Guest Blogger Amanda Green of SkincareHQ.org has brought us some great 411 on how exercise is linked to acne and how to take care of that! Given that it’s scorching temps here on in Los Angeles, it’s useful information!
THE LINK BETWEEN ACNE AND EXERCISE
You already know that exercise decreases stress, keeps your heart healthy and gives you more energy. But did you also know it can improve your skin? The increased blood flow from physical activity revitalizes the cells throughout your body, including your skin, which helps you achieve a natural glow.
However, some people with sensitive skin notice a different side effect from exercise: acne. There are many myths surrounding the link between exercise and acne, but luckily there are steps you can take to protect your skin during your workouts. Don’t let the fear of breakouts keep you from being active! This article can help show you to avoid blemishes while keeping fit.
DOES SWEAT CAUSE BREAKOUTS?
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the effect that sweat from working out has on skin. Some think it helps flush toxins out of the body, while others subscribe to the idea that it clogs pores. There’s some truth in both statements. But the real culprit here is bacteria. Sweat doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can irritate existing blemishes or sensitive skin. It also attracts bacteria, which can multiply quickly in pores if skin isn’t properly cleaned before and after a workout.
HOW TO AVOID BREAKOUTS CAUSED BY SWEAT
1.) Before you work out:
Make sure your skin is clean. Use a gentle cleanser if you prefer working out in the mornings. If you like to exercise in the evenings, it is all the more important to make sure all dirt and makeup is removed before you start. I really like using Clean Start by Dermalogica.
2.) During your workout:
Wear clothes that wick away moisture instead of keeping it trapped close to the skin. For people with sensitive skin, rashes can be an unfortunate side effect. The right gear can help prevent this problem.
3.) After you work out:
Take a shower immediately. This will help wash away sweat which can lead to bacteria. Use a gentle moisturizer on skin after showering to keep it from getting irritated. My favorite gentle moisturizer is Cetaphil, it was actually recommended to me by my dermatologist in high school and I’ve been using it ever since!
You can find gentle cleansers and moisturizers in stores like Target and most grocery retailers. Clothing that wicks away moisture can also be found in Target, as well as athletic stores and online.
SUN EXPOSURE AND ACNE
For some athletes who like being outdoors, the main skin danger is sun exposure. Harmful UV rays can age skin and cause burns which could lead to skin cancer. If they haven’t applied sunscreen properly or used a sweat proof formula, they are more likely to be exposed to these dangers.
In addition, too much sun can prevent acne and acne scars from healing. Direct exposure to the sun can cause blemishes to darken, becoming scars. Whether you’re dealing with active breakouts or scars left over from blemishes, the sun is not your friend while you’re healing.
HOW TO AVOID SUN EXPOSURE DURING EXERCISE
1.) Slather on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember you’ll need to do this every two hours if you exercise outdoors, especially if you’ll be sweating a lot or swimming.
2.) Avoid exercising outdoors during the peak hours for harmful UV rays, from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Limiting your exposure to the sun and protecting your skin can go a long way in preventing acne after exercise.
Author bio: Amanda is a makeup and skincare junkie and proud author of up-and-coming SkincareHQ.org where she shares her thoughts and ideas on everything beauty. When Amanda isn’t writing about makeup and skincare, she enjoys time away with the family. Questions or comments for Amanda? Feel free to connect with her @Skincare_HQ on Twitter!
If you have any questions about what we’ve said here today, or if you would like to nominate some top green products of your own, please feel free to do so in the comments below. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Thanks to Amanda Green for this really in-depth piece on the link between exercise workouts and acne. Often people don’t realize that working out can cause or aggravate acne. Her simple tips make it easy to control!! Do contact her for questions and tips!!
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
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These are great tips! I always try to splash water on my face post-workout…will have to start incorporating these!:-)