During exercise, sweating is usually a welcome sight, cooling you down while serving as a badge of a productive workout. But if you have acne-prone skin like me, your relationship with sweat may be a bit more complicated: It can irritate your skin, clog your pores, and trigger breakouts. Still, fear of skin reactions shouldn’t make you avoid that hot yoga class or midsummer run—there has to be a better way. 

We reached out to two dermatologists to get their take on post-workout acne and how to prevent it (even when you don’t have time for a shower at the gym). 

The Experts

• Dr. Hannah Kopelman, chief medical officer at DermOnDemand
• Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, dermatologist at Dermatology Circle in New York City

How Does Sweat Affect Your Skin?

To start, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how sweating impacts your skin. 

Sweat is mostly made up of water, with a little salt and other fluids mixed in. Your body releases it to cool down and prevent overheating, whether you’re pushing through a workout or sitting outside in the dead of summer. 

Since it’s primarily water, sweat alone doesn’t cause acne, says Dr. Kopelman. “But when it mixes with bacteria or friction from clothing (and occlusive gear like helmets or headbands), it can clog pores and lead to breakouts, folliculitis, or even fungal acne.” 

Heavy sweating can also cause increased oil production, says Dr. Kazlouskaya. The combination of sweat and oil on the skin’s surface promotes yeast and bacteria overgrowth, which can lead to pimples. Excess oil can also clog your pores, a key contributor to acne and skin inflammation.

Avoiding Bacteria at Shared Workout Spaces

We’ve heard it countless times before: The gym is one of the germiest places around. That goes for workout classes, too, especially when they involve shared equipment. A 2014 study found 42 different bacterial families and groups in Memphis fitness centers, including salmonella and staph bacteria. This just goes to show that shared workout spaces harbor a lot of bacteria. That’s not good news for any of us, but it can be particularly troubling for those of us with acne-prone skin.  

It’s also not a reason to write off gyms and workout classes altogether, as they’re an essential part of many of our workout routines. Instead, try being more aware of the surfaces your bare skin touches in these settings, and adjust your habits accordingly.  

“It’s important to avoid touching your face during workouts and to make sure any shared equipment (like yoga mats, spin bikes, or weights) is wiped down before use. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics and washing them after each workout also helps reduce skin irritation and bacterial buildup,” says Dr. Kopelman. 

Dr. Kazlouskaya recommends using hand sanitizer regularly when using shared equipment, and to blot sweat away with a clean, dry towel. If you opt to use a towel to manage heavy sweating, invest in a multi-pack so you have a fresh towel for every workout, and be mindful of the surfaces your towel touches (including the interior of your gym bag). 

Skincare Tips for Acne-Prone Athletes

We have great news: It doesn’t take a 10-step skincare routine to prevent breakouts, even if you’re a heavy sweater. Here are our experts’ top tips for devising a skincare routine to manage acne-prone skin and that hard-earned perspiration. 

• Tip #1: Start with prevention. 

“For individuals who sweat heavily, prevention really starts before the workout,” says Dr. Kopelman. “I often recommend cleansing the face with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser beforehand to remove any dirt or product buildup.” With a clean slate, you can go into your workout without worry of sweat mingling with substances already on your skin. 

• Tip #2: Whenever possible, go for the shower. 

“I always advise showering as soon as possible after a workout—preferably at the gym before even getting home—and changing into fresh, dry clothes to prevent body acne,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya. While this requires the foresight to pack a change of clothes (and a towel, if your gym doesn’t provide them), it’s worth it—especially after super sweaty workouts. 

• Tip #3: When a shower’s not possible, opt for the next best thing. 

If you can’t take a full-body shower right after your workout, Dr. Kazlouskaya recommends cleansing your face. This only requires a sink and a gentle cleanser (we suggest packing a travel-sized bottle of your favorite face wash). 

Still, there may be days when you have to rush straight from cardio class to the morning meeting or school dropoff line. While not ideal, Dr. Kopelman has a suggestion: “Use micellar water on a cotton pad or a fragrance-free cleansing wipe to remove sweat and oil until you can properly wash up. Just be careful not to scrub—friction can worsen breakouts. I also advise applying a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer afterward to prevent your skin from overproducing oil.”

• Tip #4: Antibacterial cleanses can offer added protection. 

Dr. Kazlouskaya says that washes containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (or ketoconazole, for fungal acne) can offer more robust protection for post-workout acne.

Keep in mind that these active ingredients can dry out your skin, especially if you’re using other potent skincare products (like retinol). While it may seem counterintuitive, this can lead to even worse breakouts, as your skin naturally produces more oil in response to the dryness. Along with excess oil, combining drying ingredients can also trigger irritation and damage the skin barrier. 

For help safely combining active ingredients and understanding which products will work best for your skin, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist near you.

• Tip #5: Consistency and simplicity are key.

It can be tempting to jump ship when a skincare product doesn’t immediately provide the results you’re hoping for. But sticking it out is crucial.

The general recommendation is to use a product for four to six weeks, enough to cycle through a complete round of skin cell turnover. This is unless, of course, a product triggers irritation or a skin reaction, at which point you should stop use immediately.   

“I always remind my patients that consistency is key. A simple, non-irritating skincare routine before and after workouts can make a huge difference — especially for those who are prone to breakouts,” says Dr. Kopelman. 

Looking for a guesswork-free acne treatment routine? The Stridekick store features three-step regimens from Proactiv to help care for acne-prone skin:

• Proactiv Solution® 3-Step Routine is the original three-step acne system to help treat and prevent breakouts for oily and combination skin types.  
• Proactiv Clean™ 3-Step Routine is a gentler option for mild acne and occasional breakouts. If you struggle with sporadic post-gym pimples, this is a great option to keep your skin clear and calm (without drying it out). 
• Proactiv+® 3-Step Routine features more hydrating formulas to accommodate dry skin types. It eradicates acne-causing impurities while deeply quenching skin to prevent dryness and irritation. 

Takeaways

Clear skin and daily gym sessions? It’s possible with a little planning and tips from our pros. Here are the key points:

• In shared workout spaces, wipe down equipment before use, avoid touching your face, and reach for the hand sanitizer. 
• Blot excess sweat with a clean hand towel throughout your workout. 
• Shower immediately after exercise whenever possible (or at least wash your face at the sink), and follow it up with moisturizer to prevent excess oil production. 
• Stick to a consistent, non-complicated skincare routine that aligns with your skin type.

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Written by Megan Foley