Exercise has a lot of benefits for your skin. Increasing the blood flow through the body by working out nourishes and revitalizes the skin just as much as anything else. Similarly, by sweating, you open up your pores, helping you clear them out.
However, exercise can also have some pretty negative consequences for your skin that you might want to take some steps to address. Here are a few to keep in mind.
Manage existing skin conditions
When you finish working out, it’s a good idea to wash as soon as possible and maybe even give yourself the spa treatment to exfoliate your skin and care for your scalp.
This is because the sweat caused by exercise, while naturally good for the skin, can combine with some skin conditions to exacerbate them and cause breakouts.
This includes things like eczema and acne for the skin over your body, but also any conditions such as psoriasis that cause flaking in your scalp. Avoid washing with overly hot water as this can make the problem worse, not better.
Watch out for sweat
As mentioned, sweat can help open up and clear out those pores which are undeniably good for your skin. However, if that sweat is allowed to rest there, it can cause a plethora of problems.
For one, the bacteria that your sweat contains, aside from being the source of body odor, can lead to breakouts. As such, sweat-wicking materials in gear from stores like curvesncombatboots.com can help.
By making sure that sweat doesn’t stay clinging to the skin, you can better protect it from spots and the like.
Don’t get rubbed raw
Another issue that too much sweat can cause is that while it might make your skin feel slick, it can actually cause more friction over time.
Runners are going to feel the brunt of this in the form of thigh chafing, which can lead to redness, irritation, and rashes. However, this chafing isn’t limited to just your thighs.
If you’re running or exercising in the winter with layers on, your clothes can chafe against you, so it’s a good idea to use a lubricating balm to rub-down the places that you might be most sensitive to chafing.
Mind those UV rays
It’s not going to be a problem with every form of exercise but if you are running, cycling, or doing any kind of exercise outdoors with your skin exposed, then you are going to be at the mercy of the sun.
A lot of people don’t tend to think to protect themselves from UV rays when they’re working out, but it’s just as much of a threat. There are workout sunscreens as shown at glam.com devised specifically for those staying active that doesn’t streak or turn greasy with sweat, so consider making them part of your fitness arsenal.
Of course, the answer is never “don’t exercise” when it comes to protecting your skin. Rather, it just takes a couple of extra steps to address whatever issue you might think is making it worse.