Is Your Workout Causing Your Acne?

Updated on: 23rd May, 2025

Working out is great for your body and mind—but sometimes it shows up on your skin in the form of acne on your face, chest, or back. If you’ve noticed breakouts after a gym session or yoga class, you’re not alone. This type of acne is common and often caused by sweat, friction, clogged pores, or poor post-workout hygiene. In this article, we’ll explain why it happens and share practical steps to keep your skin clear, no matter how active your lifestyle is.

Sweat and Germs: The Main Culprits

During a workout, your skin’s pores open up because of the heat. If sweat, dirt, or germs get trapped in these pores, they can cause acne. For example, if you touch your face with sweaty hands or use a gym towel that’s not clean, germs can spread and make things worse. This is super common in busy gyms where equipment might not always be wiped down properly.

Other Things That Make It Worse

It’s not just sweat. Things like wearing makeup to the gym, tight clothes, or not washing up after exercising can add to the problem. Makeup can mix with sweat and block pores, especially heavy foundations. Tight gym gear, like synthetic leggings, traps sweat against your skin, creating a perfect spot for germs to grow. Also, if you don’t shower soon after a workout, the sweat and oil sit on your skin, inviting pimples.

Good news—you don’t have to give up exercising to have clear skin! With a few simple habits, you can keep pimples away and enjoy your workouts. Here’s how to do it.

Wash Your Face Before and After

Before you start your workout, wash your face with a gentle face wash to remove dirt or oil. This keeps your pores clean when you start sweating. After exercising, wash again to get rid of sweat and germs. If you’re at the gym and can’t shower right away, carry a small face wash or wipes to clean your face quickly. In India, where it’s often dusty, this step is extra important to avoid clogged pores.

Try to avoid makeup during workouts. If you really need it, use light, water-based products that say “non-comedogenic” on the bottle. These won’t block your pores. Also, make sure to wash off any makeup completely after exercising.

Wear Clean, Comfy Clothes

Always wear clean workout clothes. Don’t reuse your sweaty gym t-shirt or leggings without washing them, as they can carry germs that cause acne. Choose loose, cotton clothes that let your skin breathe. In humid cities like Mumbai, cotton is great because it soaks up sweat and keeps your skin dry. If you’re using gym equipment, wipe it down with a clean towel before you start. Many gyms in India might not clean machines regularly, so this small step can save your skin.

Showering right after a workout is the best way to stop acne. If you can’t shower, change out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible and pat your skin dry with a clean towel. This stops sweat from sitting on your skin and causing breakouts.

Eat Good Food and Drink Water

What you eat matters a lot for your skin. Try to eat lots of fruits like oranges and veggies like palak (spinach). These are full of vitamins that make your skin glow. Avoid too many oily snacks or sugary drinks, as they can make pimples worse. In India, you can try amla juice or fresh coconut water for a healthy boost.

Drinking water is super important too. Aim for 8 glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out bad stuff from your body. If you’re working out in hot places like Delhi, carry a water bottle to stay refreshed.

Sleep Well and Stay Calm

Your skin loves sleep! Getting 7–8 hours of sleep every night helps your skin fix itself and stay clear. Stress can also cause pimples, so try to relax. You can do some deep breathing, listen to music, or even try a quick yoga pose like Shavasana. These small things can keep your skin happy and reduce breakouts.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, pimples keep coming back. If this happens, don’t feel bad—it’s normal for some people. Visit a skin doctor, called a Top dermatologist, in your city. In places like Pune or Bangalore, there are many good doctors who can check your skin and give you special creams or medicines. They might also tell you if something else, like your diet or hormones, is causing the acne.