5 Tips to Prevent Post Workout Pimples and Pimple Marks

BCWW Team on 22 November 2017

We sweat out hard in the gym for that toned body and healthy skin. But did you know, your workout sessions could be the cause of your frequent pimple breakouts?

To make matters worse, the pimples tend to leave behind pimple marks and dark spots which are basically the discolouration of the skin after the blemish heals.

Understanding the effects of exercise on your skin

Before you consider pimples as an excuse for breaking up your exercise routine, let’s be clear – breakouts have nothing to do with exercising. Working out and sweating does not cause pimples. In fact, exercise improves blood circulation, dilates pores thereby allowing sweat to expel trapped dirt and oil, regulates hormones and prevents skin damage from free-radicals.

How working out can lead to pimple breakouts?

When you exercise, it is not your sweat that produces pimples but what comes in contact with the skin that causes breakouts like tight clothing, towel, gloves, etc. They can not only irritate skin but also trap oil and pimple causing bacteria. Here are some of the factors that could lead to pimple breakouts:

1. Touching your face during workout

   If you’re in the habit of touching your face frequently, especially while working out, then you are at risk of pimple breakouts. Gym equipment accumulates sweat and bacteria from multiple users which are transferred to your hands/gloves during workout. When you touch your face, the bacteria are transferred to your face, resulting in pimples.

2. Using unclean towels

   Towels and napkins are the worst carriers of bacteria. Use only freshly laundered towels. And do not commit the cardinal sin of sharing your napkin or towel with anyone, even family or friends. When you use shared napkin or towel, you increase chances of transferring bacteria on to your face.

3. Wearing make-up during workouts

   Even the slightest bit of make-up on your face during your workout can mix with the sweat and end up clogging your pores, leading to breakouts.

4. Working out under the sun

   

   If you are in the habit of exercising outdoors, you are at risk of developing pimples. The sun dries your skin and this causes the body to produce more oil which can clog the pores and lead to pimples.

5. Skin friction due to tight clothes

   When working out, you might experience a breakout of pimples on parts of your body which come in contact with tight-fitting clothing. You can avoid this by showering immediately post your workout and using a good skin cleanser. Also, avoid wearing clothes which are too tight.

How to prevent breakouts and pimple marks during and after workouts?

You can follow these simple tips to keep your face clear of pimples-causing bacteria during and post workouts.

1. Clean-up before working out

   It is recommended you clean your skin with a herbal face wash before you workout. You can select one from the Bajaj Nomarks range of Ayurvedic Face washes based on your skin type.

2. Follow good gym hygiene

   When you’re at the gym make sure you follow the rules of personal hygiene strictly such as making sure to use a fresh towel and avoid touching your face. You can also cultivate the habit of washing your hands and face after your workout to get rid of the bacteria accumulated on the skin.

3. Follow a post workout skincare routine

   Apart from taking a shower after your workout, it is always a good idea to clean your face so as to get rid of any bacteria that might have built upon your skin.

4. Working out outdoors? Use a sunscreen!

   Make it a point to use sunscreen before you head outdoors for your jog/workout. Use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Also, make sure that it is sweat-proof and ‘non-comedogenic’ to prevent pore clogging.

You can use the Bajaj Nomarks  Ayurvedic Cream for Normal Skin that helps prevent pimples, hyper pigmentation, sunburn, marks, and damage caused by the sun and other environment factors.

For your post-workout skincare routine, make sure to include herbal products, like those provided by Bajaj Nomarks, which use ingredients recommended in Ayurveda. These products not only prevent pimple marks and dark spots but also nourish your skin giving you that clear spotless glow.