Is Sweating Good for Your Acne?

Hitting the gym for a work out can be great for both your mind and your body. When you're working up a sweat you just feel better; not to mention healthier, but is that sweat helping or hurting your acne?

On the surface, the claim that sweating helps decrease your acne break outs seems to hold some weight. When you sweat fluid is pushed out of your pores and released. So in theory, the sweat would carry out dirt and debris with it, cleaning out your pores, and cleaner pores mean less acne. However, sweat doesn't actually clean out your pores. The sweat can cause the dirt and debris to become even more lodged in your pores. When your pores are clogged with dirt or debris such as dead skin cells, a pimple is formed.

Vigorous exercise can also be a major factor in acne break outs. While this is not the case for everyone; some people who partake in intense work outs three or more times a week will start to see an increase in the oil produced in their pores, which may lead to some acne.

To make matters worse, both the friction and heat your body experiences while you are exercising can cause acne. This is especially the case in people who suffer from acne break outs on their chest and back. While you are working out, your body temperature rises. Unfortunately, pairing your increased body temperature with the form fitting clothing that is often worn during work outs friction will occur. This friction can irritate the skin around your shoulders, back, or anywhere that your clothing is not allowing your skin to breath and the result can cause an acne break out.

In conclusion, sweating is not good for your acne, and your gym sessions, while important, are causing a lot of problems for your skin. However, there are a few things you can do to combat the increased likelihood of acne. First, during your workout wear loose and breathable clothing. This will cut down on friction and related break outs. Second, be sure to shower as soon as you are done working out and switch to loose fitting clean street clothing. This will cut down on the amount of time sweat remains on your skin. Finally, be sure to wash your face with a cleanser made for acne as soon as you finish working out.