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Stay Clear While Exercising

Some say that exercise will help clear out your pores and reduce acne, while others claim that exercise actually exacerbates acne. Talk about conflicting acne tips! The main thing to remember is that exercise is extremely important to your health and always necessary! Don’t let the threat of acne blemishes keep you from getting that heart pumping and staying in shape.

Overall, exercise actually helps in the fight against acne. When you exercise, your internal systems work at full power, which helps acne blemishes to heal and pores to unclog. However, there are many factors at work during exercise that can cause or worsen acne breakouts.

Go Natural
Wearing makeup, greasy skin care creams, sunscreen or even heavy acne treatments during exercise can cause or worsen acne breakouts. While working out, the pores clog easier, and comedogenic formulations will only add to the problem. If you’re exercising outside, such as jogging or doing outdoor yoga, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 15. This will keep your skin protected from UVA and UVB rays without leading to blemishes.

Dress for Success
Choosing breathable fabrics, such as cotton or hemp, will help keep your body cool and comfortable while simultaneously preventing breakouts. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or spandex, lock in heat and moisture, which creates the ideal breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Heat and moisture can also irritate sensitive skin, leading to excess redness and discomfort. In addition, friction is not your friend when it comes to acne. Loose, comfortable clothing is always ideal.

Wash Up
After exercising, hit the showers as soon as possible. Use the correct adult acne products on the face and body to remove sweat, dirt and bacteria, returning the skin to a fresh, neutral state. (Plus, who doesn’t want a shower after a work out session, anyway?) If showering immediately is not an option, wipe down acne-prone areas with witch hazel or similarly medicated pads to help keep blemishes at bay. Cleansing pads are travel-friendly and easy to use, making them a favorite on-the-go option.