How to prevent body acne after working out

What to do before, during and after exercise

1. 1Before exercising, put on freshly washed workout clothes. For outdoor workouts, apply an oil free, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin.
2. 2Wipe shared equipment before using it, and avoid sharing helmets or shoulder pads where possible. Equipment can carry oil and bacteria that transfer to skin.
3. 3During exercise, gently pat sweat away with a clean towel. Do not rub: friction can make acne flare.
4. 4After exercising, shower with warm water and a mild, oil free cleanser. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and rinse gently, without scrubbing.
5. 5Change into clean clothes. If you cannot shower immediately, gently wipe sweaty skin with an oil free cleansing wipe and change out of your workout clothes.

Can sweat cause body acne?

Sweaty workouts can contribute to breakouts, but acne is not simply a sign of dirty skin. Acne starts when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells; bacteria can then grow inside and cause inflammation. Sweat can irritate skin and contribute to clogged pores. Removing sweat helps address a workout trigger, but it does not replace acne treatment or mean you need to stop exercising.2345

Should you shower after a workout to prevent body acne?

Yes. Showering soon after exercise removes sweat that can irritate skin and rinses away bacteria that can contribute to acne. Use gentle washing rather than hotter water or harder scrubbing. Loofahs, back brushes and abrasive scrubs can worsen back acne, so the shower does not need a supporting cast of cleaning tools. If showering has to wait, changing clothes and gently wiping affected skin is the practical fallback.124

Can tight workout clothes cause body acne?

Tight clothing and equipment can contribute to breakouts through rubbing and irritation. Choose loose workout clothes made from cotton or sweat wicking fabric, and avoid backpack straps rubbing acne on your back. For moisture trapped under the breasts, breathable clothing and removing optional sports bra padding can help; removable padding can hold sweat, which is a fairly unhelpful extra feature. Irritation in that area can also be folliculitis, inflammation around a hair follicle, rather than acne.126

How do you wash workout clothes to prevent acne?

Wash workout clothes after every use, because dead skin cells, bacteria and oil on unwashed clothing can clog pores. Start each workout with a washed outfit, not yesterday's shirt promoted back to active duty. Wash your sweat towel between uses too, including when someone else has used it.12

What if you already have back acne?

For mild to moderate back acne, a benzoyl peroxide foam wash used daily can reduce flares. Leave it on the back for two to five minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics and cause irritation, dryness or peeling; a 5.3% wash is less likely to irritate than stronger options. Salicylic acid helps clear blocked pores, and a pharmacist can help you choose a treatment. Back acne treatment can start showing results in six to eight weeks, with complete clearing taking three or four months.135

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor for deep, painful lumps, scarring, widespread spots, or skin that is hot, swollen and red. Get help if acne is affecting your mental health. If back acne treatment produces no improvement after six to eight weeks, see a dermatologist. Avoid picking or squeezing spots, which can cause scars.13