Dear Cassey: Are sweaty workouts causing my breakouts?

Hi Cassey!Lately I’ve noticed that my face breaks out A LOT and I was never the type of person to have pimple breakouts even through puberty. I’m starting to think it’s because I’ve committed to working out a lot harder over the past couple years where I’m literally dripping sweat after a workout as opposed to before when I wouldn’t work too hard to avoid sweating too much. Do you have any recommendations on how to care for our skin either pre-/or post-workout (or both)?Bummed With Breakouts

Hey Bummed,

I totally hear you!! It’s so frustrating when you earn that beautiful, sweaty workout glow only for it to turn into a breakout later. The good news is, you can make a few changes to help your face stay clear without slowing down on your workouts! Yay!

Workout with a CLEAN face!

It seems obvious to wash your face after you workout, but it’s just as important to wash it BEFORE you workout too! Any makeup, dirt, or oils hanging out on your face will clog your pores while you work.

If you’re taking your workout outside, don’t skip the sunscreen! The sun damages your skin in more ways than just a sunburn. It contributes to aging and acne too – it dries out your face, which can cause more oil production over time.

Use an oil-free sunscreen to keep it light while protecting your skin.

Clean your equipment

Whether you’re working out at home or in a gym, it’s super important to make sure all of your equipment is clean. This goes beyond things that will touch your face! That means wiping down weights, mats, cardio equipment – everything!

When this stuff isn’t clean, it’s covered in bacteria. You touch it during your workout and then touch your face to wipe sweat, stop an itch, etc., and then the bacteria is on your face. That leads to acne!

As a general rule, I keep my face off of mats and equipment, especially when it’s not my own!

Keep your outfit fresh too.

Dirty workout clothes are full of germs and oils. Re-wearing workout clothes might save you on laundry, but it won’t do your skin any favors. Don’t do it!

Clean up after your workout to stop breakouts

Don’t let the sweat and bacteria from your workout sit on your skin. If you don’t have time to fully shower, at least rinse your face and change into clean clothes!

Water, water, water

When I committed to drinking more water, the changes I saw in my skin were INSANE. I was dealing with breakouts just like you, despite experimenting with new products constantly. How crazy that the key was just more water?!

Just more proof that beauty starts within, right?

Here’s the real science though. Sweating a lot makes you dehydrated. Dehydration leads to dry skin. Dry skin leads to acne! Making sure you’re getting enough water keeps your skin hydrated, clear, and glowy.

And think about other things you’re putting into your body! Certain foods damage your skin, and some of us are more sensitive to those foods than others! Check out these posts I wrote about foods to avoid for good skin, and super healthy foods for skin health!

Hopefully, some of these tips help you get the healthy, glowy skin you deserve! As always, remember that all of our bodies are different and a ton of other factors go into healthy skin, like hormones, stress, genetics, and medications! If you’re trying everything and still dealing with breakouts, go see a dermatologist! They can help you pinpoint exactly what you need.

PS – If you have a burning question you want to ask me, leave your questions below! I may answer it in an upcoming Dear Cassey post!