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<\/p>\nThe difference between looking glowy versus greasy is a little bit of sweat. With warmer months ahead, sweat is becoming a consistent reality. One question reigns king in the summer months: does sweat cause acne? It\u2019s crossed all of our minds at some point, and frankly, we’re ready for some answers!<\/p>\n
We can\u2019t control when we sweat, where we sweat, or how much we sweat. What we can do is focus on clean skincare and all-natural ingredients that support healthy, clear skin. Here\u2019s a closer read on body sweat, the link with body acne, and what exactly is happening to our makeup when we\u2019re breaking a sweat.<\/p>\n
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Does sweat cause acne? We\u2019ve been asking ourselves that question since grade school. The short answer is no: sweat itself does not cause acne. But it certainly doesn\u2019t help the cause for clear skin, either. In certain circumstances, sweat can make acne-prone skin and existing breakouts a little worse.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a missing link between sweat and breakouts: bacteria. It\u2019s the true culprit behind many of our blemishes. There\u2019s nothing inherently dirty about sweat; sure, it is one of the ways our body releases toxins, but sweat itself is mostly water and salt. So why the aching red zits and unwanted texture after a particularly heavy workout? The answer is bacteria.<\/p>\n
Many of us have existing acne-causing bacteria on the parts of our bodies that naturally sweat. Take the hairline, for example. It\u2019s a place that many of us touch unconsciously throughout the day. Not only does it collect makeup residue and hold onto it quite easily, but oils and products from our hair and scalp can easily migrate to this area.<\/p>\n
Now we\u2019ll think twice when pulling our hair back into an aggressive pony, stuffing our strands into a less-than-fresh dad hat, or locking our fringe out of place with a bandana or headband. Those actions create the perfect breeding ground for a pimple \u2013 one that\u2019s seemingly caused by sweating but was triggered by the transfer of bacteria.<\/p>\n
Now that we know what sweating doesn\u2019t cause, let\u2019s explore what\u2019s really going on when we sweat.<\/p>\n
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Many of us assume that sweat is caused by physical activity, and in some ways that\u2019s true. Sweat can actually be caused by physical stress, emotional stress, or temperature increases.<\/p>\n
The WHY<\/b>
Stop to think about all the times you sweat each day \u2013 look beyond those living room yoga sessions. You could sweat while lounging in the warm summer sun, or thinking about our celebrity crush. Maybe it was that fraud alert from the bank that tipped our sweat-o-meters over the edge. But how can something happening externally trigger acne?<\/p>\n
The WHERE<\/b>
The problem isn\u2019t that we sweat, but where we sweat can cause some problems. Areas that experience a lot of friction or trap heat and bacteria are far more likely to experience a bump or blemish. This is true for both our body and our face.<\/p>\n
So, is there a difference between body sweat and facial sweat? Temperature increases are one of the main causes of sweating, and the materials we wear can either exacerbate the problem or lead to calming and cooling. Choosing light, breathable fabric isn\u2019t just important for keeping our body temperature down; it\u2019s also a great way to avoid body acne.<\/p>\n
Body Acne Blues<\/b>
Does sweat cause acne on the body? Again, the direct answer here is no.<\/p>\n
Body acne is relatively common and perfectly normal for all genders. Common areas for body acne include the back, shoulders, and chest \u2013 though other areas can experience breakouts too.<\/p>\n
Body blemishes are extremely common. Over half of those dealing with regular acne also experience acne on the body. So what causes body acne? If you hadn\u2019t guessed, it\u2019s many of the same things that cause facial acne. Oftentimes an excess in sebum, dry skin, clogged pores and tight fabrics, and\/or friction will contribute to a breakout.<\/p>\n
PRO TIP:<\/b> Avoid sweat-related breakouts by thoroughly cleaning sweaty areas before you start to perspire. The less dirt already on the surface of our skin \u2013 anywhere on the body \u2013 the less likely we are to break out. The secret is to use gentle cleansers and antibacterial ingredients for the best results.<\/em><\/p>\n Outside of prescribed skin care and topical treatments, body acne can be mild or nearly non-existent if paired with a healthy diet, regular exfoliation, and lightweight moisturizer in the impacted areas. Keep fabrics worn in this area flexible and a little loose, and be sure to clean skin before and after sweaty activities. But what about in cases where cleaning first isn\u2019t always an option?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As beautiful as we are with or without makeup, we don\u2019t feel that way when our faces are covered in layers of foundation and sticky sweat. Excess sweat looks anything but sweet, and a subtle glow is easily transformed into a disco ball that feels just as uncomfortable as it looks.<\/p>\n As we start to sweat, sweat escapes our pores and fills around any trapped debris, dry skin, and makeup on the surface. Makeup layers cover the pores and keep all that yucky stuff trapped inside. With a quick mixture of heat and friction, we have the perfect storm for a pimple.<\/p>\n When we add water (sweat) to layers of powder, we\u2019re creating a cakey mess that leaves pores clogged. Sweat can settle into lines and cause creases, or cause creases to worsen. How do we beat this unhappy heat?<\/p>\n With makeup and sweat, the best defense is a good offense. We start with natural skin care to clarify excess sebum while calming and balancing the skin. Keeping pores clear using exfoliants keeps dead skin out of the way and off our faces where it definitely doesn\u2019t belong.<\/p>\n In our makeup prep step, add a protective layer that keeps excess gunk out of pores and prolongs the life of our makeup. Along-wearingg, silicone-free primer works wonders at protecting the skin \u2013 not just from breakouts but from poor makeup applications. You should also choose a foundation that\u2019s compatible with your skin types and activity levels.<\/p>\n As a last layer of acne defense, use an herbal face mist and Anti Bacterial Blotting Paper. This paper helps to absorb oil and light sweat, while the motion of pressing the paper (rather than swiping or dragging) helps keep our original makeup in place.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re thoroughly cleansing skin before and after sweating, wearing the proper fabrics, and using the most suitable products for your skin, sweat shouldn\u2019t be as big of a threat for breakouts. But if you\u2019re hit with a breakout, bust out your acne treatment team!<\/p>\n Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is essential for managing acne, especially if sweat is a frequent part of your daily life. At 100% PURE, we offer a comprehensive regimen designed to cleanse, tone, treat, and moisturize your skin while addressing acne concerns.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to keeping your skin clear and healthy:\n<\/p>\n As you return home from your workout, the first thing you reach for is the Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Cleanser<\/a>. This isn\u2019t just any cleanser\u2013it\u2019s your first line of defense against post-sweat breakouts. With a gentle lather, this cleanser works its way into your pores, lifting away the day\u2019s impurities and excess oils. Enriched with tea tree and willow, the cleanse doesn\u2019t just clean; it battles acne-causing bacteria and soothes inflamed skin, setting a fresh, clean canvas for the steps to come.<\/p>\n Next, you grab the Fermented Rice Water Toner<\/a>. Picture the toner as a refreshing splash of nutrients for your skin, helping to refine your pores and balance oil production. The fermented rice water, rich in vitamins and minerals, works to clarify your complexion, ensuring that any residue left behind after cleansing is wiped away. Your skin feels balanced and ready, with pores appearing tighter and less prone to trapping sweat and oils.<\/p>\n So at this point, you\u2019ve cleansed and toned, and you\u2019re feeling refreshed. You gaze in the mirror, and\u2026what\u2019s that? A potential breakout?<\/p>\nRecommended Skincare Regimen with 100% PURE<\/b><\/h3>\n
Step 1: Cleanse<\/b><\/h3>\n
Step 2: Tone<\/b><\/h3>\n
Step 3: Treat<\/b><\/h3>\n