Keep Working Out, Stop Breaking Out
Is there anything worse than breaking out after breaking a sweat? Well, if it’s any consolation, you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that working out is one of the leading causes of body acne in both men and women. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should spend your summers all swaddled up in long sleeve turtlenecks just because you’re too self-conscious to wear tank tops – after all, what’s the point of staying in shape if you can’t feel good about showing a little skin? Nor should you cease all physical activity and become a couch potato.
So what’s a guy to do? Lots, actually. With that in mind, here are ZENMED’s top tips on preventing sports-related body acne:
Wear Wick Away Fabrics
Trapping in heat and moisture is a breeding ground for the kind of bacteria that leads to acne. So leave those baggy cotton sweatpants at home. Instead, suit up in workout gear that wicks perspiration away from your body.
Avoid Friction
If you take your workout outdoors, beware of ill-fitting gear. For example, when you’re hiking, make sure your backpacks, fanny packs etc. are fastened securely, so that they stay in one place and don’t chaff your skin because that aggravation could lead to acne.
Don’t be a Slime Ball
Hmmm….how can we put this delicately? Fellahs, if you’re prone to acne, you might want to sprinkle on some sweat-absorbing powder before you slap on those jockstraps. ’Nough said. Moving on.
Hit the Showers
Whenever possible, shower immediately after the gym. The longer you stew in your own sweat, the more you risk clogging your pores. If you’re not down with public showers, then just gently wipe excessive sweat off with a clean towel before heading home to wash up.
Scrub a Dub Dub
Never bring a bar soap to an acne fight. What you need is a good exfoliant like ZENMED’s invigorating Botanical Acne Body Wash. This minty fresh, granular formula is the best way to remove excess sweat and unblock clogged pores.
Restore Moisture
Sometimes stretchy, elasticized workout gear can cause patches of irritated skin, which can lead to dry skin flakes that clog your pores. So it’s extra important to soothe and rehydrate your skin after your post-workout shower with a mild, calming moisturizer like ZENMED’s Oil-Free Day Lotion.
For more information, check out this instructional video: