Exercising and acne??

Natasha28
Natasha28 Posts: 16
in Fitness and Exercise
People have ALWAYS said I look like a China Doll because my face is usually flawless. HOWEVER, ever since I've started exercising, I have pimples all over the place! I get at least 1 or 2 new ones A DAY. I go RIGHT home, and wash my face (I work out at night after work)...and I wash my face in the morning. I use non-fragrant soap (Olay) OR Clean and Clear facewash for sensitive skin. I also exfoiliate my face every other day (St. Ives for sensitive skin), and have done so since I was a teenager (meaning this is nothing new) What the heck is happening to me?! I am 30 years old...not a teenager! The worst thing is...is that any time I do get a pimple, it scars purple-ish for a super long time. I don't want to wreck my face. I've tried over the counter products, but my face just ends up feeling like I have alligator skin and gets flakey and burny. I drink anywhere from 20 to 80oz of water a day...which "they" say is supposed to help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Any products you use? Has this happened to you? Anything to make me feel better would help. I just feel like: Oh great...I'm getting skinnier, but now I look hideous:/

Replies

  • Anomalia
    Anomalia Posts: 506 Member
    The fact that you're sweating more may cause this to be an issue. I would make sure that you have removed 100% of your makeup before exercising and if the problem stays the same or gets worse I would go see a dermatologist.
  • amberiam
    amberiam Posts: 55 Member
    Bumping this because I'm having a similar problem lately. :(
  • luv2bfitandhealthy
    luv2bfitandhealthy Posts: 59 Member
    The fact that you're sweating more may cause this to be an issue. I would make sure that you have removed 100% of your makeup before exercising and if the problem stays the same or gets worse I would go see a dermatologist.


    This.
  • lilbrohoppy
    lilbrohoppy Posts: 24
    I tend to def get a few more when im working out too, would be interested to hear any solutions besides washing face and body more.
  • asamuels85
    asamuels85 Posts: 170 Member
    i would LOVE to help but sadly i am near 30 too and having the EXACT same issue all surrounding my weight loss and routine! I do think i will take the advice to wash BEFORE as well as after my workouts and see if that helps.. Personally i have been thinking to make that appt with my Derm. but ill give this a try for .. eh two weeks?
  • amvh2008
    amvh2008 Posts: 9 Member
    Another thing might be your hormones. Whenever you shock your body into losing weight, one of the side effects is definitely a change in your skin and hair. Give it some time, and continue to eat right, exercise, and wash your face vigorously. I dont get acne on my face, but somtimes on my back and shoulders! I'll be 30 in a couple weeks, and its so annoying that I still get breakouts like that. Best of luck to you! :)
  • saustin201
    saustin201 Posts: 270 Member
    Norwex makes an antibac wash cloth. I had the same problem and my face cleared up so fast. I don't sell so you'll need to find a seller in your area.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    I don't know if this applies to you or not but I've noticed that I shower a LOT more often since I started working out. I too, have had breakouts and what works for me is to wash my face BEFORE I work out. When you're all sweaty and hot, your pores open and in goes the bacteria, dirt, sweat and whatever else is on your face. Wash it after your workout too but I'm sure you already are. I also have to make sure that I wash my face after using conditioner on my hair. If I don't, I break out on my forehead and below my ears, near my jawline, anywhere my hair touches my face.
    Do you have rosacea? It can cause stubborn pimple-like acne too. :(
  • busywaterbending
    busywaterbending Posts: 844 Member
    get a magnesium supplement in you am and pm

    hydrogen peroxide skin toner after washing.

    for more tips go to facebook groups: get fit with coach teresa

    happy training!
  • questiontheanswers
    questiontheanswers Posts: 170 Member
    Have you always washed your face in the morning and at night? If you are using cleansers on your skin more regularly (even if they are the same cleansers you have always used), you could be drying it out. Just a thought!
  • Mnecka
    Mnecka Posts: 119 Member
    I've had the same issue!! I started using the acne control set from Mary Kay and it is really helping!!! Even when I'm on my cycle. I may get like one bump. I can deal with that than like seven all over all the time.
  • SummerMarieM
    SummerMarieM Posts: 12
    I can relate to this as well and at 37!!!!!!!!!! However, I found that it was because of the added exercise causing my insulin spiking, thus causing me acne. At first I thought it was something I ate, like splenda or cheeses or not washing my face enough or with something else causing me to break out. But in the end, it was just my insulin spikes. I readjusted my diet and added more healthy carbs and it balanced out. :)
  • Natasha28
    Natasha28 Posts: 16
    Yes...I added the Clean and Clear when I started working out...which has been since the middle of July or August. I put lotion on my face every time I wash it (Clinique...dye and fragrant free)...but this is not new...been doing this since forever.
  • Natasha28
    Natasha28 Posts: 16
    And I will definately try washing BEFORE...I normally go straight after work because we have a gym here...so I have not been washing before...I don't know why...but I guess I just didn't think of that. Ugh!
  • bradymeans
    bradymeans Posts: 61 Member
    I'm totally dealing with the same thing!! I used to always gets compliments on my complexion...but lately I've been breaking out like CRAZY...it's driving me nuts honestly...lol
  • PunkyRachel
    PunkyRachel Posts: 1,959 Member
    I've always had issues with acne, I will testify mine has gotten worse when I exercise
  • Natasha28
    Natasha28 Posts: 16
    I can relate to this as well and at 37!!!!!!!!!! However, I found that it was because of the added exercise causing my insulin spiking, thus causing me acne. At first I thought it was something I ate, like splenda or cheeses or not washing my face enough or with something else causing me to break out. But in the end, it was just my insulin spikes. I readjusted my diet and added more healthy carbs and it balanced out. :)

    Oh wow! I do have Hypothyroidism...which DOES affect the way Insulin works in my body...maybe I should look into this area more! Thanks!
  • Brianna72994
    Brianna72994 Posts: 887
    Its because you are sweating alot more, probably. Try removing your makeup before working out. Also maybe try putting a bit of baby powder on your face. It could help with the sweating, therefore it would help with the breakouts.

    If it doesnt work then maybe go to a dermatologist or try some new facial products?
  • BritneysStuntDouble
    BritneysStuntDouble Posts: 849 Member
    I remember these two guys in high school, when I was a junior. They were seniors, and I had a PE class with them. They always dressed in button-down western shirts, boots, big belt buckles, cowboy hats. They had **** for brains and ****ty attitudes. At the end of class, they would shower, then pop zits on each others' backs in the bathroom. They had scores of them, all down their backs.
  • spangey13
    spangey13 Posts: 294
    I had flawless skin as a teenager. I didn't do anything spectacular. Then when I was about 23 or 24 its like one day I woke up and looked like a pizza.

    I have been to the doctor many times about it. I have also tried pro-activ which worked a little bit. I'm now on the pill, which seemed to help a little more, but I have prescription medicine now called Doxine.

    I had a bit of a tantrum at the doctors about August and said that I'm not 28, not 18, I am getting married in February and I don't want my husband to wake up the morning after our wedding and look at my face and think "yucko", and give me the strongest stuff you've got to get rid of it. So you could always go to your GP and ask for something to at least kick start your skin back to normal.

    I think aswell, perhaps ditch the St Ives wash, try and get acqueas cream (sp??) instead. I think that St Ives uses walnut or something in it? And because it is "harsh" it is actually abrasive to your skin, leaves little fine cuts all over the show. If you get something that is "man made" with the little beads in it, it doesn't cut your face up.


    I hope this helps.
  • Maggies90
    Maggies90 Posts: 27 Member
    I feel your pain! I had the same exact thing happen to me last year! I started to use the 3 step clinque thing and that just made it worse! However I bought proactiv and that seemed to do the trick for me. I saw results quickly but it also took a while to completely clear out and it irritated my skin at first. If you're desperate (like i was) I totally recomend you go that route! I have heard that Walmart or any other drug store sell a product that has the same ingridients as proactiv for a much cheaper price. I have yet to try it but I've read decent reviews on it. I also love doing the Queen Helene (sp?) Mint Julep mask 1-2xs a week it helps keep my skin looking nicer!
    Hope I've helped somewhat and i hope your skin gets better!
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    seborrheic dermatitis? Do you have any scaling too? Is it located around your temples and hair line?
  • CassieReannan
    CassieReannan Posts: 1,479 Member
    I had severe acne when I was a teenager, had to take medication to relieve it, but lately its been coming back with a vengeance....
  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    I can relate to this as well and at 37!!!!!!!!!! However, I found that it was because of the added exercise causing my insulin spiking, thus causing me acne. At first I thought it was something I ate, like splenda or cheeses or not washing my face enough or with something else causing me to break out. But in the end, it was just my insulin spikes. I readjusted my diet and added more healthy carbs and it balanced out. :)

    Oh wow! I do have Hypothyroidism...which DOES affect the way Insulin works in my body...maybe I should look into this area more! Thanks!

    I agree that it is something hormonal. I doubt it has to do with exercising. I am also 30 and hypothyroid. Our hormones do some weird stuff at this age though. It does feel like a second adolescence in some ways. I think acne is not unusual for women our age.
  • Natasha28
    Natasha28 Posts: 16
    seborrheic dermatitis? Do you have any scaling too? Is it located around your temples and hair line?

    No, it is all over. My cheek bone area, my chin, my forehead, my nose and underneath my chin/jaw bone (which...I've never in my life had one on this area...but I do now all of the time).
  • EatClean_WashUrNuts
    EatClean_WashUrNuts Posts: 1,590 Member
    go see an esthetician.
  • Natasha28
    Natasha28 Posts: 16
    I feel your pain! I had the same exact thing happen to me last year! I started to use the 3 step clinque thing and that just made it worse! However I bought proactiv and that seemed to do the trick for me. I saw results quickly but it also took a while to completely clear out and it irritated my skin at first. If you're desperate (like i was) I totally recomend you go that route! I have heard that Walmart or any other drug store sell a product that has the same ingridients as proactiv for a much cheaper price. I have yet to try it but I've read decent reviews on it. I also love doing the Queen Helene (sp?) Mint Julep mask 1-2xs a week it helps keep my skin looking nicer!
    Hope I've helped somewhat and i hope your skin gets better!

    Thanks for the idea...I will look at this the next time I go to Walmart...If that doesn't work...maybe I'll just have to splurge on the Proactiv. I feel as if I'm in the desperate stage...or at least one step away from it!
  • wmagoo27
    wmagoo27 Posts: 201 Member
    I had a similar problem over the last few years. I would break out after really hard workouts and it got worse in the summers. I linked it to sweating. Turns out I had a mild food allergy that was causing it. I cut out certain artificial sweeteners, and last summer I didn't have nearly the issues that I had in the past. With changes in diet and exercise, this might be something to look at. Have you seen a dermatologist?
  • SummerMarieM
    SummerMarieM Posts: 12
    I spent hundreds of dollars seeking a dermatologist before I finally came to that discovery. I had small blister-like acne on my face, in the T-zone and jawline. I also had a steady feverish temp in those areas with it as well. SO UNCOMFORTABLE! I tried benedryl because i thought maybe it was a food allergy or hives. I even thought it was the Splenda or Processed milk. So I cut them out and switched to Stevia and stopped eating dairy - which was a major portion of my diet, BUT it didn't help! I eventually was over washing my face causing discomfort, etc. Even the meds the doc gave me didn't help. Mine is under control now as I adjusted the carbs. I sure hope yours gets better soon! Don't give up!

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