July 30, 2013
How to Prevent Workout Breakouts
Exercise is not an option if you want to have great skin. It is incredibly important for healthy organs, healthy skin, and healthy muscles. Glowing, flawless skin and exercise go hand-in-hand. The key is to get sweaty and really get your circulation going so your skin receives maximum blood flow and nutrition, and your lymph system can release toxins efficiently.
But what do you do when, instead of flawless glowing skin, you get a nasty breakout?
I am sure we have all heard of people breaking out when they exercise, but there are several things to consider when this happens, so do not think that exercise automatically equates to breakouts.
- Realize that proper exercise is only going to do great things for your body. It will increase your circulation, keep your heart healthy, keep your muscles strong, prevent your bones from getting brittle, allow waste to get out of your body quicker, reduce breakouts, and bring a nice glow to your skin. Do not be discouraged by one breakout.
- If you improperly exercise and overexert yourself, there is a chance you will get a breakout. The reason why is that an increase in cortisol and testosterone production can trigger inflammation and acne. You can avoid this by working out daily for no more than 45 minutes (following short, intense BodyRock workouts is great for avoiding the 45 minute pitfall). The only exceptions are yoga and Pilates, which can be done for 60-90 minutes because they are relaxing for your body and produce a calming, anti-inflammatory effect.
- Wash your face before you workout. Use filtered water and a gentle cleanser, like TATCHA Camellia Cleansing Oil, Tammy Fender Purifying Cleansing Gel, or 100% Pure's Cleansing Foams. This will remove any excess oil and dead skin that can form a clogging mess when mixed with more sweat and oil produced during your workout.
- When you are done training, wash off with cool water. There is no need to cleanse with a product again, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you feel like it, you can use gentle face wipes like ARCONA Triad Pads. You can also use neem leaf extract spray (I get mine from The Neem Man), which is anti-inflammatory and antibacteria. Spray it on your face and anywhere you get blemishes, like your back and chest.
- If you play a sport that requires a mask or helmet, sanitize it before wearing with some rubbing alcohol.
- Be sure to follow a solidly healthy diet that fuels your training and your body properly. Processed junk foods, soda, ice cream, conventional cow's milk, and sugar all contribute to acne and breakouts. Make sure your diet is in line with your goals.