What Your Skin’s Up Against During a Workout
Sweat.
Sweat helps regulate body temperature and can even support healthy detoxification through the skin. But when it mixes with bacteria, oil, and remnants of makeup—or when it dries on your skin—it can block pores and trigger inflammation. If you’re wiping your face with your hands, towel-sharing, or skipping that post-workout rinse, you’re stacking the odds against your skin.
Friction and occlusion matter.
Compression leggings, sports bras, hats, and sweatbands can trap moisture and create a warm, occlusive environment. That’s the perfect breeding ground for irritation, folliculitis, or fungal acne—especially along the hairline, back, and chest.
Cleansing harshly.
Yes, you should wash your face after a workout—but scrubbing too hard or using harsh cleansers can strip your barrier and lead to more breakouts or dryness. What your skin needs post-sweat is gentle, balanced care.