14 DAY TRIAL // Working out and leading an overall active life have so many benefits that enumerating them all would require too much time and patience. Yet, working out, and especially sweating at the gym or outdoors, also comes with a couple of downsides, as many girls probably know already. Acne on several parts of the body is one of the biggest such downsides, but that is not to say it can’t be prevented and treated efficiently, as specialists point out for Shape magazine.
Acne on the back, chest and derriere are common when working out because of the sweaty fabrics that rub against the skin and prevent the pores from properly breathing. This can be more than just a few pimples here and there, extending to a breakout that can be as painful and unpleasant as it is unsightly. Luckily, it can be both prevented and treated efficiently, dermatologists say for the aforementioned publication.
“These items trap moisture against the skin, making your pores even more likely to get clogged.” Amy Derick, M.D., a dermatologist in Barrington, Illinois, says for Shape. The solution to avoid a full breakout, which can be somewhat harder to treat (not to mention that it will also take longer than preventing it), is to shower immediately after working out. As David Colbert, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, says, hitting the shower will “unclog” the pores, which means that the longer we wait after a workout, the more chances we’re giving bacteria to grow.
However, if this still doesn’t work, then we should proceed to the next step, namely that of treating the condition before it gets worse. Vinegar is ideal in this sense, Colbert explains, recommending a sponge bath with warm water and vinegar to kill off the bacteria. “Add one tablespoon of white table vinegar to a quart of warm water, sponge down the affected area, and rinse in the shower. At night, apply a benzoyl peroxide cream. If you see no improvement in three weeks, consult a dermatologist for a topical antibiotic, like Clindamycin – the foam version is particularly back friendly because it’s quickly absorbed.” Shape further explains.
Another thing we should remember before heading out to the gym is that we must always wear suitable clothes. To avoid this type of nasty breakouts, experts recommend making no kind of compromise when we’re buying workout equipment, be it shoes, pants or hoodies. Choosing a fabric that allows the skin to breathe could be a first step in preventing workout acne, and we would be spared the trouble of having to treat it later.