Not only is a moderate amount of exercise good for maintaining a healthy body and for managing stress, it is also very beneficial to your skin. There are people who think that exercise makes their acne worse, but if your acne gets worse due to exercise, it is normally because of something you are putting on your body rather than what you are doing to it. There are certain factors to consider when determining if exercise is actually aggravating your acne.

An initial factor to examine is any cover-up or makeup applied to the skin. Though there are very light makeups available that contain no oils or work not to clog the pores of the skin, clogging and accumulation in the pores can still occur in strenuous activity. The best recommendation is to wear as little makeup as can be worn, and ensure that said makeup is cleaned off immediately after the activity is complete.

Studies have shown that although acne can improve slightly while briefly exposed to sunlight, it also shows that prolonged exposure promotes comedones (clogged pores) and sun damage. Some types of acne medication even raises the sensitivity to the sun. Using sunscreen is a must if exercising outdoors. Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and has a protection factor with no less than SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to wash your face after exercising, because sunscreen can also clog pores like make-up.

Clothing is another factor. Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture against your skin, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, thus contributing to acne. It is best to avoid clothing made exclusively with lycra or nylon. Loose clothing and natural fibers permit the skin to breathe. Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton is best for moderate exercise. If you follow a vigorous routine, you may consider trying the new fabrics that are designed to draw moisture away from the skin.

Proper fitting clothing and equipment are also crucial to consider, as they can lead to skin irritation as a result of friction. Wearing outfits that are too snug in places like armpits and crotches are prime areas for irritation. Helmets need to fit properly and snugly to the head, and should be lined with a soft fabric that can be removed and washed regularly, such as cotton.

A great tip for your after exercise routine is to remove the saturated clothing and get into the shower and then dry clothing quickly. Wearing wet clothes for a prolonged period of time can breed bacteria and worsen the blocking of pores in the skin. If showering isn't an option, cleaning the skin in places where irritation is common with a treated wipe or towel can reduce the amount of moisture on the skin and clean out any dirt or blockage of the pores. Pay particular focus to the face, making sure to blot the pores instead of simply wiping. This will ensure that any sunscreen or makeup that you have applied will not sink into the pores and dirt will be drawn out of the pores into the wipe or towel.

Showering quickly after a workout is a great habit to get into. Using an exfoliating cleanser while showering combined with the quicker shower will allow dirt and other accumulation on the skin to be removed quickly. Being gentle in cleansing the skin is optimal, as scrubbing or being overly abrasive can irritate skin further and possibly lead to further skin blemishes developing and current blemishes worsening.

A good exercise routine is vital to our overall health. It is more likely to obtain healthy skin if you have a healthy body. Become aware of the factors that may be the cause of your aggravated acne, then take care of them accordingly. After you have adjusted your routine and removed those factors, you will be on the path to breakout-free workouts.

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