Not only is a moderate amount of exercise good for maintaining a healthy body and for managing stress, it is also very beneficial to your skin. There are people who think that exercise makes their acne worse, but if your acne gets worse due to exercise, it is normally because of something you are putting on your body rather than what you are doing to it. There are certain factors to consider when determining if exercise is actually aggravating your acne.
One factor is make-up. There are oil-free and non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) products available, but they will still clog the pores if worn during heavy exercise. Wear as little make-up as possible while exercising. When you are finished, wash it off as soon as possible.
Studies have shown that although acne can improve slightly while briefly exposed to sunlight, it also shows that prolonged exposure promotes comedones (clogged pores) and sun damage. Some types of acne medication even raises the sensitivity to the sun. Using sunscreen is a must if exercising outdoors. Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and has a protection factor with no less than SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to wash your face after exercising, because sunscreen can also clog pores like make-up.
Clothing can be a third factor that can cause skin irritation. Synthetic fabrics do not breathe as well as many natural threads, resulting in sweat and heat being trapped against the skin. This trapping can breed bacteria, which is not ideal for the skin. A good tip is to avoid synthetic materials like lycra or nylon exclusively when exercising, instead opt for looser and more aerated fabrics like cotton. Or, as an alternative for the heaviest workouts, purchase clothing that is designed to wick water away from the skin and evaporate it before it can build up on the fabric or the skin’s surface.
Making sure that you have the proper fitting equipment can be the best way to battle friction related breakouts. For instance, you don’t want your wetsuit too tight under your arms. If you use a helmet, ensure it fits properly and does not slide around on your head. Also, line your helmet with a layer of soft, washable cotton fabric, like an old t-shirt.
Make sure you take a shower and change your clothes as soon as you can. Whatever your exercise routine entails, sweaty clothes are not good to keep on. If no shower is available, at least wipe off the sweat with a clean towel and change your clothes. Additionally, make sure to blot dry your face rather than wiping it. Attempting to cleanse your face by wiping can actually cause sunscreen, make-up, and oil to get embedded deeper into your skin.
It is best to shower immediately after working out. However, no matter when you shower, you may want to use a medicated exfoliate cleanser. Remember to always be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing hard will not make you cleaner or cause acne to vanish. In fact, it may irritate existing lesions or develop new ones.
Our health is greatly improved as a result of regular activity, and having a better skin condition is one benefit of this activity. Knowing about what is in your routine that could be an irritation to your skin blemishes is beneficial, as that awareness can allow you to adjust your routines to improve your skin’s health. Through your awareness and your adjustments, your workouts will soon become better to your skin and to your health even further.