Zits aren't just for pre-teens, as anyone who has had a bad case of sweat-induced bacne can attest. According to Acne.com, exercise in and of itself doesn't cause breakouts but it's more about your hygiene. "Sweat creates a warm, moist environment that's very attractive to P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. This is exacerbated if you're wearing sunscreen or makeup while you exercise because you're creating a closed environment for your pores, encouraging more bacteria and clogging. In addition, if your workout routine or daily activities require you to wear a hat, helmet, backpack, or non-breathable clothing, these materials can rub against acne-prone areas of the body, causing a phenomenon called acne mechanica. The friction stimulates the sebaceous gland to produce excess oil that mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores."
The best way to prevent back, neck, chest, and face acne is to shower immediately after your workout and to wear loose, breathable, natural fabrics and clothing.
