ACNE Q&A ARTICLES GET ON A PROGRAM ASK FEEDBACK
Swimming and Acne
Swimming is an activity sometimes associated with acne. There are known skin benefits to swimming, but it can also lead to acne breakouts if you are not careful. Below, you will find several negative and positive effects that swimming can have on your skin. The Negative Effects of Swimming on Your Skin It has been said that many swimmers suffer more acne breakouts than people who don’t swim. And while there is some truth to this, it is heavily situational. Here are some ways that swimming that can negatively affect the condition of your skin:*
Chlorine – Chlorine is a chemical that is used as a purifying agent to keep most pools clean. Some swimmers, particularly those with sensitive skin, may experience a bad reaction to this chemical. Chlorine dries out your skin and causes the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, or oil, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Rubbing a little oil-free lotion on the skin after showering is a good way to prevent skin from drying out
Sun exposure – Whether you are in an outdoor pool or in the ocean, you’re bound to soak up some sun rays. Too much sun exposure can dry out and irritate your skin, causing acne, as well as inflame already existing acne lesions. It is best to limit sun exposure and always wear the right sunscreen
Sunscreen – Although sunscreen is absolutely necessary in order to protect your skin from the hot sun, the wrong kind of sunscreen can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Learn more about sunscreen and acne HERE
The Benefits of Swimming to Your Skin Swimming can be a great asset to your skin, especially if you make sure to always wash and moisturize before and after you swim. Here are three skincare benefits from swimming:
Chlorine – Even though overexposure to this chemical, found in pools for cleaning purposes, can dry out your skin and cause irritation, it attacks acne-causing bacteria. Chlorine lowers the walls of bacteria cells and purifies the water molecules in your skin. This can be very beneficial to people with acne, attacking the problem at its source. Just remember to rinse your skin clean of the chemical after you swim, and be sure to moisturize to avoid dryness**
Cardio – Swimming is certainly a workout that gets your heart rate up and boosts your metabolism. These two internal processes aid in the swift removal of toxins in your skin, which cleans out your skin cells and prevents pore blockages
Weight loss – Swimming is a great activity for losing weight and body fat. In addition to increasing metabolism speeds, the more weight you lose, the easier it will be to clean areas that were previously hard to reach. The more you can keep every inch of your skin clean, the better***
All Summed Up… Swimming can cause acne breakouts to occur, if the proper precautions are not taken, but it can certainly help your skin too. It is important to understand how to keep your skin clean and clear before and after you swim in order to experience the full skincare benefits of the activity. As always, there is more to learn, so check out our extensive clear skin articles. Also, to find the acne skin care program that is right for you, complete our free questionnaire, and be on your way to healthy, beautiful skin!