Different views exist on the relationship between acne and exercise all with a focus on the role of sweat in aggravating acne. Though there is no proven direct correlation between exercise and acne, it is presumed that exercise enhances blood circulation to the skin hence circulating abundant oxygen to the skin cells, which in turn improves skin texture, helps quicker healing of spots and blackheads, and reduces acne. Exercise also helps in rebalancing body hormones and reducing stress both of which are aggravators of acne. Proponents believe sweat is helpful in cleaning the pores from inside through flushing out toxins (dirt, dead skin cells and excess sebum) from the skin hence prevents acne from occurring and curbing existing acne.
Some people believe that sweat causes acne and that exercise can lead to breakouts on the face and other acne prone areas. Reports suggest that sweat does not cause acne directly, but plays a major role in breakouts. It is believed that sweat contains salts which could be a major aggravator of existing acne. Another possible way that exercise could contribute to acne is through bacteria found on the skin. Bacteria thrive in sweat, and if sweat is left on the face or body after exercise for long, these bacteria multiply and work their way into the skin from the open pores after exercise and irritate the skin leading to acne.
In our opinion, exercise is encouraged for the health of your body and sweating should not deter anyone from exercising. But, it is important to be safe than sorry. Our recommendations include:
§ Use oil free and noncomedogenic sunscreens, moisturizers and cosmetics to avoid clogging the pores as this leads to breakouts. Let the skin breath freely.
§ Drink plenty of water much before and after exercise (in short, throughout the day) to replenish water lost during exercise through sweat. Water flushes out the toxins from your body. Acne has been reported in people who do not have sufficient water intakes. Water is also considered better than electrolyte-rich drinks like sodas and sports drinks which increase the salts and sugar in the body hence an increase in the toxins being sweated out onto the skin. *Refer to our previous blog post ‘Boosting your water intake improves the skin too’.*
§ Always (if you can) keep your hair tied at the back and off the face to prevent spreading bacteria on your hair and scalp to your face and chest.
§ Wear loose clothing during exercise; this will minimize the chances of bacteria on your back, chest, and arms getting trapped in direct contact with your skin. It will also lessen the irritation likely to be caused by friction of the clothing on the skin. If prone to body acne, summarily avoid synthetic clothing like nylon and lycra as these fabrics can trap heat and moisture against the body creating a conducive environment for bacteria to multiply and can aggravate acne.
§ It is important to use clean towels to blot your face and acne prone body parts instead of wiping as it can irritate the skin.
§ Finally, shower as soon as possible after exercise using an antibacterial soap and get a change of clothes. Showering washes away the sweat where bacteria could grow, toxins, dirt and dead skin cells that could clog pores and cause or aggravate acne. It will also bring down the desirable bacterial load on the skin back to the normal count hence a healthy balance on the skin.
