We all know exercise is great for your mind and body, but while we’re often told it also helps promote healthy skin – the breakouts, chafing and other pesky skin problems it can bring sometimes suggest otherwise.
The fact is, all that sweat dripping down your face can lead to a hella confused complexion. The good news? We have the solutions (so you’ll have no excuse not to work out!).
The problem: Wrinkles (AKA ‘runner’s face’)
The possible culprit: Vigorous exercise
You might have heard that wear and tear from vigorous exercise like running can break down your skin’s collagen, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. This hasn’t been scientifically proven – but if you’re particularly worried about premature ageing, a more low-impact activity might give you some peace of mind. Go easy on the running and try yoga, Pilates, swimming or power walking. Oh, and don’t forget to supplement your anti-ageing exercise with a suitable skin care product, such as the Elucent Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 30 ($22.49 at Chemist Warehouse).
The problem: Breakouts
The possible culprit(s): Sweat, oil and dirt
The sweat, oil and dirt produced during high-intensity workouts can promote #nextlevel breakouts, especially around your chest, face and back. To reduce the chances of this happening, avoid wearing makeup when exercising and cleanse with a gentle wipe such as QV Face Cleansing Wipes ($5.99 at Chemist Warehouse) straight after your workout, particularly if you can’t take a shower straight away.
The problem: Bacne
The possible culprit: Your workout gear
Light, breathable clothing is essential if you’re prone to bacne (AKA back acne). Why? Well, polyester and other man-made fabrics tend to get wet with sweat, clogging up the pores on your back quicker than you can say ‘breakout’. Thankfully, there are plenty of newer, more advanced fabric options to help wick the sweat away from your skin. #Treatyoself to a tank top such as Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Bra Tank ($70 at The Iconic).
The problem: Sun damage
The possible culprit: Lack of sun protection
Whether you’re outside or indoors, you’re almost always being exposed to UV rays when you exercise. Yep, even running on the treadmill by the window at the gym puts you at risk. The fix for this isn’t hard: wear protective clothing and a hat where possible, and always apply sunscreen to exposed areas – especially your face and the back of your neck! Opt for a heavy-duty, sweat-proof sports sunscreen such as Hawaiian Tropic® Island Sport Sunscreen Lotion ($16.49 at Chemist Warehouse).
The problem: Chafing
The possible culprit: Chronic rubbing of skin on skin, or skin on clothing
If you ask me, this one’s the absolute worst skin issue of all (it’s certainly given me much grief over the years). Caused by chronic rubbing of your skin on either skin or clothing, chafing can be incredibly irritating. Prevention is better than a cure in this case: use Vaseline Intensive Care Petroleum Jelly ($3.99 at Chemist Warehouse) or a product formulated especially for chafing such as Neat Feat 3B Action Cream ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse) on chafe-prone areas before your workout to help stop the rubbing, and give your skin great #glidegame.
Are you struggling with any of these exercise-related skin problems? Do you have any other good tips for taking care of your skin when you work out?
The Vaseline trick is wonders for me thank you it really worked.
Usually, I would apply sunblock, and that is the end of the story. Reading this broadens my knowledge of skincare.
Yes sunblock is important at all times.
Agreed, needs to be applied every morning before you leave the house, regardless of the weather or activity
Good advice
Good tip, thanks for sharing.
Great tips but I do not exercise to that level.
Yeah, my vigorous exercise days are behind me. Low impact all the way!!
totally
I don’t suffer from exercise-related skin problems
I apply sunblock every day, and sometimes I apply moisturizer to my feet after my walk.
good idea
I used to find that swimming goggles woould leave me with rings right around my eyes and I had to explore the better types available – still swimming I find harsh on the skin around the eyes.
No, never had.
All very good tips
Sometimes you can’t win.If you don’t exercise you feel guilty and if you do too much you end up with skin problems.
I exercise daily and wear no makeup while exercising. I do sometimes get the odd pimple on my torso.
I don’t think I could ever give up my exercise, it keeps me sane.
I wish I was that motivated to excercise
Thankfully my skin behaves itself. Maybe because it’s on the dry side.
Excellent tips and products here, thanks so much.