How do I stop sweating from irritating my face?

What should I do before, during and after sweating?

1. 1Before exercise, remove makeup with a gentle cleanser. Outdoors, use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably labelled "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores". Reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
2. 2During exercise, gently pat sweat away with a clean towel instead of rubbing. Avoid tight accessories that rub your face. Sweat is particularly irritating under a hat or helmet.
3. 3After heavy sweating, wash promptly. Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply a gentle cleanser with your fingertips, then rinse. Choose a cleanser without alcohol or abrasive particles.
4. 4Pat dry with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer if your face feels dry or itchy, and use a moisturizer your skin tolerates.

A workout does not require makeup, even if the foundation would like to count as equipment. Heavy makeup mixed with sweat can contribute to clogged pores.3

Can sweat irritate sensitive skin?

Yes. Sweat can irritate skin, and heat, friction and repeated exposure to irritating products can add to the problem. Eczema makes skin more susceptible because its protective barrier is already disturbed. Dry skin is also easily irritated and can become itchier when overheated. Stinging or burning can happen without a visible rash.4

For sensitive skin, choose a soap free cleanser and a moisturizer that does not irritate you. Avoid products that trigger discomfort rather than adding more products to counter it. Retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can also cause irritation, so consider your existing routine alongside the sweat, especially if several irritants are reaching your face at once.24

How do I prevent sweat rash on my face?

Keep your skin cool and reduce sweating where possible. Heat rash develops when sweat glands become blocked and sweat gets trapped. It causes small raised spots, a prickly or itchy feeling and sometimes mild swelling. Spots can look red on white skin or grey or white on brown or black skin. Not every rash after sweating is heat rash.5

For heat rash, take a cool shower or apply a cool damp cloth for up to 20 minutes. Pat rather than scratch, and avoid perfumed creams or shower gels. Heat rash usually improves within a few days. A pharmacist can help with treatment choices; see a doctor if it does not improve after a few days.5

Should I wash my face after sweating?

Yes, after heavy sweating, in addition to your usual morning and evening washes. If you cannot shower after exercise, wash your face. If no cleanser is available, lukewarm water alone can help remove the buildup. Do not scrub or use a washcloth or mesh sponge: these can irritate skin.13

Your fingertips are enough to apply cleanser, which leaves the bathroom gadgets without a job. Avoid repeatedly washing beyond your normal routine and sweaty sessions, because excessive washing can contribute to dryness.14

Can sweat cause breakouts?

Sweaty conditions can contribute to breakouts, but sweat alone is not the whole cause. Heat, humidity, oil, bacteria and friction work together to clog pores and cause inflammation. If you get pimples, choose lighter moisturizers and avoid piling thick products under sunscreen. Keep using sunscreen, and do not pop the spots.6

Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help acne, but they are not required simply to wash sweat away. Benzoyl peroxide can irritate sensitive skin; avoid combining it with other drying ingredients such as salicylic acid. If breakouts or facial irritation persist despite changing your routine, see a dermatologist.136