If you’re the kind of person who immediately changes out of their activewear after a gym session, here’s a gold star for you. Everyone else, keep reading.
Because if you’re one to organise a post-gym coffee date, or run errands after a workout, you might find yourself in some trouble of the ingrown hair variety.
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Let’s face it, nobody likes an ingrown hair, they aren’t cute to look at.
Not to mention they can be itchy and quite painful. And while we do all we can to avoid them popping up, they still seem to find a way.
Which brings us to our next point, activewear. Particularly those expensive compression leggings you live in.
If you are already susceptible to folliculitis (AKA a fancy term for ingrown hairs), you may find your gym gear is aggravating the problem.
You see, when skin is continuously rubbing against tight clothing, it causes irritation and inflames your ingrowns.
Not only can this be aggravating, but it may also encourage the growth of new ingrowns.
According to dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis who spoke to bustle.com, “when you work out you’re doing repetitive motions,” and clothing that’s too tight can be a trigger. “Running, working out on a spin cycle, or even a Zumba class can lead to ingrown hairs if your workout wear isn’t fitting well”.
This is a result of the friction, as well as the entrapment of both heat and sweat.
Image credit: @stephclairesmith
Now we know what you’re thinking and no, this isn’t your excuse to cancel tomorrow morning’s 6am spin class.
Instead, here are a few easy tips and tricks to avoid this kind of ‘gym rash’.
1. Wear activewear for your workout sessions only, and then take it off. Don’t stay in your sweaty leggings longer than necessary, even if they are comfy and the thought of trying to put together a presentable outfit is daunting.
2. Try a looser flowing fit where possible. We know it’s the dead of winter, but shorts are OK once you’ve warmed up, right?
3. Maintain good hygiene and ensure the skin is clean. Don’t sit in your sweat for too long as this can cause a build-up of bad bacteria. Wiping your skin down post-workout, particularly in areas of already existing bumps, can help prevent further skin infection. Use a disinfectant product likeIsocol Rubbing Alcohol, being mindful to avoid any irritated spots.
4. Wash your activewear regularly. Don’t re-wear.
5. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Dirt, oil and dead skin will clog your hair follicles so make sure this step is part of your body care routine.
bh recommends: Bodecare Detox Dry Body Brush
Main image credit: @joja
Have you ever had this problem? Do you have any other tips?
Great advice BH will definitely won’t be staying in active wear after exercising.
I had ingrowns really bad and wore activewear daily for years. But then switched from epilating to IPL at home. They were gone and scars all healed!
I always take a shower right after my workout. I can’t stand being in sweaty gym clothes
Everything seems to be giving me ingrown hairs. Hello, growing a winter hair forest here! But and ingrown hair is better than cystitis which I once got from activewear.
Thankfully I rarely get ingrown hairs.
I hate ingrown hairs
Ew! I’m glad I don’t have this problem.
Yes I thought exactly the same … Hygiene is common sense.
I am lucky ingrown hairs have never been an issue for me I believe they can be painful !
Im stunned that it even has to be mentioned that you should wash your active wear after every use…..eck
I don’t stay in my activewear after working out but I still get ingrown hairs :/
The adidas white crop top she’s wearing is cute. I have been wearing baggy trackies this year instead of leggings. Just loving the comfort and warmth!
Went for a walk early this morning and still worked up a sweat despite it being winter, no way I could wear exercise gear all day.
I don’t have active wear – it would not be very flattering on me.
I can’t stand it when people stay in their active wear all day. So sloppy.
this is good
Oh wow I don’t have this problem. I wonder why that is? Oh yeah thats right I’m a sloth and don’t go to the gym. But it is common sense that staying in sweaty clothing would not be good for your skin.
I can’t help with any tips because I haven’t had this problem. I can’t believe the number of girls I see out shopping in their activewear (as though it is the normal thing to wear while shopping).
So glad I never jumped on the activewear bandwagon… Sounds painful!!! Ha ha!!!
Makes sense
Always good to shower after exercising, I don’t always though as get lazy lol
I shower and change but still get ingrown hais. Probably as I am always in the gym.
I swear my skin started itching just reading this. Yuck.
I don’t own any active wear.
Don’t wear activewear that often so doesn’t concern me
interesting, maybe thats the cause