Gym-Proof Your Skin – Fitbit Blog

Exercise does plenty of nice issues on your physique. But it’s not at all times sort to your pores and skin. And we’re not simply speaking about pore-clogging sweat or bacne. Even in case your fitness center seems to be clear and glossy, it’s most likely crawling with microbes that may result in infections, rashes, foot fungus, and extra. 

So, we talked with dermatologists to be taught their high methods for wholesome, radiant, gym-proof pores and skin. Here’s what they need you to know.

Your fitness center is a huge petri dish

Why is the fitness center so germy? “Bacteria thrive in warm, moist places making the gym the perfect environment for bacteria,” says Michael Horn, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, IL. “Studies show that 70 percent of bacteria on fitness center equipment could potentially harm humans.” 

The locker room and bathe are apparent offenders. But the exercise space is equally problematic. From treadmill and elliptical handles to CrossFit packing containers, gym-based microbes are so widespread that one latest research of 16 health facilities discovered that 38 p.c of surfaces swabbed contained S. Aureus, the bacterium accountable for staph infections. And practically 12 p.c harbored antibiotic-resistant MRSA. 

Skin SOS

Wiping down train tools with a sanitizing wipe can go a great distance in guarding towards micro organism and fungi. But don’t cease there. These are the most important gym-based pores and skin hazards to look out for, plus tricks to stop them.

Your outfit. Skin troubles typically begin earlier than you set foot within the fitness center, starting along with your exercise garments. “Many gym goers wear tank tops or cut off shirts which expose more skin to [bacteria-covered] surfaces in the gym,” says Dustin Portela, DO, a dermatologist with Treasure Valley Dermatology in Boise, ID. “You’ll be better protected if you wear a shirt with sleeves and shorts that are just a bit longer.” 

And in the event you’re considering of sporting the identical outfit to run errands afterward? “Wearing sweaty clothes post work out won’t kill you, but it can wreak havoc on skin,” says Horn. “Oil and dirt can become trapped in wet fabric and may lead to clogged pores and bacne, plus bacteria in there can cause itchy rashes like folliculitis.”

Loose hair. “When you’re working out, sweat and dirt can get transferred from your hair onto your face,” says Horn. “So, it’s a good idea to keep hair out of your face by styling it into a bun or rocking a dry and clean sweatband.” Also, go simple on the hairspray, which may migrate onto your pores and skin and blend with sweat throughout train, resulting in clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts. 

Your towel. As handy as towel service could also be, you is likely to be higher off with out it. “The so-called “clean” towels on the fitness center could also be delivered by the identical transport because the dirty ones,” says Horn. “It’s wiser to bring a towel from home to cover mats and exercise balls while you use them.” There’s one other good factor about utilizing your personal towel, he says. You can mark the aspect that you just normally lay on the tools with a “D” for soiled with a Sharpie. That means, you’ll at all times know which aspect is secure to maintain in touch along with your pores and skin and which aspect to keep away from.

Supplements. Adding a scoop of protein powder to a shake or smoothie could also be nice for constructing muscle however not on your complexion. That’s as a result of protein dietary supplements, notably whey protein, can act like androgens, hormones which will set off pimples, says Portela.

The locker room. At one level or one other, 70 p.c of us will contract athlete’s foot. Wearing flip-flops within the locker room and bathe is a superb first line of protection. Horn additionally recommends clipping your toenails brief to forestall fungi from getting trapped within the crevices. He’s additionally a fan of draping a towel over the locker room bench to guard from any microbes which will have taken up residence there. 

Your fitness center bag. When you’re completed figuring out, it may be tempting to pop your used fitness center garments into your fitness center bag to put on once more subsequent time round. Not so quick, says Portela. Even in the event you didn’t sweat a lot—or your outfit is constructed from anti-stink materials—it’s seemingly picked up lots of micro organism. Instead, place soiled garments right into a plastic bag earlier than placing them in your fitness center bag, in order that they don’t coat it with germs. Then, toss them within the wash whenever you get dwelling and pack a pleasant clear outfit for subsequent time.

Delayed showering. The sooner you possibly can bathe after your exercise, the higher, says Portela. Ideally, he recommends utilizing physique wash and a clear towel. But in the event you don’t have time? “Pick up some acne cleansing wipes with a low percentage of salicylic or glycolic acid to help remove excess sweat and oil from your skin, as well as to neutralize harmful bacteria and fungus,” he says. 

Finally, don’t overlook to moisturize. “Skipping this essential step can unknowingly dehydrate your skin, causing oil glands to overcompensate by producing an oversupply of oil,” says Horn. “Use a moisturizer that’s been produced for your specific skin type and condition immediately after cleansing for the best results.” Then benefit from the glow!