It's a common belief that sweat causes acne breakouts, but how true is that? Is sweating really the culprit behind forehead acne? You may notice acne flare ups during the warm summer months or after an intense workout when sweating commonly occurs. If you are experiencing breakouts from sweating, we’ve got you covered with the answers to what may be causing it and how to prevent further skin irritation.
While it’s true that sweat can sometimes contribute to acne, it is not the sole factor. Let’s look at some common causes of acne, how sweat can add to the problem, and how you can keep your skin clear and healthy.
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What Causes Acne?
Having a sweaty face isn’t a cute look, regardless if you’re enjoying a summer brunch date or finishing a workout. But does sweat cause acne, even though it’s just water? To answer this question, let’s first look at what causes acne and how sweat fits into the picture.
Several causes of acne include clogged pores, overproduction of oil, trapped bacteria under the skin, and hormone imbalances [1].
- Clogged pores: It’s one of the most common causes of an acne breakout. They can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil, also known as sebum. Sebum is naturally produced by the sebaceous glands to moisturize our skin. However, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts if our glands are working overtime to cool the body down with sweat [2].
- Bacteria: Dead skin cells and oil combine to create an environment that encourages certain acne-causing bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples [3]. You can also pick up bacteria from workout equipment or touching any surface. As you wipe your hands across your face to get rid of the sweat, you’re also introducing a new layer of bacteria to your face.
- Hormonal changes: Alongside clogged pores and bacteria, hormonal fluctuations can also cause acne. Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone can increase natural oil production by the skin, leading to more frequent breakouts. This is why many teens experience breakouts when they reach puberty. It’s also triggered by major life events such as pregnancy or menopause [4].
What Role Does Sweat Play In Acne Breakouts?
While sweat itself does not cause acne, it can play an indirect role in causing breakouts. It can contribute to the spread of bacteria and clogged pores as it mixes with oil and sebum that’s already present on the skin [5]. Sweating can also worsen existing breakouts because it can create a warm and moist environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, when sweat sits on the skin for a long period of time, it can again contribute to breakouts by clogging your pores [6].
How To Prevent Acne Cause by Sweat
The best way to prevent breakouts after sweating is to properly cleanse your skin day and night. Steps you can take to minimize the chances of trapping sweat include:
- Wearing breathable clothing: Choose workout clothes that are made of breathable fabrics such as cotton to help reduce irritation and keep your skin cool and dry.
- Showering or rinsing after sweating: After any physical activity or instances of heavy sweating, shower or bathe as soon as possible to remove the sweat, dirt, and bacteria from your skin. We recommend using a gentle facial cleanser infused with hydrating ingredients to nourish the skin.
- Changing your workout routine: If you’re prone to sweat-induced breakouts, avoid activities that involve intense physical exertion. Try low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming instead.
- Using acne treatment products: Products containing alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid can help reduce inflammation from breakouts and clear up any existing acne.
Sweating is a normal part of every body, and while it isn’t always avoidable, there are ways you can prevent it from clogging your pores and contributing to acne breakouts.
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So while sweat itself doesn’t necessarily cause acne, it can contribute to new breakouts forming because it can clog pores and create a breeding ground for bacteria. The best ways to tackle acne caused by sweating are to take measures to prevent new ones from forming and to treat existing breakouts. This can be done by creating a personalized 3-step skincare set with effective ingredients that help target acne breakouts. Not sure where to start?
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