Prevent Post Workout Breakouts
One of the great benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle is feeling good. Our appearance reflects the hard work we put in at the gym, from lean and toned to bulked and strong. Unfortunately, many gym goers also find that their active life leads to more spots on their face and body. This can be frustrating and hit your confidence. It can also be a signal of making simple hygiene mistakes that can easily be rectified. Follow our key steps, and you’ll be spot free in no time.
Keep Your Hair Natural
While styled and shiny hair is great to look at while you are checking your posture in the mirror, the products that create it can cause spots. Rich conditioners and gel mix in with your sweat when you get hot. That sweat is then extra oily and thick. As well as making your face more spot prone, it can also cause issues on your back, shoulders and neck. So, resist the temptation to style it up to work out, and save any conditioning treatments for rest days. If you want extra protection, invest in a sweatband for your head.
Wear Breathable Clothes
Wearing specially designed active wear is a good step towards staying spot free. Although it can be tempting to wear cheaper leggings, t-shirts or other clothes, the material used isn’t designed for working out in. Look for clothes that are light but strong, and encourage sweat to evaporate rather than cling to the material - click here to discover plenty of options!
Wash Your Face
Keeping your face free of make-up and products avoids your pores getting seriously clogged as you warm up. If you work out in the evening, you should cleanse your face even if you are make-up free, to rid the skin of bacteria builds up from the day. Even sun creams can prevent your face from “breathing”. Give your face a good scrub before you sweat, and your face will thank you.
Get a Specialist Moisturiser
It may seem strange to moisturise spot prone skin, but it can work wonders. While oil and sweat can be key contributors to spots, so can dryness and irritation. As at your local pharmacy or skin care shop for a product that is light but will still hydrate your skin effectively.
Get Strict About Equipment Cleaning
Bacteria and sweat from other gym goers is often still present in equipment when you go to use it. Despite gyms requesting users to clean down after they use each thing, many people do a bare minimum sweep, if that. Most gyms provide cleaning facilities, or you could always bring a little packet of anti-bacterial wipes with you. You might feel a bit over the top at first, but you’ll be pleased when you’re lying on a bench press that isn’t giving you spots.
Shower Straight Away
Your shower at home might be much nicer, but you should at least rinse off your body before you head home. The longer sweat has to sit on your skin, the more the bacteria will irritate your skin. Invest in some mini versions of your favourite shower gel as an incentive.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
Jennifer Blow has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science and a Master’s of Science by Research in Nutrition, and now specialises in the use of sports supplements for health and fitness, underpinned by evidence-based research.
Jennifer has been quoted or mentioned as a nutritionist in major online publications including Vogue, Elle, and Grazia, for her expertise in nutritional science for exercise and healthy living.
Her experience spans from working with the NHS on dietary intervention trials, to specific scientific research into omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and also the effect of fast foods on health, which she has presented at the annual Nutrition Society Conference. Jennifer is involved in many continuing professional development events to ensure her practise remains at the highest level. Find out more about Jennifer’s experience here.
In her spare time, Jennifer loves hill walking and cycling, and in her posts you’ll see that she loves proving healthy eating doesn’t mean a lifetime of hunger.
