However, you don’t have to quit exercising in order to see clearer skin. The key is to maintain proper hygiene before, during, and after your workouts. Here’s what dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend.

BEFORE YOUR WORKOUT

1. Remove your makeup. No need to wash your face. A oil-free makeup remover towelette works fine.
2. Put on clean workout clothes (washed since you last wore them). Dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils on unwashed clothes can clog your pores, leading to acne.
3. Apply oil-free sunscreen before you head outside. If you’re going to exercise outdoors during the day, you can prevent breakouts by protecting your skin from the sun.

Yes, the sun can cause breakouts because it dries your skin. When this happens, your body produces more oil, which can clog pores and cause acne. To get the protection you need, you’ll want to apply a sunscreen that offers:

SPF 30 or higher

Broad spectrum (protects you from UVA and UVB rays)

Water resistance

Oil-free formulation (The label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores”.)

Never rub skin while cleansing it; pat gently instead.

DURING YOUR WORKOUT

To remove sweat during a workout, use a clean towel and gently pat the sweat from your skin.

4. Use a clean towel to wipe off sweat. You want a towel that has been washed since you (or someone else) last used it.

When you remove sweat from your skin, gently pat it off. Rubbing your skin can cause acne to flare.

5. Avoid sharing protective equipment like helmets and shoulder pads whenever possible. These can be full of acne-causing bacteria and oil, which may cause you to break out.
6. Wipe off shared equipment before you use it. Shared equipment can be full of acne-causing bacteria and oil.

AFTER YOUR WORKOUT

7. Consider showering immediately after your workout. This may rinse away bacteria that can cause acne.

When you wash your face and other skin with acne, you’ll want to use a cleanser that is:

Mild

Oil free (The label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” instead.)

A mild, oil-free cleanser can remove bacteria that can lead to acne and prevent clogged pores without irritating your skin.

When washing skin that has acne, be very gentle. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and gently rinse it off with warm water. Rubbing, hot water, or anything else that irritates your skin can cause acne to flare.

If you aren’t able to shower, consider changing out of your workout clothes and wiping skin that tends to break out with pads that contain salicylic acid. This can prevent clogged pores.

If you have acne or acne-prone skin, following these recommendations from dermatologists can allow you to work out and see clearer skin. You’ll also want to continue treating your acne.

For more about skin issues, click here to visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s website.

“There is little scientific evidence to support the theories that the distribution of acne on the face can indicate internal health problems,” says Lauren Kole, M.D., dermatologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic. “However, the location of acne can give clues as to what may be contributing to the patient’s acne.”

According to Kole, acne presenting in the following areas can have some indicators for what may be the root cause of the pimple, ranging in part from hormone overload to potentially dirty cellphones.

Chin: hormonal acne

Acne around the mouth and along the jawline is commonly seen in adult female acne, which is at least somewhat hormonally driven. These patients may have excess male hormones (androgens) in the skin.

Cheeks: cosmetic product usage

Acne on the cheeks may be related to cosmetic products. Women with “acne cosmetica” may have small bumps on their cheeks, chin and forehead. Acne on the cheeks may also be linked to exposure to a dirty phone or pillowcase or other habits such as frequently touching one’s face.

Acne on the forehead may be linked to hair care products.

Forehead: hair product usage

Acne on the forehead may be linked to hair care products. Moisturizing or oil-based hair care products can clog the pores and cause “pomade acne” along the hairline and forehead.

Nose: oily skin

Acne on the nose or in one’s “T-zone” (forehead down through nose) in general may be linked to excess oil production.

Acne on the chest or back may be an indicator that a person is not showering immediately after exercising or properly cleaning their workout clothes — even wearing damp workout clothes too long.

Once pimples start appearing, the question that most people want answered is how to get rid of acne — and fast.

“We tailor treatments based on the patient’s sex, age and how the acne presents,” Kole says. “I counsel patients on lifestyle changes that can help improve their acne. I definitely choose different therapies if I believe the patient’s acne is hormonally mediated versus if it’s changing a hair product or swapping out pillowcases regularly.”

Breakouts are common, and knowing what causes them may help patients with treatment.

But tried and true tips from Kole that all people with acne can adopt are never pop pimples and do not touch your face.

Other tips from Kole and the American Academy of Dermatology include:

Wash your face twice a day and after sweating. “Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.”

Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Kole says that using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything else tough can irritate the skin. “Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub.”

Be gentle with your skin; use gentle products such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate your skin. These products may include astringents, toners and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.

Rinse face with lukewarm water; hot water can irritate existing acne and strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture.

Shampoo hair regularly. If you have oily hair, it is recommended that you shampoo daily.

Let your skin heal naturally. “If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear, and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.”

Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.

Stay out of the sun and tanning beds, as tanning can damage skin further. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.

At what point should a person with acne seek the counsel of a dermatologist? The American Academy of Dermatologists suggests that, even if you do not have severe acne, a dermatologist can help customize a treatment plan for a person’s individual acne.

However, despite its prevalence, accurate information about acne can be scarce. Many teenagers and young adults believe that they have to let acne run its course instead of treating it, while others turn to do-it-yourself treatments — like applying diaper cream or toothpaste to pimples — without much success. Yet according to a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne left untreated often results in significant physical and psychological problems, such as scarring, poor self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

“As a dermatologist who treats patients with acne every day, I’ve seen firsthand the effects that acne can have on a person’s life, both physically and emotionally,” said board-certified dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, MD, FAAD, a professor and interim chair of dermatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “If you find yourself in a bad mood or skipping outings with friends or family members because of acne, see a board-certified dermatologist for treatment.”

Today, Glaser said in an AAD news release, there are many effective treatments for acne, including medications that are applied to the skin, antibiotics and in-office procedures. Some treatments that are applied to the skin, such as products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or adapalene, are available over-the-counter.

However, whether a person is using an over-the-counter treatment or prescription medication, Glaser said it’s important to be patient regarding results. For example, it usually takes four to eight weeks to see improvement after using a topical medication — a treatment that is applied to the skin — and once acne clears, she said, it’s important to continue the treatment to prevent new breakouts.

It’s also important, Glaser said, to follow your dermatologist’s directions while using acne medication. Particularly for topical medications, the wrong application and skin care routine can lead to dry, irritated skin.

To get the greatest benefit from topical acne medications, Glaser recommended the following:

Allow your skin time to adjust to the medication.

Use a gentle face wash. A common misconception is that people need to use a strong face wash while also using topical acne medication. However, using a face wash that is too harsh while also using acne medication can dry out and irritate your skin. Instead, look for a mild, gentle face wash that says “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic” on the label; these won’t clog your pores. Gently wash the affected areas twice a day and after sweating.

Use a pea-sized amount of medication. Using too much medication can irritate your skin, and using too little can hinder results. To make sure you’re using the right amount, put a pea-sized amount on your index finger and dot the medication on your forehead, cheeks and chin. Once dotted, rub it around to cover your whole face.

Ease into the medication. Since it can take time for your skin to adjust to a new medication, start by applying the product every other day instead of daily. If you don’t experience any negative side effects after a few weeks, like increased burning or redness, you can start applying the medicine every day.

If irritation occurs, apply moisturizer before applying acne medication. Studies have shown that applying moisturizer before applying topical medication helps prevent the medication’s negative side effects — like peeling and redness — without changing its effectiveness. Make sure your moisturizer says “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic.”

Protect your skin from the sun. Many acne medications cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can increase your chance of sunburn. Before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, including your scalp, ears, neck and lips. Remember to reapply every two hours or immediately after sweating. You can also guard your skin by seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

“Acne is a complex skin condition that can have many causes, including skin care products, fluctuating hormones, family history and stress,” Glaser said. “Further, not everyone’s acne can be treated the same way. If you have acne and over-the-counter medications aren’t bringing relief, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

For more information from the AAD on skin issues, click here.

But even though it’s so prevalent, it can be hard to get accurate information about it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), many teenagers and young adults think they should let acne “run its course” without treatment. Others turn to “home remedies” like applying diaper cream or toothpaste to pimples.  But if acne is left untreated, it can result in significant physical and psychological problems, such as scarring, poor self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

“As a dermatologist who treats patients with acne every day, I’ve seen firsthand the effects that acne can have on a person’s life, both physically and emotionally,” said board-certified dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, MD, FAAD, a professor and interim chair of dermatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

If irritation occurs, apply moisturizer bef0re applying medication. The medicine will still be effective.

Effective treatments include medications that are applied to the skin, antibiotics and in-office procedures. Some over-the-counter products include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or adapalene.

However, whether a person is using an over-the-counter treatment or prescription medication, Glaser said it’s important to be patient regarding results. For example, it usually takes four to eight weeks to see improvement after using a topical medication — a treatment that is applied to the skin — and once acne clears, she says, it’s important to continue the treatment to prevent new breakouts.

To get the greatest benefit from topical acne medications, Glaser lists common strategies:

Use a gentle face wash. A common misconception is that people need to use a strong face wash while also using topical acne medication. However, using a face wash that is too harsh while also using acne medication can dry out and irritate your skin. Instead, look for a mild, gentle face wash that says “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic” on the label, as these won’t clog your pores. Gently wash the affected areas twice a day and after sweating.

Use a pea-sized amount of medication. If you’re using too much, you skin will become irritated; too little, and the medicine won’t have any effective results. To make sure you’re using the right amount, put a pea-sized amount on your index finger and dot the medication on your forehead, cheeks and chin. Once dotted, rub it around to cover your whole face.

Ease into the medication. Since it can take time for your skin to adjust to a new medication, start by applying the product every other day instead of daily. If you don’t experience any negative side effects after a few weeks, like increased burning or redness, you can start applying the medicine every day.

If irritation occurs, apply moisturizer before applying acne medication. Studies have shown that applying moisturizer before applying topical medication helps prevent the medication’s negative side effects — like peeling and redness — without changing its effectiveness. Make sure your moisturizer says “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic.

”Protect your skin from the sun. Many acne medications cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can increase your chance of sunburn. Before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, including your scalp, ears, neck and lips. Remember to reapply every two hours or immediately after sweating. You can also protect your skin by seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

“Acne is a complex skin condition that can have many causes, including skin care products, fluctuating hormones, family history and stress,” says Glaser. “Further, not everyone’s acne can be treated the same way. If you have acne and over-the-counter medications aren’t bringing relief, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

According to members of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Acne comes in many forms, including blackheads and whiteheads, but the AAD says the most severe type of acne is a pimple that develops deep in the skin, causing a red, swollen and painful bump. Fortunately, say dermatologists, there are ways to tackle this type of acne at home to alleviate pain and reduce the pimple’s size, swelling and redness.

“Although there are no overnight or immediate cures for acne, you don’t have to stand by and suffer either,” said board-certified dermatologist Meghan Feely, MD, FAAD, who works in private practice in New York and New Jersey and is an attending physician at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology. “Make sure you use noncomedogenic and oil-free cosmetics, cleansers and sunscreens, and never try to scrub away a pimple, as this can further irritate it and make it worse.”

To treat a deep, painful pimple at home, Feely offers these tips:

DO wash your skin before treating it. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, and be gentle to your skin while washing.

DO apply ice to reduce pain and swelling. As soon as you notice the blemish, wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and apply it to the area for five to 10 minutes. Repeat this twice more, with 10-minute breaks between icing.

DO apply a product that contains two percent benzoyl peroxide to the pimple. Available at drugstores, this treatment will help kill the bacteria that causes acne. Make sure you apply a very thin layer, since using too much can irritate your skin. And keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics. Avoid letting the medication come into contact with your clothing and consider using white sheets and towels after you’ve applied it.

DO apply a warm compress once a whitehead begins to form. To make a warm compress, soak a clean washcloth in hot water; be sure the water isn’t too hot. Then, apply the warm compress to the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this three to four times daily until the pimple releases pus and heals.

DON’T pop, squeeze or pick at the blemish. Doing so can make acne more noticeable and increase your risk of infection, discoloration and scarring.

DON’T apply toothpaste to the area. Toothpaste contains several ingredients that can clog your pores and irritate your skin, such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, alcohol and methanol.

DON’T apply homemade treatments. There is plenty of advice online promoting “natural” remedies for acne. However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. And even if a natural ingredient is beneficial, it could be combined with another ingredient that might be harmful.

DO visit a board-certified dermatologist to help treat the pimple and prevent future breakouts. If you need an urgent fix, a dermatologist can provide a cortisone injection, which can help the pimple go away in a few hours to days instead of days to weeks. Your dermatologist can also recommend treatments to help prevent future breakouts, such as a retinoid or antibiotics.

“Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated, even severe acne,” Feely said. “However, not everyone’s acne can be treated the same way. If you have a lot of acne, or if your acne isn’t responding to over-the-counter acne medications after four to six weeks, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.