Exercise and training is an important part of many of our daily routines. If you’re here, you’re likely a part of the growing active community. Sweating is an obvious result of exercise, but contrary to popular belief, sweat itself doesn't cause breakouts, but the effects of perspiration sitting in your pores over time.

Whether you're a seasoned vet in fitness or just getting started, understanding the relationship between exercise and breakouts in turn can help in maintaining a healthy complexion. In this comprehensive post we'll detail why breakouts after workouts can happen, factors that lead to breakouts post-exercise, and practical tips to effectively prevent and manage breakouts while you stay on your grind. Check out our GP Tips throughout the reading, especially for athletes- we got you covered.

Let's break it down.

Does sweat cause acne?

Sweat itself does not directly cause acne. The primary function of sweat is to regulate the body’s overall temperature, by evaporative cooling you off. Elevating the body’s temperature activates sweat glands to release perspiration on the skin’s surface, a vital part of the body’s thermoregulation process. Sweat is colorless, odorless, and contains electrolytes. However, it’s not necessarily sweat that causes acne, but sweat and bacteria sitting on your face over time that can lead to breakouts emerging on your face and body.

1. Clogged Pores

Sweating causes your pores to open up to release perspiration and cool down your body. If you have acne prone skin, increased moisture can make it easier for dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria to collect and accumulate in these open pores. Clogged pores can therefore lead to breakouts forming.

2. Friction

Tight workout clothing or clothing that is not breathable can lead to irritation on your skin, especially in areas where it rubs.

3. Waiting too long after exercise to cleanse

Lingering dirt, bacteria, and sweat sitting in pores post-training can increase the formation of breakouts.

4. Wearing Makeup or Sunscreen Residue

Wearing products on your face can contribute to clogged pores. This can be difficult to manage for athletes, especially those that train outdoors in the hotter months.

6 REALISTIC TIPS TO PREVENT BREAKOUTS POST-WORKOUT

1. CLEANSE skin promptly after exercising

Be efficient with your timing- waiting too long to shower or wash off can lead to breakouts forming post-workout. Make it a priority to wash dirt, sweat, oil, and bacteria from your face timely after you hit the gym or train.

GP TIP: If you can’t shower or don’t have access to a sink, try out our Refresh&Recover Post-Sweat Facial Cleansing Wipes. We created an awesome option to use in the car, between workouts and practice, or on travel days when oil and bacteria tends to sit on your skin.

2. Opt for breathable, loose-fitting clothing if possible

Wearing clothing that doesn’t cause friction or irritation allows your skin to breathe. Try to choose fabrics that are moisture-wicking, such as polyester, nylon, or other synthetic blends. Cotton can be naturally moisture-wicking, but is not breathable, and can retain moisture.

GP TIP: If you have to wear tight clothing due to your sport’s uniform requirements or preference, try to change out of your clothing immediately after exercise if possible. Showering and cleansing right away is ideal, but getting out of tight clothing before you head home can help with the accumulation of bacteria from friction/sweat.

3. Stay hydrated

Continuously drinking water and replenishing electrolyte supplies during workouts will help with your body’s toxin and waste removal. Adequate hydration will help the body flush and eliminate toxins through sweat and urine. This can contribute to clearer skin in addition to helping skin’s elasticity, preventing dryness and inflammation.

GP TIP: If it’s difficult for you to drink water during exercise, realistically make sure that you are properly hydrating before and after. Athletes especially performing high-intensity training need to ensure they are replenishing electrolytes as well. We’ll be explaining this more thoroughly in another blog.

4. Makeup and Sunscreen- Realistically

Sunscreen is a tricky one for athletes. It’s an important addition to include in your skincare routine to prevent sun damage for all skin tones. While recreational or indoor athletes don’t have to apply before workouts, outdoor athletes will typically need to apply and reapply if their training sessions are long.

GP TIP: Opt for a non-comedogenic sunscreen without pore-clogging ingredients, that is broad-spectrum and waterproof. Directly after you workout, immediately cleanse your face or shower to avoid the residue from sunscreen/makeup from clogging your pores and causing breakouts.

5. Washing workout gear often, and avoiding sharing towels

Workout gear such as gloves or towels can be breeding pools for bacteria. Wash equipment often, and always try to use your own towel during training.

GP TIP: Create a regular weekly routine to wash your equipment, and make it a habit. Carry your own towel during training or workouts, and keep it on you so you have it handy. If the towel gets saturated during exercise and you have access to another one, swap it out whenever you can. If you are an athlete, check with your EQ staff on how often they wash gear.

6. Avoid touching your face during workouts

This is difficult, but think about it. How many pieces of workout equipment are you touching during one session? And further, how many other people have been touching that equipment? Although there are sanitation practices heavily instilled in gyms, it's hard to know what has or hasn't been properly sanitized, and what types of bacteria or germs are left even after the fact.

GP TIP: If you can take an extra moment to wipe down and sanitize your own equipment directly before you use it, do so. If you have to share equipment or play in a contact sport, avoid touching your face and try to sanitize your hands as you need. Ask your athletic trainer to keep hand sanitizer on them if you can and make it a priority to use. This can also limit spreading germs when a nasty cold is spreading around.

It can be hard to manage your complexion and breakouts after workouts- especially if you're very active or train multiple times a day. We get it.

Instilling these tips can be a helpful way to optimize your complexion, along with a proper skincare regiment on a daily basis after training.

DOES SWEATING CAUSE BREAKOUTS? 6 TIPS FOR ATHLETES