Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body—it boosts your mood, improves circulation, and enhances overall health. But did you know that your workout routine also impacts your skin? While sweating during exercise can help detoxify the skin, improper post-workout care can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. Dr Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, explains how exercise affects your skin, its benefits, and the best ways to prevent post-workout breakouts.
How Exercise Benefits Your Skin
Regular physical activity doesn’t just sculpt your body—it plays a crucial role in maintaining clear, youthful skin.
1. Increases Blood Circulation
Exercise boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This improves skin tone, promotes collagen production, and speeds up skin repair.
- Result: A natural post-workout glow and faster healing of blemishes.
2. Helps Flush Out Toxins
Sweating can help flush out dirt, oils, and toxins from your pores. This clears impurities and detoxifies the skin.
- Result: Reduced risk of breakouts (if sweat is properly removed afterward).
3. Reduces Stress (and Stress-Induced Breakouts)
High stress levels increase cortisol (the stress hormone), which triggers oil production and inflammation, leading to acne. Exercise helps regulate cortisol, reducing breakouts caused by stress.
- Result: Fewer stress-induced pimples and a more balanced complexion.
4. Promotes Collagen Production
Collagen keeps skin firm and youthful. Regular movement stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.
- Result: Fewer fine lines, improved elasticity, and younger-looking skin.
5. Improves Sleep Quality
Exercise helps regulate sleep, which is essential for cell repair and regeneration. Poor sleep leads to dull skin, dark circles, and premature aging.
- Result: Rested, glowing skin with fewer signs of fatigue.
How Exercise Can Cause Skin Issues
While exercise has many skin benefits, improper post-workout habits can increase the risk of breakouts and irritation.
1. Sweat Can Clog Pores
When sweat mixes with oil, dirt, and bacteria, it can clog pores and lead to acne, blackheads, and irritation—especially if left on the skin for too long.
- Common Affected Areas: Face, back (bacne), and chest.
2. Touching Your Face Spreads Bacteria
Gym equipment, yoga mats, and towels harbor bacteria and fungi. Touching your face during a workout transfers these onto your skin, increasing the risk of breakouts.
- Solution: Use a clean towel and avoid touching your face!
3. Tight, Sweaty Clothing Can Cause Body Acne
Wearing tight, non-breathable fabrics can trap sweat and bacteria, causing body acne (especially on the back and chest).
- Solution: Opt for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics and shower immediately after workouts.
How to Prevent Post-Workout Breakouts
To keep your skin clear and healthy, follow these pre- and post-workout skincare tips:
Pre-Workout Skincare Routine
✔️ Remove Makeup: Heavy foundation mixed with sweat clogs pores. Use micellar water or a gentle cleanser before exercising.
✔️ Apply a Lightweight Moisturiser: Keeps skin balanced and prevents excessive oil production.
✔️ Use a Tinted Sunscreen (If Exercising Outdoors): Protects against UV rays while avoiding pore-clogging heavy sunscreens.
Tip: Avoid thick, occlusive skincare products before working out, as they can trap sweat and bacteria.
Post-Workout Skincare Routine
✔️ Wash Your Face Immediately: Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria.
✔️ Use a Toner: Helps tighten pores and prevent breakouts. Look for witch hazel, salicylic acid, or niacinamide.
✔️ Hydrate Your Skin: Apply a lightweight moisturiser with hyaluronic acid to replenish hydration.
✔️ Don’t Forget Sunscreen (If Heading Outdoors After a Workout): Sun exposure after sweating can cause hyperpigmentation and irritation.
Tip: Keep face wipes or a travel-sized cleanser in your gym bag for quick cleansing on the go.
How to Prevent Bacne and Chest Acne
✔️ Wear Breathable Workout Clothes: Opt for loose, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton or performance fabrics.
✔️ Shower Immediately After Exercising: Sweat left on the body breeds bacteria and fungus, leading to breakouts.
✔️ Use an Exfoliating Body Wash: A salicylic acid or glycolic acid body wash unclogs pores and prevents acne.
✔️ Change Out of Sweaty Clothes ASAP: Sitting in damp, sweaty clothes increases bacterial growth.
✔️ Wash Your Gym Gear Regularly: Dirty towels, yoga mats, and workout clothes collect bacteria and sweat.
Tip: If you can’t shower immediately, use body wipes or toner pads to remove sweat and bacteria.
Common Post-Workout Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using Harsh Scrubs Right After Exercising: Skin is more sensitive post-workout—avoid over-exfoliation.
🚫 Skipping Moisturiser: Sweat doesn’t hydrate your skin—you still need moisturiser!
🚫 Not Cleaning Your Gym Accessories: Dirty equipment, towels, and mats transfer bacteria onto your skin.
🚫 Leaving Sweat on Your Skin Too Long: The longer sweat sits, the higher the risk of breakouts.
🚫 Touching Your Face Too Much: Avoid spreading germs and bacteria from gym equipment.
Best Skincare Ingredients for Active Lifestyles
If you work out regularly, look for skincare products with these key ingredients:
✔️ Salicylic Acid (BHA): Exfoliates pores, preventing post-workout acne.
✔️ Niacinamide: Controls oil, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
✔️ Hyaluronic Acid: Keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores.
✔️ Witch Hazel: Soothes irritation and minimises excess oil production.
✔️ Tea Tree Oil: Antimicrobial properties help fight breakouts.
Tip: Use lightweight, non-comedogenic products to prevent sweat buildup.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’re experiencing persistent acne, rashes, or post-exercise irritation, it may be time to consult a skincare expert.
Seek professional help if you have:
- Frequent or painful breakouts that don’t improve with skincare.
- Severe irritation or redness post-workout.
- Recurring fungal infections (like ringworm or athlete’s foot).
A dermatologist can recommend personalised treatments like prescription topicals, professional facials, or laser treatments to keep your skin healthy.
Exercise is great for your skin, but post-workout breakouts can be frustrating. By following a proper skincare routine, choosing breathable clothing, and cleansing immediately after sweating, you can enjoy all the skin benefits of working out—without the breakouts. For expert advice and treatments, Dr Tom Goyer is here to help. Visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog for more skincare tips and insights.