August 13, 2008
The Link Between Skin Blemishes and Physical Activity
Not only is a moderate amount of exercise good for maintaining a healthy body and for managing stress, it is also very beneficial to your skin. There are people who think that exercise makes their acne worse, but if your acne gets worse due to exercise, it is normally because of something you are putting on your body rather than what you are doing to it. There are certain factors to consider when determining if exercise is actually aggravating your acne.
An initial factor to examine is any cover-up or makeup applied to the skin. Though there are very light makeups available that contain no oils or work not to clog the pores of the skin, clogging and accumulation in the pores can still occur in strenuous activity. The best recommendation is to wear as little makeup as can be worn, and ensure that said makeup is cleaned off immediately after the activity is complete.
Secondly, overexposure to the sun could cause your skin to worsen in condition. Though some sunlight is beneficial to the skin, overexposure can result in damaging spots and pore damage beneath the skin's surface. Your medications and makeups can also make your skin more sensitive to the effects of the sun. As a result, wearing a sunscreen is a must for outdoor activity. In choosing a sunscreen, utilize a type that works well for your skin, with a SPF factor of at least 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. Again, as with makeup, wash your skin and the sunscreen off after exercising.
Clothing is another factor. Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture against your skin, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, thus contributing to acne. It is best to avoid clothing made exclusively with lycra or nylon. Loose clothing and natural fibers permit the skin to breathe. Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton is best for moderate exercise. If you follow a vigorous routine, you may consider trying the new fabrics that are designed to draw moisture away from the skin.
Ensuring that your outfits fit correctly is the easiest way to make sure you don't get breakouts that are caused by rubbing. For example, if your wetsuit is too tight under your arms, some friction may occur. Helmets should fit securely on your head without too much sliding occurring as you move. You can also line your helmet with an old cotton shirt that will absorb sweat.
A great tip for your after exercise routine is to remove the saturated clothing and get into the shower and then dry clothing quickly. Wearing wet clothes for a prolonged period of time can breed bacteria and worsen the blocking of pores in the skin. If showering isn't an option, cleaning the skin in places where irritation is common with a treated wipe or towel can reduce the amount of moisture on the skin and clean out any dirt or blockage of the pores. Pay particular focus to the face, making sure to blot the pores instead of simply wiping. This will ensure that any sunscreen or makeup that you have applied will not sink into the pores and dirt will be drawn out of the pores into the wipe or towel.
Showering right after a workout is the best possible scenario. You should, however, use a medicated exfoliate cleanser whenever you get the chance to bathe. Just keep in mind that you should treat your skin kindly. Hard scrubbing does not clean your skin any better, and it does not eradicate acne, either. It may actually cause more irritation.
Our health is greatly improved as a result of regular activity, and having a better skin condition is one benefit of this activity. Knowing about what is in your routine that could be an irritation to your skin blemishes is beneficial, as that awareness can allow you to adjust your routines to improve your skin's health. Through your awareness and your adjustments, your workouts will soon become better to your skin and to your health even further.
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