How to Avoid Post-Workout Breakouts

“Exercise breakouts” are a compilation of a lot of factors: diet, hormones, and skin conditions to name a few. Sweat also plays a major role. A good workout means you are really sweating, but sweat can trap dirt and toxins on your skin. Often, the sweat cannot evaporate due to makeup or tight fitting clothes, creating a warm, damp environment that is perfect for acne-causing bacteria and yeast to thrive. If the sweat does evaporate, it leaves dirt and salts on your skin that can clog your pores. Thankfully, the right skincare routine will help you avoid post-workout breakouts.

Remove your makeup

Makeup and exercise are not always a good match. Unless you are wearing non-comedogenic cosmetics, makeup creates a barrier on your skin and does not let sweat escape through your pores. Your pores get clogged, causing pimples and blackheads. To prevent this problem, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, like  PURIFY ME,  before starting your workout. If you want light coverage while working out, you can use a non-comedogenic tinted moisturizer, like  GLOW ME,  which blurs blemishes and evens skin tone with a universal tint.

Wear clean, loose clothes

Make sure to wear clean workout clothes every time you exercise, as dirty workout clothes can be breeding grounds for bacteria that can cause breakouts. Ideally, you want to exercise in clothes that are sweat-wicking and breathable. Bamboo and cotton fabrics are two natural fabrics that are excellent for activewear. FRÉ’s new  100% cotton T-shirt  can be a great addition to your workout wardrobe. What’s more, the clothes should not be too tight; tight fabric can rub against your skin, causing irritation.

Protect your skin 

You need to care for your skin before and during your workout. No matter the season,  the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day,  especially if you are exercising outdoors. But a lot of sunscreens are heavy, clogging pores and causing breakouts. If you plan to exercise outdoors, apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen, like  PROTECT ME.  The sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun and breakouts. In addition, pat your skin with a clean towel to keep your face and body dry as you workout.  Rubbing your skin can cause acne to flare.  

If you plan to exercise outdoors, apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen, like PROTECT ME, to protect your skin from the sun and breakouts.

Sanitize equipment

Even if you exercise alone, your sweat and bacteria is on your equipment, including yoga mats, free weights, and headphones (to listen to motivating music). Make sure to wipe down your equipment after your workout to make sure everything is clean for your next session and won’t be a source of acne-causing bacteria. Don’t forget to wash towels and gear, too.

Clean yourself up

A shower is the best way to fully clean up after an intense workout. Use a gentle body cleanser, like  PURIFY BODY,  to remove toxins, oil, and sweat. If you do not have time to head directly to the shower, wash your hands and face, use cleansing wipes on your body, and change your clothes; it is the second-best option until you reach the shower. Remember to put on clean clothes, so your skin can recover from your workout without irritants, such as dirt, bacteria and damp fabric.  

A shower is the best way to fully clean up after an intense workout. Use a gentle body cleanser, like PURIFY BODY, to remove toxins, oil, and sweat.

Avoiding post-workout breakouts