If you’re a guy who cares about your health and appearance, chances are you’re no stranger to the gym. Sure, it’s not easy to balance work, family, and health in a busy schedule. But you make the effort because looking and feeling your best is important to you.

So it’s frustrating when you finish a workout and find tiny red bumps around especially sweaty areas - like your armpits and shoulders. What is that? Does working out and sweating cause acne? What can you do to stay fit and also enjoy great skin?

Sweat and Acne

Acne blemishes appear when dead skin cells, dirt, or other debris clog your skin’s oil ducts. These mix with bacteria, leading to inflammation, redness, and irritation - everything you would use to describe a pimple.

Sweating may lead to, if not cause directly, acne breakouts for some guys. That’s because sweat can mix with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to clog your pores and form pimples.

But sometimes, you may develop red bumps that aren’t acne. Still, they show up after workouts and seem to be triggered by getting all hot and sweaty. What gives?

Heat Rash vs. Acne

Heat rash is not as common as acne, but it’s definitely an issue for guys who workout in hot, humid places. High humidity makes it harder for your sweat to evaporate. This can clog your skin’s sweat ducts and cause heat rash. It appears as small red bumps that look like acne with few important distinctions:

How to Prevent Acne and Heat Rash After Working Out

If you’re experiencing heat rash after your workouts, make an effort to keep your skin as cool and dry as possible. The same tips apply to acne since excessive sweating can lead to acne for many men.

Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing traps sweat, which can lead to both acne and heat rash. Choose looser fitting gym clothes that let sweat evaporate and won’t rub against your skin, which would cause friction that further heats your skin.

Wear breathable fabrics. Fabrics designed to wick sweat off your skin are best. Fast drying gym clothes for hot weather will help you reduce the chance of developing heat rash or suffering from regular acne breakouts after your fitness sessions.

Towel off regularly. Have a towel with you and use it to keep your skin dry. It only takes a second and will leave you substantially cooler and less acne prone at the end of your workout.

Shower soon after. The sooner you get out of those sweaty clothes, the better. An easy solution for getting clean - without dehydrating or irritating your skin - is our All in One Wash. Its safe and gentle on your hair, face, and body thanks to ingredients like amino acids, vitamin E, and aloe. 

Stay hydrated. Keep a bottle of cool water with you while you workout. Take frequent sips and splash some on your skin if you’re feeling overheated.

Improve your skincare and grooming routine. Sensitive skin is especially prone to breakouts and heat rash. A cleansing body wash without harsh detergents is best to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and non-irritated - like our Invigorating Body Wash. Moisturizing is also critical as it helps prevent irritation, dryness, and itch. Use our Deep Moisture Body Lotion after you shower to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Don’t Sacrifice Fitness or Skincare

Your personal fitness routine and skincare regimen are both critical to looking and feeling your best every day. So don’t sacrifice either!

Instead, create a simple skincare routine that prevents heat rash and reduces the risk of seating causing acne.