Acne when working out or sweating.

Okay so im 15 years old and i've had acne on and off for the last couple of years, but it seems like when i gain weight and stop working out my face clears up big time. I know that working out can increase acne but right now im trying to get healthy and loose a little weight but lately i dont even want to work out (not from being lazy) but because of acne, im starting to break out really bad.

i usually work out for 40-50 minutes and go running for about 20 minutes around the nieghbor hood, when i do i make sure once everytime i run around the block i splash water on my face and dab it with a clean towl, i've tried almost everything to prevent it but it seems like its either acne or healthy body and if my attitude is bad im not going to keep working out and feel good about myself/

anyone have any suggestions i would greatly appreciate it.
thank you for your time.

Well, it just so happens that I went through the same problem, except my acne covered 3/4 of my body. (no lie!) I took pretty severe drugs to help combat it. As for the acne increasing when you workout, I'd bet part of it is because you system is trying to get rid of some of the crap in your system. Also, being female, your acne will increase as you head towards "that time of the month", it is a natual occurance, yes it sucks but such is life.

Now, first things first, use ivory bar soap! There are no perfumes or addatives in it that increase acne!

Second, shower after you workout to clean out the pores and use a washcloth or puff to help get rid of dead skin and dirt that clogs pores!

Third, Let the sweat pour, it cleans out your pores, the more you wipe with towels and such will increase the chance of acne!

Finally, read the sticky "read this before posting" in the diet and nutrition forum. Diet is huge with acne, and working out means more fuel so you need the right stuff.

A final hint to help you out. Include a couple of days swimming laps as a form of excercise as the chlorine helps dry out acne and fights the oil build-up on your skin.

Cheers.

I was suffering from same problem. I'm 25 years old and I still have (actually had) acnes on my face. I went to doctor to find a solution. She asked me some questions. I told her that I'm working out. She said that weight lifting can increase level of some hormons which are excreted by liver. This can cause acne. And foods have no direct relation with acnes. There is no scientific evidence that proves it. I always thought that if I eat chocolates, chips, fatty things my acnes will swell. Well, I was wrong. Because she gave some pills and creams. I read the prospectus and after effects was awful. I decided to refuse taking pills. Anyway, finally I found real solution. Rose water. Yes, clean your face or problem area with rose water (use cotton). Well I know that everbody has different body type but it worked on me. I'm eating everything that I want and I can work out. I hope it works on you too.

This is a very late response because I've just recently discovered this website. Proactive is amazing. Its costs around $30 for a two month supply. You can find it at proactive.com or sometimes it is cheaper on ebay. It is well worth the cost and if you start using it, you will never stop! It is very gentle to the skin and you will not believe the results.

talk to your doctor, but remember you are 15 so its natural

ProActiv is not the solution! ProActive can actually cause some people to have worse breakouts. ProActiv only treats the topical acne symptoms and not the problem deep in the poors. ProActiv also does not help to cure acne long term and it can be quite expensive to maintain. Once a person stops using ProActiv the problem can actually become quite worse.

The best thing for mild to moderate acne is what vamp said- using a non-scented chemical free antibacterial soap for the body, and I suggest witch hazel for the face (applied with clean cotton balls).

Moderate acne should be combated with a change in hygiene rituals and a benzoyl peroxide topical solution.

Don't forget to use an oil free moisturizer with sunscreen. Your face may flare up and appear worse for the first week or so but it will get better after that!

Actually, BP is very harsh and oxidizing, which can damage the skin. Oil free is not the way to go. Your skin's natural defense is oil and when you use harsh cleansers, the oil is stripped away leaving your skin exposed to the elements. For years, I have washed my face with a mixture of hexane-free castor oil and cold-pressed EVOO in a 1:1 ratio. I have never had an acne problem in my life. Washing with oil even works in removing makeup completely. Read this about oil cleansing method:

http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

I also moisturize with DMAE cream from derma e:

http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe ... HICH=ki_dm

Benzoil peroxide is not meant for long term use and some people have skin that is way too oily to begin with. It is important however to use the moisturizer and sunscreen mentioned at the end of my post. I like the idea of homeopathic oil cleansing but when I had facial problems if I put any oil or regular moisturizer on my face it would go bizerk. What you use may be great for keeping the face clean and free from breakouts but I doubt it would help someone who is already having a problem.

Good point. Although, OCM can still help someone with oil problems. Castor oil is actually very drying, which is why EVOO or some other oil is needed to provide a balance. The only way to find out what really works is to try different things. Everyone reacts differently, so what works for some may not work for others.

Either way, your skin looks very pretty!

I am a twin and I never had problems with my skin and my sister had terrible acne. Once I conquered cancer in 2006 my body was never the same. I went through many many problems with my skin, teeth and hair after so many chemicals trying to fight the cancer. Now that I'm put back together again I might try your oil cleansing secret! Thanks for the compliment!

I will echo what Katie said, you are a young Lady with such a warm, vibrant appearance, and I often think with people like that, it's an extension of the person inside.

Most people like you and Katie, that have that visual warmth, often have the emotional warmth as well, as one stems from the other.

If that makes sense.

I am a twin and I never had problems with my skin and my sister had terrible acne. Once I conquered cancer in 2006 my body was never the same. I went through many many problems with my skin, teeth and hair after so many chemicals trying to fight the cancer. Now that I'm put back together again I might try your oil cleansing secret! Thanks for the compliment!

Bless your heart! I'm sure overcoming your illness was quite an experience, something that would really change one's outlook on life. You are such a caring, positive person. It is so great to have you here!

Awww!

This forum is what made me become a member to this site. I was wondering the exact same thing,[and it popped up on google] -not only did I see really good advice from you guys, but consideration for one another. You guys sound like an amazing group of individuals. Good luck, and thank you for the advice.

well if anything i think sweating cleans your pores so in my opinion its not the sweating that is causing acne. its probably something else mate. I may be wrong :O