How to avoid post workout skin breakouts

Exercise helps us maintain healthy body weight while the skin receives a good dose of oxygenated blood. The increase in blood circulation helps in making the skin look healthy and vibrant. Exercise dilates skin pores, allowing sweat to expel trapped dirt, oil and toxins. The sweat glands increase their function in getting rid of skin toxins. All this sounds great until you get a less desirable side effect; post-workout skin breakouts on your face, chest, back and even thighs. And no, sweat is not the culprit; whatever comes into contact with sweat is. Here is what dermatologists recommend.

Before working out:

·         Wear clean workout clothes. Unwashed clothes carry with them dead skin cells, oils and bacteria that can clog your skin as you exercise. Ensure that your clothes are comfortable and allow moisture to evaporate. Anything that’s itchy or rubs the skin should be avoided.

·         Workout without makeup! Imagine some foundation, some contour and blush covering your sweat glands and mixing with sweat as you work out. Not only is it gross, but it is an easy way to get post workout breakouts.

·         Wear oil-free sunscreen when exercising outdoor during the day. Prevent breakouts by protecting your skin from the sun.

During your workout

·         Gently pat your skin with a clean face towel to wipe off sweat. Dirty face towels can flare up breakouts when used on sweaty skin.

·         Carefully wipe down communal gym equipment before use to prevent spread of bacteria and oil from the equipment to your skin.

·         Avoid sharing headbands, helmets, and other protective wear that may harbor bacteria.

·         Keep your hands way from your face until you clean up after exercising.

After the workout

·         “After exercising, it is important to remove wet workout clothing to prevent it from sticking to the skin, trapping dirt and oil and leading to acne breakouts,” says Dr Josh Zeichner, a dermatologist.

·         Shower immediately after your workout to rinse away acne causing bacteria. Since your pores are usually unclogged after exercise, it is wise not to scrub you skin as you clean up right after working out. Scrubbing the skin will result in micro abrasion, irritation and breakouts. Exfoliating the skin is always good, but try not to do it immediately after exercising.

·         Use mild cleansers when washing up and apply oil free moisturiser.

If your skin is prone to conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne, you can benefit more from these tips and your workout sessions may even lead to better skin in the long run.