6 Annoying Skin Issues That May Be Caused By Your Workout
How to avoid breakouts, chafing, and more
Your skin can pick up a lot of grime during a workout—whether it’s from the handgrips on the treadmill or tile on the locker room floor.
Check out the most common ways your fitness regime might be impacting your skin and how to keep it smooth after any type of workout.
Related: What To Do Before, During, and After a Workout So You Don’t Break Out
SKIN INFECTIONS CAUSED BY DIRTY GYM EQUIPMENT
With so many people using the same exercise machines every day, germs and bacteria are easily spread. And that can lead to some skin infections.
The fix: “Whenever possible, wipe down any gym equipment before you use it—even if you think someone already did so; and never, ever touch your face until your hands have been washed,” says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf advisor.
“Touching the machine and then touching your face can transfer these bacteria, causing acne and even infection.”
Related: THE 21-DAY METASHRED—an All-New Body-Shredding Fitness and Diet Program From Men’s Health
HEAT RASH CAUSED BY WORKING OUT IN HOT ENVIRONMENTS
Heat and humidity can cause sweat ducts to become blocked and swell, leading to a heat rash.
“This condition, which often appears in the form of tiny pink or red dots that look similar to pimples, is most common around skin folds and areas where clothing causes friction,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
Related: Why Some People Sweat More Than Others
The fix: If you’re heading outdoors for a walk, run, or bike ride, stop and seek a shady place to rest every now and then—preferably somewhere that’s air conditioned.
HYPERPIGMENTATION CAUSED BY EXERCISING OUTDOORS SANS SPF
UV exposure can seriously damage your skin, leading to fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The fix: “If you exercise outside, it’s very important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed areas of the skin at least 30 minutes before heading out and reapply often,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
“I recommend EltaMD UV Sport Water-Resistant Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($18, mylovelyskin.com) because it won’t sweat off easily or sting if it gets in your eyes.”
Related: This Is the Best Sunscreen to Use for Outdoor Running
BODY ACNE CAUSED BY WEARING TIGHT FITNESS GEAR
Working out in an outfit that’s too tight can cause sweat and bacteria to become trapped inside your clothes.
This irritates your skin and causes your body to break out. “Your sweat creates a warm, damp environment where acne bacteria can thrive,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
The fix: “The best way to prevent body acne is to shower immediately after you work out if you think your clothing is hugging too tightly,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
He recommends using a benzoyl peroxide body wash like PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 105 Benzoyl Peroxide ($12, lovelyskin.com).
Related: 12 Common Skin Problems and Solutions
“Benzoyl peroxide works gently to remove excess oil, bacteria, dirt, and other impurities,” he says.
No shower at your facility? Change into fresh clothes and shower as soon as you get home.
You can also try wearing looser, more breathable fabrics to minimize the amount of trapped sweat.
If you do notice breakouts on your back or chest, target trouble spots with a salicylic acid treatment like Glytone Acne Treatment Spray, ($40, dermstore.com).
“It has a 360-degree spray nozzle that allows for easy application from any angle—perfect for those hard-to-reach areas like the back,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
CHAFING CAUSED BY CONSTANT RUBBING OF SKIN
When your skin repeatedly rubs against clothing or other areas of skin, you’re sometimes left with red, raw patches that sting and burn.
The fix: “Working out in smooth, low-friction fabrics and avoiding loose-fitting clothes on sensitive areas that are usually in motion can make a world of a difference,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
If you do experience chafing, wash the area with lukewarm or cool water and some gentle soap and apply an antibiotic ointment, keeping it covered as it heals.
Once you’re ready to get back at it, try using an anti-fungal powder, like Zeasorb Prevention Powder ($6, mylovelyskin.com), to absorb excess moisture while you exercise.
Related: The Best New Gym Clothes for Men
ATHLETE’S FOOT CAUSED BY TAKING A SHOWER BAREFOOT
“The fungi that lead to athlete’s foot, a scaly rash that causes itching, stinging, and burning between the toes, can be found on the floor of many public shower stalls,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
“You’re also at risk for contracting onychomycosis, a fungal infection that causes toenails to become thickened, brittle, and hardened with a yellow discoloration.”
And quite possibly the worst foot-contaminating fact you've never thought of: Even the smallest of cuts on the bottom of your feet could allow the human papillomavirus (HPV) to sneak through and cause a painful plantar wart.
Related: The Best Shower Gels for Men
The fix: The best way to protect your feet if you shower at the gym is to always wear shower shoes—even while you’re changing in the locker room.
“It’s also a good idea to clean your shower shoes with a disinfectant like bleach and replace them regularly,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
And notice anything different on your feet, head to your local pharmacy for OTC creams like cortisone, which can clear up most harmless infections.
The article 6 Nasty Things That Can Happen to Your Skin While You’re Working Out originally ran on WomensHealthMag.com.
Jenn Sinrich is an experienced writer, digital and social editor, and content strategist covering health, fitness, beauty, and relationships. After a decade-long career in New York City working in the magazine industry and at a myriad of digital publications, Jenn returned to her hometown just north of Boston to pursue freelancing full-time.
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