Acne and Exercise

Moderate exercise helps you maintain a healthy body and manage your stress levels too and it is also good for your skin. If your acne is aggravated by regular exercise, then you will have to examine your routine.What do you wear? Where do you go? How hard do you work? This Type of acne is usually caused by something you put on your body rather something you do with it.Remove these outside factors and you will get good results.Here are just a few things to keep in mind.

• When exercising, wear as little make-up as possible. Even oil-free and non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) cosmetics can clog pores if worn during heavy exercise. When you’re done working out, wash as soon as possible.
• If you do exercise outdoors, always wear sunscreen. While acne may improve slightly after brief periods in the sun, studies show that prolonged exposure actually promotes comedones (clogged pores) and, of course, sun damage.
• Some kinds of acne medication make skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is even more important. Always choose oil free sunscreen that have a protection factor of at least SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. sunscreen can travel across the skin’s surface and lodge in the pores like make up — so wash immediately after working out.
• Always avoid garments made exclusively with lycra or nylon. Why? Some synthetic fabrics can trap the heat and moisture against your skin, creating a fertile breeding ground for the bacteria that contribute to acne.
• For moderate exercise, your best bet is lightweight, loose-fitting cotton, or a lycra-cotton blend. Natural fabrics allow the skin to breathe, and loose garments causes less friction. If you’re exercising vigorously and getting a good sweat, then you may want to try some of the new fabrics designed to wick moisture away from your skin.
• Some people get acne aggravated in the areas affected by sports equipment. The best defense against friction-related breakouts is a good fit — make sure your helmet doesn’t slide around on your forehead, or your wetsuit isn’t too tight under the arms.And no matter what the sport, it’s always a good idea to keep your equipment clean and dry when not in use.
• Don’t sit around in your sweaty clothes or wet bathing suit when you’re done. If you can, shower off immediately and change into dry clothes before driving home. If this isn’t possible, change into dry clothes and wipe down as well as you can.Always use a clean towel to sweat off your face, and blot gently rather than wipe. Vigorous wiping will irritate your skin, driving make-up and sunscreen deeper into the pores.
• So keep up the good work! A healthy exercise program is an vital part of your overall health; and a healthy body is more likely to have healthy skin. Just keep an eye on the various acne triggers and try to remove them — you’ll be on your way to breakout-free workouts.

Posted in: Beauty tips