The Active Girl's Guide to Beauty

Working out—it's great for your health but not always good for your looks. Between sweating and repetitive motion (think weight lifting or running), you're apt to encounter issues like calluses and bruised nails. Fortunately, we have pro pointers and products that can cure— and help you avoid—these problems so you can be buff and beautiful!

WORKOUT WOE
Body Breakouts

Acne on your back, chest, and butt is often caused by sweaty clothing rubbing against your skin, says Amy Derick, M.D., a dermatologist in Barrington, Illinois. And if you carry a golf bag or wear padded shorts on a bike, you're almost sure to trigger a fl are-up. "These items trap moisture against the skin, making your pores even more likely to get clogged," says Derick.

Treat It
"One of the best remedies for a body breakout is a daily vinegar rinse," says David Colbert, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. The acetic acid in vinegar helps kill off blemishproducing bacteria. Add one tablespoon of white table vinegar to a quart of warm water, sponge down the affected area, and rinse in the shower. At night, apply a benzoyl peroxide cream. If you see no improvement in three weeks, consult a dermatologist for a topical antibiotic, like Clindamycin—the foam version is particularly backand butt-friendly because it's quickly absorbed.

Prevent It
"Showering after exercising is the key to fending off breakouts," says Colbert. "Waiting too long after a workout gives bacteria a chance to grow." He recommends lathering up with an antimicrobial cleanser, such as Hibiclens Antiseptic/ Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser ($13; drug store.com). Washes with pore-unclogging salicylic acid, such as Murad Acne Body Wash ($40; sephora.com), are also effective.

WORKOUT WOE
Bruised Toenails
"Tennis toe"—the bruising and thickening of your big toenail—is the result of sports that involve quick stops and turns, which cause your foot to bang into the front of your shoe. Closely related is "jogger's toe," the loosening (or loss) of a nail, which also occurs due to repeated slamming.

Treat It
If the bruise is just at the nail's tip (not under the matrix, where nail growth starts), it will eventually clear, says Colbert. But to keep a bruised tip from getting worse (and possibly snapping off), cut the nail short and apply a thick balm, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($8; at drugstores), so it stays supple. If the nail is bruised at the matrix, follow the same regimen and bandage it (the nail will still likely fall off within a few weeks). If the nail's already off, apply an antibacterial ointment, like Rite Aid Bacitracin ($4; drugstore.com), daily for a week and keep it covered while the new nail grows, says Kathleen Davis, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.

Prevent It
Shoes that fit well will minimize toenail bruises, says Davis. If you're not sure that yours do, consult an expert; one's usually on hand at a runner's shop. "And if the problem persists, consider seeing a podiatrist or an orthopedist," says Davis. "You may need customized inserts."