\u2019ve been crushing it in the gym (or outside), you may have noticed some unwelcome pimples\u2014either on your face, on your back, or elsewhere. But does sweat cause acne? The answer is a little more complicated than you might think. Sweating itself doesn\u2019t automatically cause pimples, but if it\u2019s not washed off properly, it can cause unwanted breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n

This doesn\u2019t mean you have to give up working out, though. With a few adjustments to your gym routine, you can clear up your skin\u2014and keep it that way. We spoke to a board-certified dermatologist to learn more about the link between exercise and acne and how to clear up those post-workout breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n

Does Sweat Cause Acne?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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So, can sweat cause acne? Yes and no, says Marisa Garshick<\/a>, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. \u201cWhile sweat inherently doesn\u2019t cause acne, if it\u2019s not properly rinsed off the skin, it can lead to clogged pores and contribute to breakouts,\u201d she explains. If sweat sits on the skin for too long (or dried down), it can clog pores. Your postworkout breakouts are likely a result of pore-clogging sweat, dirt, and oil\u2014all of which can lead to bacterial growth. This bacteria can flourish in clogged pores and cause pimples.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

So you won\u2019t automatically get acne from working out, but you might experience breakouts if you don\u2019t wash your face and body off properly afterward (or if you leave your sweaty clothes on a little too long after your gym session).<\/p>\n\n\n

How to Prevent Post-Workout Breakouts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Here\u2019s the good news: There are ways to avoid getting acne from working out. Dr. Garshick explains how, below.<\/p>\n\n\n

Wash Off Properly<\/h3>\n\n\n

Not only does showering after a workout feel good, it\u2019s good for your complexion too. \u201cIt\u2019s recommended to wash your face and body after a sweaty workout to prevent the sweat and bacteria that can collect from causing breakouts or irritation on the skin,\u201d Dr. Garshick says. \u201cEven just a quick rinse can be helpful if you are short on time.\u201d She recommends using a gentle, non-comedogenic (read: won\u2019t clog pores) cleanser, but if you\u2019re particularly oily or breakout-prone, it can help to incorporate a salicylic acid (SA) wash or a swipe of SA-infused pads or toner to keep excess oil at bay.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Change Your Clothes ASAP<\/h3>\n\n\n

Don’t have time to hit the showers? Dr. Garshick says it\u2019s super important to change out of your workout clothes as soon as possible. \u201cSome workout clothing can be more likely to trap sweat and bacteria, making the skin more susceptible to breakouts,\u201d she explains. Certain synthetic fabrics, for example, can cause pimples if you leave them on after your sweat sesh.<\/p>\n\n\n

Refresh Your Workout Wardrobe<\/h3>\n\n\n

Changing your clothes ASAP is one way to keep post-workout breakouts at bay, but giving your workout wardrobe an upgrade can help too. \u201cWearing light, breathable fabrics can help to reduce sweating, as tighter clothing is more likely to trap heat and potentially increase sweating,\u201d Dr. Garshick explains. \u201cThere are sweat-wicking fabrics that help to absorb the sweat and some brands that incorporate additives or technology into their workout gear to help prevent bacterial growth and reduce odor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Keep Your Hands Off<\/h3>\n\n\n

While it may be tempting to quickly wipe the sweat off with your fingers in the middle of a workout, Garshick says this could contribute to breakouts after your workout. \u201cIn general, it is always best to avoid touching your face, but this is especially the case after a workout or at the gym when handling equipment,\u201d she says. \u201cMany of the machines and equipment you may come into contact with may have a buildup of sweat or bacteria.\u201d If you need to wipe excess sweat away, use a clean towel.<\/p>\n\n\n

Remove Your Makeup Beforehand<\/h3>\n\n\n

You may not want to take the extra time to wash off your makeup before starting your workout, but Dr. Garshick says not doing so can cause pimples to form. \u201cWearing makeup while working out can contribute to acne and irritation of the skin as the makeup can become trapped in the pores and contribute to clogged pores which can cause breakouts,\u201d she explains. \u201cIt\u2019s best to remove makeup prior to exercising with a gentle cleanser, micellar water, or a cleansing balm.\u201d Another option? Keep makeup wipes in your bag for those days you need to clean off in a pinch. Word to the wise: Use the wipes gently, as rubbing your skin too vigorously can cause irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Clean Off Your Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n

\u201cMats and gym equipment often have a buildup of bacteria that can contribute to breakouts,\u201d Dr. Garshick says. \u201cIt\u2019s important to wipe down equipment after every use to minimize the transfer of bacteria that can contribute to breakouts or infection.\u201d This is especially important if you\u2019re using shared equipment (like machines, mats, or benches at a gym).<\/p>\n\n\n

How to Clear Up Post-Workout Breakouts<\/h2>\n\n\n

Preventative measures, like those ones discussed above, are the most important in achieving clear skin<\/a> after your workouts, but we can all slip up from time to time. Since post-workout breakouts are likely the result of a buildup of bacteria, incorporate some new products into your rotation to clear it up. Of course, it\u2019s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist to ensure you\u2019re treating your skin concerns properly. But these products are a great starting point:<\/p>\n\n\n\n