Five Skin Care Tips to Prevent Post-Gym Breakouts

Coupled with a healthy diet, exercise is great for our body. But unfortunately, if you do not take certain precautions, you could end up with an unpleasant breakout after your workout. Read on to know about five skin-care tips to prevent post-gym breakouts.

1. Don’t exercise with your makeup on

Exercise increases skin temperature. So your skin will likely absorb more of whatever is on it. Absorbed makeup can cause congestion, discoloration, dryness, and finally, blocked pores. Another problem with exercising in makeup is that the sweating function is compromised.

2. Wash your face prior to exercise and shower after

Washing your face before your workout is very essential. You are going to be sweating a lot when you exercise, but it’s not the sweat that’s bad. By making sure your face is clean before the workout,
you’re getting rid of oil, debris, dirt and excess dead cells that are already on your face.

3. Tie your hair back

If you’re at the gym and your hair keeps falling on your face, there could be bacteria transfer from hair to face. That means an increased possibility for breakouts. Ideally tie your hair back, into a ponytail. Don’t have enough hair for that? Wear a headband.

4. Wear loose-fitting comfortable and clean clothing

Acne may appear on other areas of the body too such as the chest, buttocks, or back. Chances are this is because of the friction from your fitness apparel rubbing against those areas. Light-weight T-shirts and loose tops, shorts and pants are a safe bet to minimize clothing rubbing on your skin. Man-made fabrics such as polyester can lock in moisture on your skin.

5. Wipe equipment before use

As per a study by FitRated, the usual free weights harbor more than 362 times the quantity of bacteria than a toilet seat does. The treadmill is less worrying but still bad. Check if your gym provides sprays or pre-moistened anti-bacterial wipes. Wipe clean the surface of any machine you intend to use, prior to use.

(Written by Harold Camaya)