This is the time of year that a lot of people flock to the gyms. Some of those people will only be there a couple months while others work out year round. For those of us that have a workout routine in our lives we usually have a group of friends that keep us in that routine. Runners, cyclists, yoga folks, we all have our little group. For me, its a barre class. If I miss a week I miss my little barre instructor and barre family. So this post is dedicated to them because if you work out with me you should have healthy skin, right? And to all those people upping the ante on their workouts this month, take care of your skin too please!
No make-up and dolled up hair-do’s please. You know who you are. I’ve been guilty of it too, I must admit. Back in high school I may or may not have gotten up on that treadmill, hair done and make up on, beep boppin along as if to be acting out a scene from Baywatch. Not only was the residue from all that hairspray triggering back-ne but every time a piece of hair got in my face I would transfer all that bacteria and dirt onto my sweaty face while taking my hand and throwing my hair back over my shoulder. Plus if you wash your face before and after a work out (to get that make-up right) and in the morning and at night thats too much! That will irritate your pores causing inflammation and acne.
Antidandruff shampoo is your friend. Getting hot and sweaty is the point, thats good for you overall. But in skin creases such as the groin or under the breasts, yeast and bacteria love these hot and sweaty areas and can cause yeast acne or rashes. Try using antidandruff shampoo as a body wash after your workout. This will cut back on the normal flora that may try to over grow and cause problems for your skin. Be careful not to get 2 in 1 shampoo with conditioner. You don’t want conditioner residue on your skin.
What you wear matters. If not wearing make-up gets you down then wear some cute workout clothes to make you feel pretty at the gym and motivate you. Choose something made of fabric that wicks the moisture off your skin. Wearing fabrics that lock all that moisture onto your body can also perpetuate yeast acne and rashes. Check out www.lululemon.com It’s stylish stuff with lots of different fabrics. Also buy a good pair of shoes so that your precious skin doesn’t get any blisters.
Be cautious of what touches your face. Those towels at the gym can be rough, pat the sweat off, don’t rub that rough towel all over your face and irritate the pores. Try not to take the dirt and bacteria on workout equipment with your hands to your face. Take your gentle face wash to the gym showers. Don’t use that high fragrance, pore irritating shower gel because its convenient (I promise you won’t offend your gym).
Step up your skin care regimen too. For back acne thats hard to reach, try a spray. I like the Glytone back acne spray because you can spray it upside down and easily apply to your own back. The salicylic acid will help remove excess dead skin cells and P. acnes bacteria that could be causing acne. Try a nano-silver infused soap like the one sold at www.ifskincare.com It can be drying to the skin but it is known to remove body odor and breakouts. Warning though, its $54 bucks for a bar of soap.
Shower please. This seems silly right? Well we live in a busy world and everyone’s trying to get ahead. Don’t workout and then jump straight into getting the kids to school, errands, work, etc. etc. Take 10 minutes to take a shower and cleanse your skin immediately after your workout.
Got hyperhidrosis? No, that isn’t a deadly disease. Simply said, it’s just a big fancy medical word that means “excessive sweating”. It can be really bothersome after a workout when your arm pits just keep sweating for what seems like all day. We can inject Botox into your armpits to decrease sweating or you could consider prescription strength antiperspirant. Sometimes laser hair removal of the armpits decreases stinky, sweaty pits. Before you ask, the answer is NO. Stopping the sweating from your armpits will not make you overheat and pass out during your next workout. You have plenty of other body surface areas from which to sweat. You might want to make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your options and which one suits you best.
Working out is so good for body, mind and soul. I hope you all find happiness in a good workout like I do. Just don’t forget your skin is the largest organ in your body and it deserves some love too so take care of it during your workouts this year! Hope to see you all soon at the clinic!
