Why do I break out after working out?

Working out is great for your body and your mood. But if you notice breakouts popping up after the gym, practice, or sports, you’re not imagining it.

Workout-related breakouts are common, especially on the chest, back, shoulders, butt, and areas where clothing or equipment rubs against your skin.

Why workouts can trigger breakouts

Body acne can be caused by a mix of sweat, friction, heat, and pressure. During a workout, your skin may be exposed to tight clothing, sports gear, helmets, straps, uniforms, or equipment that traps sweat and rubs against the skin.

That combination can create the perfect environment for clogged pores and breakouts.

You may notice workout-related acne after:

Gym sessions
Team sports
Wearing tight workout clothes
Using helmets or pads
Carrying a backpack
Sitting in sweaty clothes too long
Hot weather workouts

What is acne mechanica?

Acne mechanica is a type of acne that can happen when friction, heat, or pressure affects the skin. It’s often linked to sports equipment, tight clothing, uniforms, straps, or anything that repeatedly rubs or presses against the skin.

If you tend to break out where your skin gets sweaty or where gear touches your body, acne mechanica may be part of the problem.

Where does workout acne usually show up?

Workout-related breakouts can happen anywhere, but they’re especially common on the body.

Common areas include:

Back
Chest
Shoulders
Butt
Hairline
Jawline or chin, especially with helmets or straps

Body acne can be just as frustrating as face acne. And you can get body breakouts even if you do not usually get acne on your face.

What should you do after sweating?

Try to shower as soon as possible after a workout or practice. The goal is to remove sweat, oil, and buildup before they sit on your skin for too long.

If you can’t shower right away, change out of sweaty clothes as soon as you can. Avoid staying in tight, damp clothing after workouts.

Use products made for body acne

Body acne needs body-friendly acne care. A regular body wash may cleanse your skin, but if you’re dealing with breakouts, you may want products designed to help treat body acne.

Look for options like:

Proactiv Acne Body Wash and Blemish Control Body Cream are examples of body-focused products designed for breakouts on areas like the back, chest, shoulders, and body.

Try to reduce friction

You may not be able to avoid uniforms, pads, helmets, or backpacks completely, but small changes can help.

Try:

Wearing breathable workout clothing
Changing out of sweaty clothes quickly
Washing uniforms and workout clothes regularly
Showering after sweating
Keeping gear clean when possible
Avoiding overly tight clothing when you can

The bottom line

If you break out after working out, sweat may not be the only cause. Friction, heat, pressure, sports gear, and tight clothing can all contribute to body breakouts.

Shower after sweating, change out of workout clothes, and use products designed to treat body acne . Your skin works hard during workouts too — give it the routine it needs after you sweat.