Gym Zits

FrnkLft
FrnkLft Posts: 1,821 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Alright, nasty title... do you guys use any special soap or whatever to clean your face after you lift at the gym? I keep getting one or another pimple here and there and it's really annoying.

I honestly don't know much about acne so tips would be helpful.

Replies

  • Desterknee
    Desterknee Posts: 1,056 Member
    Wash your face before working out, and after. If you're not naturally prone to acne, you probably don't need any medicated soaps. Any face cleanser should do.
  • Dansk_USA
    Dansk_USA Posts: 32 Member
    I'm prone to acne, and I've been using Clearasil pads to wipe down my face, neck and upper back/shoulder area when I don't have a chance to shower immediately after my workout. Otherwise just using a good soap and water is the best thing.
  • FrnkLft
    FrnkLft Posts: 1,821 Member
    I'm prone to acne, and I've been using Clearasil pads to wipe down my face, neck and upper back/shoulder area when I don't have a chance to shower immediately after my workout. Otherwise just using a good soap and water is the best thing.

    And it's been working for you too or are you just trying this approach?
  • khall86790
    khall86790 Posts: 1,100 Member
    I'm going through a bad acne spell at the moment (bad for me anyway, as I am usually clear skinned) and I wash my face before and after working out. I also cleanse, tone and moisturise but that may be a little much if you are just getting one or two!
    Just make sure you wash before and after give it a good scrub with a face wash that has exfoliating beads or get exfoliating gloves to use with a soap free face wash :)
  • Cheeky_0102
    Cheeky_0102 Posts: 408 Member
    if you are eating healthier than you were before it might be part of the detox process as well, or hormonal... My skin goes crazy when i change my diet for the better (and most people expect crappy food to give them zits! not me!)
  • SeoulKim05
    SeoulKim05 Posts: 116 Member
    I just use water, but then again I am not prone to acne, just I get the occasinal bumps here and there. (but twice a week I scrub my face with coffee grounds...organic, takes off the dead skin) been using it for 3yrs now and my face looks great! it may not be for everyone, but chemicals dont work on me and I have spent a pretty penny over the years before I found coffee.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    I would say it depends on your skin type- i'm assuming oily skin?

    The first thing i always recommend you start with is a hypoallergenic, non-scented soap such as cetaphil. Just rinse with warm water after a workout.

    Try it for a month. (dont just say "it's been a week and it's not working eff this!") If that still doesn't work i suggest getting something from clinique which has been highly tested and works VERY well.
  • FrnkLft
    FrnkLft Posts: 1,821 Member
    I just use water, but then again I am not prone to acne, just I get the occasinal bumps here and there. (but twice a week I scrub my face with coffee grounds...organic, takes off the dead skin) been using it for 3yrs now and my face looks great! it may not be for everyone, but chemicals dont work on me and I have spent a pretty penny over the years before I found coffee.

    Srsly?
  • Becoming_A_Butterfly
    Becoming_A_Butterfly Posts: 2,534 Member
    I don't agree with washing before and after the gym. There is such a thing as washing too much. A basic face wash after working out should be fine, nothing fancy, like Neutrogena Deep Clean.
  • Dansk_USA
    Dansk_USA Posts: 32 Member
    It's been working. I've heard the thing about coffee grounds as well, but to be careful cause it can cause a bit of brownish discoloration on the skin :)
  • _crafty_
    _crafty_ Posts: 1,682 Member
    I just use water, but then again I am not prone to acne, just I get the occasinal bumps here and there. (but twice a week I scrub my face with coffee grounds...organic, takes off the dead skin) been using it for 3yrs now and my face looks great! it may not be for everyone, but chemicals dont work on me and I have spent a pretty penny over the years before I found coffee.

    Srsly?

    ^my thought exactly. lemme know how this turns out :noway:
  • marypatmccue
    marypatmccue Posts: 521 Member
    A friend on here introduced this to me about 1.5 months ago: http://www.acne.org/

    It's simple, and effective.
    Read it, you'll be glad you did!
  • ahviendha
    ahviendha Posts: 1,291 Member
    I just use water, but then again I am not prone to acne, just I get the occasinal bumps here and there. (but twice a week I scrub my face with coffee grounds...organic, takes off the dead skin) been using it for 3yrs now and my face looks great! it may not be for everyone, but chemicals dont work on me and I have spent a pretty penny over the years before I found coffee.

    Srsly?

    you have not even tapped into some of the crazy sounding things girls do for beauty. move along!

    coffee grounds...interesting.
  • aszwarc
    aszwarc Posts: 200 Member
    I keep a packet of facial wipes in my gym bag and use one to clean my face when I'm done with my workout. (Note: I live close enough to the gym that I shower at home - it's easier than toting a towel and soap/shampoo/shower shoes.) Those few quick swipes with a cloth make me feel more human again until I can hop in the shower.
  • alychil820
    alychil820 Posts: 219 Member
    I use Ultrabland by Lush before and after working out, and my skin's been in better shape than ever. I take it off with a cotton pad soaked in tea tree toner.
  • Missellaneous02
    Missellaneous02 Posts: 70 Member
    DO NOT wash your face before and after. You will most likely dry out your skin which in turn will make you produce more oil and give you more pimples. I am an esthetician (I know about skin). You can wash your face afterwards if you get really sweaty, some people I know carry facial wipes to the gym. If your not acne prone your most likely breaking out because of the sweat and you don't need expensive products to fix that.
  • DIG_
    DIG_ Posts: 20
    It's been working. I've heard the thing about coffee grounds as well, but to be careful cause it can cause a bit of brownish discoloration on the skin :)


    yea, apparently, that chick use to be white.

    :tongue:
  • jhc7324
    jhc7324 Posts: 200 Member
    Was recently at the dermatologist and she said just to use an antibacterial soap after a workout (she recommended Lever 2000) and to scrub down well. Its been working for me so far.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    I use Ultrabland by Lush before and after working out, and my skin's been in better shape than ever. I take it off with a cotton pad soaked in tea tree toner.

    For dry skin, maybe. For oily clearly prone to acne skin? No! Ultrabland (I don't care if you even use the worlds best toner) will leave your face greasy.

    Great makeup remover or for VERY dry skin though!
  • dandandee
    dandandee Posts: 301 Member
    After a workout I usually splash my face with some water and tap dry with a towel but no special cleanser or anything.

    I save actually washing my face for morning and night, if I do any more often my face gets dry and then in turn produces even MORE oil which just ruins the point of everything.
    exfoliating every once in a while is good too.
  • Guillotined
    Guillotined Posts: 115
    Look op, everyone is going to give you varying opinions on which cleanser to use and its only going to confuse you. So let me help you.

    1) wash your face immediately after gym with whichever cleanser you decide to try (I use the original Neutrogena)
    2) use/bring a clean towel to wipe your sweat off with (don't use your dirty T-shirt or hands)
    3) when you do use a towel, be mindful of where you place it (u don't need me to tell u about floor filth)
    4) don't touch your face
    5) if you're like me and your face gets dried out aftersweating and then showering use a moisturizer
    6) change (clean) pillowcases often
    7) don't stress
  • Guillotined
    Guillotined Posts: 115
    Oh and
    8) drink PLENTY of water. Water is so so important for everything including acne.
  • here
    here Posts: 69
    Omg I also have this problem. Bump for answers. Gonna try errythang! I also drink water like a mofo.
  • SeoulKim05
    SeoulKim05 Posts: 116 Member
    I just use water, but then again I am not prone to acne, just I get the occasinal bumps here and there. (but twice a week I scrub my face with coffee grounds...organic, takes off the dead skin) been using it for 3yrs now and my face looks great! it may not be for everyone, but chemicals dont work on me and I have spent a pretty penny over the years before I found coffee.

    Srsly?

    Yes, seriously. Lol, I know it seems strange!
  • alychil820
    alychil820 Posts: 219 Member
    I use Ultrabland by Lush before and after working out, and my skin's been in better shape than ever. I take it off with a cotton pad soaked in tea tree toner.

    For dry skin, maybe. For oily clearly prone to acne skin? No! Ultrabland (I don't care if you even use the worlds best toner) will leave your face greasy.

    Great makeup remover or for VERY dry skin though!

    Haha my skin is definitely like the sahara. I still get occasional breakouts though!
  • kjoy_
    kjoy_ Posts: 316 Member
    try wearing a clean headband when you lift and sweat heavy and make sure you immediately wash your face after working out and with a clean towel every time. washing your pillow cases 1-2 times a week helps also.
  • TheDevastator
    TheDevastator Posts: 1,626 Member
    Vitamins A – helps to reduce sebum production Beta-carotene is in carrots, kale, mangoes, etc.
    Vitamins C and E – strengthen skin for improved elasticity: supplement
    Vitamin B-Complex – provides healthy skin tone and reduces acne-inducing stress: supplement
    Chromium – aids in reducing infections: supplement
    Zinc – assists in healing acne scars, regulates oil production and fights free radicals: supplement

    There are many other reasons to take these vitamins as well like diabetes prevention, hormone regulation, anti-stress, immune system boosters, etc.


    http://www.katesomerville.com/vitamins-for-acne
  • Guillotined
    Guillotined Posts: 115
    try wearing a clean headband when you lift and sweat heavy and make sure you immediately wash your face after working out and with a clean towel every time. washing your pillow cases 1-2 times a week helps also.

    I've wanted to wear headbands before. Just can't bring myself to look like a tennis player/Richard Simmons.
  • farsteve
    farsteve Posts: 157 Member
    As one macho guy to another macho guy, drop the soap for face washing and get a good cleanser made specifically for mens faces.

    We really need a macho guy smiley.

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