Just when you think you’re doing your body a whole lotta good by joining the soccer team, or finally making it past week two in your 5k training regimen, you notice your face, back, and other parts of your body start to break out. It also doesn’t help that the combination of oil flow and dead skin cell build up caused by cooler air means that Fall is the season you’re most likely to flare up. 

Listen, we know how frustrating it can be when the rest of your body is feeling fantastic from the active lifestyle you’re living, yet you seem to be stuck with unsightly blemishes. 

Turns out there’s a reason why so many athletes have this exact problem and it boils down to excessive sweating and clogged pores.

While these three tips might not heal existing acne right away, you’ll find that by diligently following them you’ll prevent breakouts from occurring during fall sports season.

1. Start With A Clean Face

It might be tempting to leave your makeup or moisturizer on before running out the door, but doing so means that you’re creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It’s like an open invitation to irritation, blackheads, and even acne. If you have to wear makeup, keep it minimalist: a layer of SPF, concealer under your eyes, mascara, and your favorite lippy.

But a fresh face is always best, so use a gentle cleanser before you train and remember to never over cleanse! When you over cleanse your face before sweating, you’re causing an excess of sebum (oil production in the skin) – something you never want to do.

Pro tip for guys: never shave before you workout because you’ll actually be opening your pores and exposing them to sweat.

2. Hydrate & Replenish

It’s easy to forget that our skin is our body’s largest organ and needs to be properly hydrated at all times – even more so during a sweat ‘sesh. When you sweat, your body is getting rid of water so it’s important to replenish, which actually does double duty in flushing out toxins.

And just in case you’re wondering – sugary sports drinks like Gatorade, and even Vitamin water do not count. Instead, you can infuse your water with natural electrolytes like lemon and maple syrup.

Try this recipe if you’re not sure where to start:

• 4 cups filtered water

• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

• 1/4 cup raw unfiltered honey or maple syrup (or to taste)

• 1/4 tsp. real salt (no table salt!)

Source: thehippyhomemaker.com

3. Scrub Down Post Training

Be honest, how many times have to got back to your dorm or apartment and “forgotten” to hit the shower immediately? When you don’t scrub down right after sweating, you’re not only going to give your roommate a reason to give you dirty looks, you’re allowing the dirt and bacteria to settle back into your skin and cause all sorts of problems. 

Go the extra mile and use a pre-cleansing oil. You’ll not only smell delicious, but also give your skin the hydration it needs.

Follow these three tips to say bye-bye to those annoying fall breakouts and enjoy your sports this season!