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How to Get Rid of Body Acne & Post-Workout Acne
If you’ve got bumps, redness, and blemishes on your skin, you aren’t alone; body acne is a common condition affecting millions of people yearly. Anyone can experience body acne, but athletes and people who work out regularly are more likely to face this hurdle than others.
The more you sweat and expose your skin to potential irritants, the higher your risk of getting acne after starting to work out. Fortunately, learning how to get rid of body acne is simple, but you’ll need the right products and techniques to get the job done.
Why Body Acne Occurs
Body acne can result from the same factors that cause face acne: dead skin cells, excess oil, and inflammation.
When dirt, oil, and dead skin cells sit on the skin, they can clog pores and cause breakouts. Some people naturally produce more oil than others; others might shed skin cells at a faster rate.
However, body acne doesn’t always come down to genetics or skin type. There are other influences to consider that may be behind your breakouts. Other causes of body acne may include:
- Age: people in their early-to-mid 20s are generally more likely to deal with body acne
- Dietary habits
- Stress
- Drug and alcohol use
- Friction and heat from certain workouts
- Hormones
No matter what’s causing your body acne, a comprehensive post-workout skin care routine can help kick blemishes to the curb.
Does sweat cause acne?
Sweat doesn’t necessarily cause body acne on its own – instead, it may clog pores or attract bacteria to the skin that cause breakouts. But many athletes sweat regularly with little to no changes to their skin.
So, sweat can contribute to acne, but you can limit its influence by taking some preventative measures. There’s nothing wrong with sweating, either; sweat can actually be beneficial for the skin because it forces out grime and dead skin as it exits through the pores.
Does pre-workout cause acne?
Pre-workout can cause acne for some people, but it all depends on the product. Some formulas are created using sugars and active ingredients like caffeine that can trigger breakouts. But not everyone responds to these ingredients the same way.
Pay close attention to your symptoms to determine how pre-workout affects your skin. Consider taking some time off from your pre-workout mix to see if it leads to any changes in the workout acne you notice.
How to Get Rid of Body Acne For Good
Whether sweat, genetics, or something else entirely is to blame for your breakouts, rest assured that it is possible to learn how to get rid of body acne. The best approach involves minimizing irritation, keeping your pores clear, and giving your skin the support it needs to stay healthy.
Get Clean with a Good Body Wash for Acne
If you have body acne, it’s best practice to shower after doing any activity that makes you sweat. When you do, consider lathering up with an acne body wash with ingredients designed to help deeply cleanse the skin.
A salicylic acid body wash is a popular option for this, but salicylic acid can be irritating and drying, especially for those with sensitive skin. Other options include chemical exfoliants like glycolic and lactic acid that gently penetrate pores. These ingredients may be better for regular use since they’re generally tolerated by more skin types.
OffCourt’s Deep Cleansing Body Wash is designed to work hard so your skin doesn’t have to. Its sulfate-free formula won’t strip your skin of its natural oils, which helps prevent dryness and irritation. Our Body Wash features both glycolic and lactic acids to leave your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Deep Cleansing Body Wash Trio Pack
Change Out of Sweaty Clothes Quickly
Since sweat can contribute to body acne, do your best to minimize its contact with your skin. If you aren’t able to shower, always opt for changing into a fresh set of clothes. Change your undergarments, too. The longer sweat sits on your skin, the more likely it is to become food for bacteria.
Exfoliate Regularly
While gentle, daily exfoliation is a great way to keep pores clear and happy, a deeper exfoliant may be necessary occasionally. Some gentle mechanical exfoliation physically removes dead skin hanging onto the skin and stimulates blood flow to the area, which can help promote refreshed, healthy-looking skin.
For a thorough scrub that won’t be too harsh on your skin, count on OffCourt’s Exfoliating Body Soap. This medium-grit formula lathers beautifully to rid your skin of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin in a flash. Plus, its incredible scent will leave you feeling and smelling like a whole new person.
Exfoliating Body Soap - Trio Pack
Avoid Irritation
Some workouts and equipment can trap skin and cause friction from movement or clothing. Cycling, for instance, may cause high amounts of friction around your upper thighs or hips.
If you use equipment or exercises that create this problem, consider what you can do to cut back on rubbing. You may be able to use padding, wear lightweight clothing, or adjust the equipment to avoid irritating your skin as you sweat.
Stay Hydrated
Sweat is mostly water, but when you’re dehydrated, the contents of your sweat can change to be more attractive to bacteria. Prevent this by staying hydrated before, during, and after your workout.
Check With a Derm
Many people can successfully treat body acne at home, but some more severe cases may warrant professional treatment. It’s a good idea to check in with a dermatologist to get the full rundown on what’s causing your body acne and what you can do to stop it.
How to Prevent Post-Workout Acne
Preventing breakouts from happening in the first place should be part of any acne treatment for athletes. As you target existing body acne, avoid future blemishes by taking steps like those below.
- Dress Smart. Opting for breathable, lightweight clothing helps you ensure as much sweat as possible evaporates off your skin as you work out. It should also prevent sweat from being trapped against your skin and causing irritation. Alternatively, you can pack a microfiber towel in your gym bag to wick away sweat as you exercise.
- Pay Attention to Products. Look out for oils, silicones, and other ingredients that tend to cause acne. Skip products like these on days you work out.
- Do Laundry Often. Even if you shower often, sweat and dead skin may linger on your bedding and clothes. Bacteria may also transfer to these surfaces. Clean them often to limit your risk of causing a breakout.
- Practice Good Skin Hygiene, Always.Athletes with acne can’t afford to pass up skin care even on “off” days. Take good care of your skin every day of the week to see the best results.
Final Thoughts
Body acne may be a common concern for athletes, but it doesn’t have to be one for you. The right skin care routine can help you limit breakouts and keep your skin happy and healthy.
You can always trust OffCourt products to work with your skin, not against it, even during your sweatiest workouts. Check out the rest of our shop to find even more products designed for skin just like yours.
Gym Bag Kit