Acne pimples are primarily caused by a blend of dead skin cells and the skin oil called sebum produced naturally by your glands. These two items block your pores when they mix together, causing acne eruptions. Most environmental and lifestyle factors, like having a dirty face or eating lots of chocolate and a greasy burger with French fries, have no effects. But sweat does cause acne under certain circumstances.
Causes
Sweat produced by anything, including workouts, may cause acne -- but American Academy of Dermatology advises that it usually needs to be combined with friction on the skin. For example, high school and college football players who wear helmets during their workouts are prone to pimples on their foreheads due to friction at that spot where the headgear fits tightly. Players in this age group already have a high risk because of high hormone levels that contribute to acne, even without other factors. People who work out by jogging or biking with a backpack may get pimples in the spots under the straps.
Effects
Acne caused by a combination of sweating and working out generally consists of pimples called papules or pustules, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Papules are little, pink, tender skin pumps, while pustules have red bottoms and pus at their tops. These skin lesions are often accompanied by redness and irritation, since friction usually plays a factor.
Prevention
Prevent acne outbreaks from sweat and workouts by avoiding tight-fitting gear on acne-prone areas when possible. For example, do not wear a tight sweatband on your forehead. You may not be able to avoid a helmet for certain sports, so take a shower immediately after the exercise. Never scrub sweaty areas because rubbing worsens outbreaks. Use mild soap and a light touch. Avoid wearing oily make-up while working out, as the oils can blend with sweat to make pore clogging worse. Acne.com warns that even water-based cosmetics can cause issues when mixed with perspiration, so makeup should be completely avoided for workouts when possible.
Considerations
Sweaty hair contributes to pimples if you perspire heavily while working out and your hair touches your face. Tie back long hair, and shampoo as soon as possible when you finish exercising to minimize potential problems. Wash your hair every day, even if you do not work up a sweat, if it tends to be oily, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases advises. Otherwise, the oily strands may trigger acne where they regularly touch your facial skin.
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