So you've started working out on the regular, you have more energy, feel stronger, are noticing changes in your body and your clothes fit differently. On the other hand, you may have experienced body acne, yeast infections, or skin tags. These are kinda gross but totally normal reactions to sweating and wearing tight-fitting sports bars & leggings.
Sweat is our body's way of regulating its temperature and it releases toxins. Some people sweat a lot and others sweat very little! No matter how you sweat, it is important to change out of sweaty clothes & shower as quickly as possible afterward. Letting sweat and dirt sit on your skin can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, acne, rashes, yeast infections and more.
If you think you're the only one that experiences these things, I promise you you're not alone! I wish someone had told me about these things & how to prevent them when I first started working out. Which is why I'm sharing my top tips to help prevent them from happening to you.
Body Acne
Pimples popping up on your back, butt, under your bra line, or in your armpits? Do not pop or pick at them, as it may cause scarring or infection! If acne is severe or cystic consult your physician or a dermatologist. These 5 tips can help prevent them from happening in the first place.
Wear sweat-wicking clothes that pull moisture off your body
Shower & change out of your workout clothes ASAP, if showering isn't an option use Shower Wipes and change asap.
Use a body wash or soap with acne-fighting salicylic acid
Exfoliate or dry brush 1-3 times per week
Moisturize with a anti pore-clogging lightweight body oil or lotion daily
Yeast Infections
Things feeling a little itchy and or smelly down there?? FACT: 75% of women experience at least 1 yeast infection in their lives. If you already have symptoms see your doc right away! You may need testing and/or medication to help treat it. These tips can help prevent one from happening in the first place.
Wear breathable underwear
Change out of wet/damp clothes right away
Wipe front to back
Let your vagina breathe by wearing looser fitting clothes
Skip scented soaps, tampons, pads, and feminine hygiene products
Skin Tags
What the heck are skin tags you ask? They are a benign fleshy overgrowth of the skin and occur frequently in areas of friction including the armpits, groin folds, inner thighs, and around the neck, as well as on the face, around the eyes, and under the breasts. If you already have them do not try to remove or treat them at home, see your doc or a dermatologist. You can take steps to prevent them, but know that if your parents have them, you're more likely to experience them as well.
Eat a diet low in saturated fat
Exercise at medium or high intensity for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Keep all skin folds dry to prevent friction. Pat your skin completely dry after you shower. Apply baby powder or anti-friction cream or spray to skin folds like your underarms that tend to trap moisture.
Don’t wear clothing or jewelry that irritates your skin.
Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton instead of nylon or spandex that doesn't rub against your skin.
Have you experienced any or all of these things? If you have any additional tips to share please drop them in the comments so that others may benefit!
xoxo,
Briana
PPS: I'm not a doc or dermatologist and all tips given are for entertainment and based on personal experience & education. Please consult a board-certified physician, dermatologist, or gynecologist if you are experiencing any of these conditions.