Exercising benefits our bodies in countless ways. And, while not all of us are obsessed with it, when we’re willing to put in the time and effort, we expect some great rewards to come from our willpower – whether that’s increased energy levels, improved flexibility, a general sense of wellbeing…
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]So, it really becomes that much more discouraging when, post-workout, you look in the mirror only to discover that all that exercising has led to something you never wanted: a pimple.Exercising has been shown time and time again to contribute to acne, but what gives?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
It’s not the sweat.
If you spend a moment thinking about it, the first conclusion you may come to is that it must be all the sweat that beads up on your face while you’re going full-power through your cardio session.
After all, this sweat clogs up your pores with bacteria and debris, right?
Actually, science has proven that sweat is not behind your exercise-related acne. In fact, studies going all the way back to the 1970s show that this isn’t the case.
Rather, research has shown that there are other aspects leading to your acne.
- Is it rubbing you the wrong way? Tight clothing, for instance, restricts your blood flow and can irritate the skin by rubbing it.
- Say goodbye to bacteria. This rubbing and restriction will lead to bacteria spreading into your pores, which is a huge risk factor for pimples. Generally, anything that rubs is bad for your skin.
- Loosen up. With that in mind, looser clothing can help you solve the acne riddle if you are getting acne on your back or other problem areas due to your active lifestyle.
- Go natural! You might also want to read the label since synthetic materials, like polyester, can be extra irritating for your skin.
When oil and bacteria are trapped next to your skin from non-absorbent materials, this also further increases the risk of a breakout. So, definitely opt for moisture-wicking materials that are made for your athletic excursions. You should also opt for natural materials like cotton inside and outside the gym as they’ll absorb the moisture.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Anti-Acne Tips
You’ve checked your gym bag and you’ve swapped your clothing for items that will promote healthier skin, now it will also be helpful to follow these essential anti-acne tips for your skin’s health:
- Skip the makeup. Wearing makeup to the gym is like asking for trouble. Before you head to the gym, you should clean your skin and apply a non-clogging moisturizer.
- Don’t touch. Think about all the bacteria you’re spreading when you bring your sweaty hands up from the public gym equipment to wipe the sweat off your forehead. Keep your hands away from your face.
- Keep cool. Sweat can contribute to clogged pores, so try working out during the cooler parts of the day, or switching to an activity like swimming.
- Rinse and repeat. After your workout, head to the showers and give your face some extra TLC with a gentle cleanser.
- Are you still sweating regularly? Exfoliation might be a helpful thing to incorporate into your routine. You might also try dry skin brushing to help remove surface debris and dying skin cells.
Choose The Right Products
Moisturizing is a very important part of maintaining healthy skin. In recent years, research has continued to reveal the potential harm of using chemical-based moisturizers and beauty products on your skin, which has led to the uprising of all natural, skin-friendly products.
Your moisturizer, of all things, definitely needs to be chosen carefully in order to offer your skin the absolute best benefits. So, what should you look for?
- Opt for chemical-free. First and foremost, your beauty products (especially those you put on your sensitive face) should be free of any harmful chemicals. And, in fact, chemicals in general. This means opting for a natural product that uses only materials sourced from the earth.
- Choose plants. Skip any product that has man-made ingredients and look for one that features plant-based, natural, and organic ingredients that will treat your skin right. These products will keep harmful chemicals off your skin while being gentle.
Go Natural
Finally, yet another great tip that has applications far outside the gym is the chance to simply go natural with your look. This can mean wearing less makeup than you’re in the habit of wearing (which will encourage your skin to breathe more while reducing the chance of clogged pores), or it might mean skipping your makeup all together.
Going natural is a wonderful way to give your skin a day-off, and it will also allow you to showcase your true beauty.
The natural look of little or no makeup is certainly taking off thanks to its wonderful benefits for your skin’s health, its positive effects on your wallet, and its ability to really showcase the gorgeous looks you were born with.
Clear skin will help give you the confidence to go natural more often, which in turn will help you keep your skin clear. But, if you’re currently in the cycle of wearing makeup to cover up breakouts, it can be tricky to break the loop.
If that’s the case, trying out an acne-fighting product and building an acne-fighting beauty routine in general will help you overcome the acne problems you’re experiencing and help you achieve more beautiful skin.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Build An Acne-Fighting Routine
When you do choose to wear makeup, using a makeup primer can prove extremely beneficial when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and preventing acne breakouts.
A makeup primer will act as a protective and hydrating barrier between your makeup and your skin. This will help prevent pores from becoming clogged with makeup while still allowing your skin to breath. Using a makeup primer will allow you to still get the trendiest look without worrying about what it may be doing to your skin.
When you’re finished with your makeup for the day, wash your skin thoroughly to ensure the makeup isn’t able to sit on your skin any longer. Use a gentle face wash to do so (never body soap) and then blot your skin dry. Remember, rubbing will only increase the chance of you experiencing acne.
You should be in the habit of cleansing your face as needed (usually nightly) and then applying a facial moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin is the key to healthy skin. Moisturizing will also help your skin fight the harmful UVB rays emitted by the sun and, at the same time, slow down the natural effects of aging.
When your skin needs that extra assistance in getting back to its healthiest state, using a face masque should be your next course of action. The Shinkafa Face Masque is formulated to purify the skin with charcoal and reduce the appearance of blemishes (like acne) by eliminating dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and removing impurities from the skin.
The result of using such a face masque will be healthier-looking, tighter, and glowing skin.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The Next Steps
Are you experiencing breakouts? Try one of Shinkafa’s natural face masques and creams made specifically to help you manage breakouts and maintain beautifully healthy skin.
Just because you live an active lifestyle, it doesn’t mean you have to deal with acne. Shinkafa’s skin care products are made with atheletes in mind to help you keep your skin looking young, healthy, and blemish-free all day long.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
