We created a short quiz to help you Discover YOUR Complexion Triggers
Breaking Out after Working Out? The Problem Could Be This…
Exercise is great for your entire body—and especially good for your skin. It helps increase blood flow to the surface of your skin, bringing oxygen and nourishment along with it. It also lowers cortisol levels. That’s also good news, since acne sufferers tend to have high levels of this stress hormone. And research shows that excess cortisol triggers breakouts.
But if you’ve also noticed annoying new rash of breakouts after your workouts, it’s not your imagination. It means that you may have acne mechanica, a type of acne triggered by sweat, friction and heat.
Acne mechanica can develop anywhere on the face or body. It’s characterized by small red bumps that pop up on the chest, back or forehead. If you are already prone to acne, you’re more likely to develop acne mechanica.
Acne is hard to clear on your own, because a one-side-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The best way to get your acne clear and under control is with Natural Acne Clinic’s Online Acne Program. It’s helped thousands of people get clear from the comfort of their own home.
The program starts with a 60-minute Online Acne Consult with one of our expert Clear Skin Coaches. Your session takes place either on the phone or through free video conferencing, and we’ll help you get clear together.
What does acne mechanica look like?
Acne mechanica varies in appearance, but it usually starts out as skin that looks bumpy and rough, even if there are no visible breakouts. As the rubbing on the skin continues, these small bumps become red and irritated, eventually developing into the more obvious inflamed breakout.
Anyone can get acne mechanica, but it’s especially common in athletes and active people, as well as people living in hot climates. The cause appears to be material that’s pressed directly against the skin, such as heavy pads, straps or helmets.
Acne mechanica can also be triggered by tight workout clothes, headbands or armbands that don’t allow the skin to breathe.
If you suddenly get body acne after working out … if you have acne during sports season that clears up in the off season … or if your skin is relatively clear except in the area of your shoulder pads or headband, chances are you have acne mechanica.
Acne mechanica is usually preventable and easily treatable
The best way to clear up acne mechanica is to take away the piece of clothing or equipment that’s causing the breakouts to begin with. But that’s not always practical. If you live in a hot climate, or if you love to play sports you aren’t going to move to a colder place or stop doing the sports you love.
Luckily, there are other ways to get rid of acne mechanica:
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- Take a shower promptly after exercising and cleanse your skin thoroughly.
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- Wear a cotton T-shirt or moisture-wicking clothing under your uniform or workout clothes to help soak up sweat and minimize skin rubbing.
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- If you have to wear a helmet, apply a layer of petroleum jelly on the areas that rub against your bare skin. Be sure to clean your helmet before each application.
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- Use a cleanser or moisturizer that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These products are readily available in stores. However, it’s important to use them the right way — otherwise they can dry out or irritate your skin.
Our Clear Skin Coaches can recommend the right skincare products and design an Acne Clearing Treatment Plan customized just for you.
Ready to clear your acne once and for all? We can help.
From our experience clearing thousands of clients, acne usually appears to be triggered by a combination of multiple things rather than one.
If you have tried it all and still have acne, our comprehensive 16-week Online Acne Program is the answer. Our Online Acne Program has a 95% success rate helping thousands of clients get clear. We can help you too!
Get started on your journey to clear by booking an Online Acne Consult today.
