How to get rid of sweat pimples, for good!

A good sweaty workout or run can really boost your energy. It’s also a great way to improve your mood. The downside is that sweat, combined with dirt, grime and other environmental factors, can make you breakout. Read on to find out why sweat pimples happen and what to do about them.

Contents

• What causes sweat pimples?
• How to treat sweat pimples?
• Tips to prevent sweat pimples
• Conditions similar to sweat pimples
• Take your skincare seriously: call in an expert

What are sweat pimples?

Sweat pimples, medically known as acne mechanica, are  irritated red or pink bumps on the skin. They tend to form in areas of the body where sports equipment or clothing rubs against your heated skin, such as your forehead, back and chest. Sweat pimples also can form where sweat tends to collect, such as under your breasts, armpits and in skin folds. Typically, sweat pimples clear more quickly than regular acne, within six to eight weeks of treatment.   

What causes sweat pimples?

Sweat alone doesn't cause pimples; it is the buildup of dirt, oil and bacteria on your skin that can cause pimples. When you sweat, the sweat moves through your pores and gets onto your skin. Sweat then evaporates on the skin and cools down the body. This mechanism is also how the body flushes out toxins.

Problems begin when there is dirt and bacteria on your skin. Bacteria thrives in warm, moist conditions and if the sweat is not washed away, bacteria quickly multiplies. As bacteria and other impurities accumulate on your skin, they start to block your pores. Sweat cannot get through clogged pores, causing the follicles to swell and sweat pimples to form.

What is the difference between sweat pimples and regular acne?

First, the causes are different. While sweat pimples are caused by sweat, bacteria and blocked pores, regular acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations and genetics. Second, the appearance of these skin irritations is different. Sweat pimples are irritated red or pink bumps, and regular acne appears as blackheads, whiteheads, and papules.  

How to treat sweat pimples?

Gently cleansing the affected area after sweating heavily and at the end of the day is the best way to get rid of sweat pimples.

• Use lukewarm or cool water to apply the cleanser and to rinse it off. Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils.
• Use a cleanser that does not strip the skin of its natural oils. Excess oil can clog pores, but stripping the skin of its natural oils will leave the skin dry and susceptible to infections. PURIFY ME contains argan oil, which the skin absorbs quickly. Argan oil nourishes and hydrates skin with Vitamins A and E.
• Use a cleanser that has anti-inflammatory properties. PURIFY ME contains hamamelis, which has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin irritation.
• Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Rubbing your face dry can increase skin irritation.

A good wash stops sweat and impurities from building up on your skin, clogging pores and forming sweat pimples.

How to prevent sweat pimples?

• Removing makeup, dirt and bacteria from your skin before working out will prevent clogged pores and sweat pimples. This way, when you sweat, the toxins that the body releases through sweat will find clear pores to pass through and flush away impurities. 
• Exercise in clean clothes. Clothes that have not been washed since the last exercise session are covered in dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils, which can clog your pores and lead to acne.
• Wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes. Looser clothes will not trap heat and sweat on your skin. Additionally, moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from your body, so friction on your skin is reduced and you have less skin irritation.
• While exercising, gently pat your skin with a clean towel to remove excess sweat. Reducing the amount of sweat on your skin will keep bacteria from multiplying in a super moist environment.
• Wipe off shared equipment before using it. Shared equipment may be covered in bacteria and oil. By cleaning it off, you avoid spreading bacteria and oil to your skin.
• After exercising, you should cleanse your skin again, washing away any toxins before they start forming blemishes.

Conditions similar to sweat pimples

Heat rash is caused by excessive sweating in hot and humid conditions. It can appear as small white or clear, fluid-filled bumps or as red bumps on your skin’s surface. Typically, heat rashes form on the back, chest, and neck.

Boils are caused by bacteria, Staphylococcus. They are discolored bumps that develop deep in the skin. These bumps increase in size as they fill with pus. Boils usually form around cuts or breaks in the skin and are more painful than pimples.

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). They are tiny blisters that appear on the lips and in the mouth. They are very contagious and can be spread through saliva or close contact with someone who has a cold sore outbreak. Pimples do not form on the lips or in the mouth and are not contagious.

Take your skincare seriously: call in an expert

If you are not sure which skin condition you are suffering from, you should consult with a dermatologist. Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to solving any problem. Dermatologists are also able to prescribe medications that are not available over-the-counter.

In conclusion, how can I say goodbye to sweat pimples for good?

Don’t stop exercising, but do keep your skin clean. Maintaining your skin’s natural pH is essential. The best way to do this is through a consistent skincare routine that includes a gentle but effective cleanser.