Does sweating cause acne breakouts?

Key takeaways:

1. Sweating is a normal bodily function, but when it becomes excessive and is not properly managed, it can worsen or even cause problems like acne.
2. Sweat acne occurs when you wear tight clothing or your sweat mixes with dirt and bacteria and clogs the pores on your skin. 
3. Maintaining good hygiene, such as not allowing sweat to dry on your skin, taking a bath at least twice a day or after a workout, and wearing clean clothes, can go a long way toward preventing acne breakouts.

Acne is a common skin condition caused by the clogging of pores by dirt, oils (sebum), and bacteria. It often occurs on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.

Sweating is a good thing. Proper sweating helps regulate the body temperature and removes waste products from the body. Research even shows that sweating can help resolve some diseases, and any disruption in this activity can be fatal to our bodies.

However, on the flip side, sweating can be detrimental when it becomes excessive or improperly managed.

Does sweat cause acne?

Sweat on its own does not cause acne. However, when sweat combines with dirt, oil, and microorganisms, they clog pores and can lead to acne.

How sweating may be contributing to your acne

When you sweat, either during a stressful condition or hot weather, and leave the sweat on your skin for a long time to dry, it mixes with dirt and sebum (oil), creating a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms that cause acne. 

Avoid wearing tight clothing or wear headbands, bra straps, orthopedic casts, turtleneck sweaters, and football helmets. The sweat, friction, and pressure from these clothes can cause an acne breakout.

Are sweat pimples the same as typical pimples?

Like other forms of pimples, sweat pimples are considered symptoms of acne. They are tiny, inflamed, and maybe red, and they are primarily seen on the back and chest, where sweat accumulates.

Sweat pimples are also typically seen in areas where the skin is in contact with sweaty clothing or exercise equipment. 

Is working out bad for acne?

Working out is healthy and has numerous benefits. It helps you keep a healthier lifestyle and physique. However, does working out worsen your acne?—The quick answer is yes and no. Working out causes the body to sweat a lot, but this practice is not bad for acne.

However, if you don't follow a hygienic process to ensure your sweat doesn't get stuck in your body or get mixed up with dirt and bacteria and clog your pores, you may be building a foundation for acne. 

The tight workout outfits you may be wearing, the gym gloves, or even headbands can create an environment for acne to thrive. But this does not mean you should stop working out; there are helpful tips you can follow to prevent this type of acne.

Tips for preventing sweat-induced acne

Dermatologists recommend following some strategies before, during, and after workouts to prevent sweat-induced acne. By incorporating these ideas into your daily workout routine, you could be several steps ahead of sweat acne. 

What to do before a workout

Before you step out to begin your daily workout, do these to prevent sweat-induced acne:

1. Remove your makeup

If you do not leave makeup on your face before starting your workout, it will do your skin so much good. You can use an oil-free, mild cleanser to wash your face or an oil-free face wipe or towelette to keep your face and pores clean and free.

2. Wear clean workout outfits

Cleanliness is essential to prevent sweat acne. Your previously worn workout outfits are a big breeding ground for dirt and bacteria that can clog your pores and trigger acne.

To prevent this, you should wear clean outfits and workout gear like gloves, headbands, and knee guards to avoid triggering this type of acne.

3. Avoid wearing very tight workout outfits

Wearing tight outfits gives room for acne because of the mixture of sweat, pressure, and friction. Always wear outfits that leave space for fresh air and do not feel too tight on your skin.

4. Pull your hair up if you have long hair

The products you use on your hair can lay on your skin and clog your pores, and this can cause acne. Instead, use a tight band and hold your hair up. 

5. Wear sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially if you do outdoor workouts. This is because the sun is one of the major triggering factors for acne.

The UV rays from the sun can induce inflammation and cause an acne flare-up. Therefore, using sunscreens can protect your skin from any sunlight incident.

For maximum protection, use sunscreen that has:

• Sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Broad-spectrum (Protects from Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays)
• Oil-free formulation
• Water resistance.

During your workout

Here are things to do during your workout to prevent sweat-induced acne:

1. Wipe off your sweat with a clean towel

It's not a good idea to leave sweat to dry on your skin. The sweat can mix with dirt and sebum and clog your pores. Instead, you can use a clean towel to pat the sweat off your skin—rubbing your face can also trigger acne. 

Also, ensure the towel is properly washed and dried under the sun after each workout. Repeating the same towel without washing thoroughly can breed bacteria and cause acne. 

2. Avoid sharing protective gear like helmets and shoulder pads

When you share this gear, your chances of getting acne are high because it may be full of acne-causing bacteria and oils, which can clog pores and trigger acne.

3. Avoid touching your face with your hands during workout

Your hands often contain a lot of microorganisms, especially during workouts. Sharing some workout equipment, too, can be a way to share dirt and microorganisms from one hand to another.

So ensure you clean gym equipment before sharing and avoid touching your face with your hands. 

After your workout

Consider doing these after your workout to prevent sweat-induced acne:

1. Have a warm bath after your workout session

Your body gets dirty during workouts due to sweat accumulation, which can breed bacteria. To maintain clean hygiene, take a bath after a series of workouts. Use a mild cleanser on your face to wash off dirt with warm water, then apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture. 

2. Wash all workout clothing:

After each workout, be sure to wash your clothing with lukewarm water. This will remove bacteria and dirt that can clog your pores.

When to see a healthcare provider

If you experience acne breakout even after following these processes, you should seek the assistance of a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your acne and get advice on the best way to tackle it.

Wrap up

Sweating is a normal process; it is important to maintain a healthy balance. Sweating does not directly cause acne, but how you handle it matters. If you don’t maintain good hygiene, the aftereffects of sweating may not be good. It can cause body odor as well as contribute to acne.

Having your bath regularly and maintaining clean clothes may seem insignificant, but they can go a long way in helping you prevent sweat acne.