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Do you struggle with body acne due to sweat from working out? Me too! These tips will help you get rid of body acne for good.
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When you make the switch from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one, one component you may not be used to is sweat. And lots of it. Now, sweating in a workout doesn’t bother me a bit. However, some of the effects of sweat can be less than desirable — like clogged pores. Clogged pores can lead to acne and not just on your face.
Athletes or anyone who sweats a lot can be susceptible to acne on other parts of the body. Acne can crop up on the arms, legs, back, booty, and just about anywhere you have skin! Personally, I’ve been battling with body acne for a few years and I’ve learned a lot in my efforts. Figuring out how to get rid of body acne doesn’t have to be so difficult!
ONE // Find an Acne-Specific Body Wash
Salicylic acid can be used on body parts other than the face! Finding a body wash that contains acne medication isn’t difficult and is also easy to incorporate into your routine. Neutrogena makes a great one, but I’ve been happy with the Target store brand. I don’t use it all over my body, but I do use it on the body parts where I’m plagued with bumps.
This tip probably seems like a “Duh,” because why wouldn’t you shower right after a workout? But I know that sometimes life can get in the way and before you know it three hours have passed and you’re sitting on the couch in sweaty leggings. Don’t do that! Make the effort to shower as soon as possible after your workout. Wash away the sweat and don’t give it the opportunity to clog your pores and create acne.
Related: How to Train for a Half Marathon With a Busy Schedule
THREE // For Extra Stubborn Bumps, Use Face Wash
Sometimes acne on the body can be just as stubborn as acne on the face. In those moments, the salicylic acid body wash isn’t enough. Every now and then I will reach for a standard acne wash in the shower and just scrub it over the bumpy areas. It’s not at all pretty or glamorous, but it works! This cleanser/mask from Neutrogena contains benzoyl peroxide instead of salicylic acid. Switching up the medication usually does the trick.
Related: Five Things I Loved in May
FOUR // Wear Clean Underwear (or No Underwear) For Every Workout
Ok, I’ve been hiding it the entire post, but I have to come clean. The body part I struggle with acne most is… the bum.😂I’m sorry if that’s TMI, but I know someone out there deals with the same struggles! When I was training for my first half in the afternoon heat of the Texas fall it really started bothering me. After trial and error, I started changing what I wore for my workouts. Specifically, I always included a fresh pair of undies when I would get dressed for a workout, regardless of what time I was working out. It made for extra laundry, but it helped to clear the skin in that area. If this is a bit tedious, just skip the underwear altogether!
Question: Do you have any tips for how to get rid of body acne?
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I use Neutrogena, both the body wash and face wash.
I get it on my back in the winter but not the summer! I think it is from just wearing less clothes in the summer. I never wear underwear working out! I think some people think that is gross but I actually think wearing sweaty underwear is gross. 🙂
I get it on my scalp when it gets hot. I started using a prescription shampoo my dermatologist gave me, twice a week, to help that out. My scalp was itchy and inflamed, and I kept getting acne in spots that hurt when I brushed my hair.
These are great tips! I think the bottom line is to just keep your skin as clean as possible. The body oils and dead skin can build up and clog the pores if they’re not washed (or exfoliated) away.
I did not realize working out caused acne. Fortunately I do not experience this. However, If I worked out when I was younger the way i do now, perhaps it could have been a problem.
Thanks for linking up.
Both of my kids use those Neutrogena body products and they do work really well. i use the body scrub just in case especially in the summer
Knock wood, I have not experienced this problem, but I do swear by a good body wash. I like a nice loofah sponge for exfoliation too!