A common New Years resolution is to start exercising more, take up running, or to get to the gym more often. Some people may worry that exercise could worsen skin conditions like acne. To support your skin while fulfilling your 2025 fitness goals, here are some top tips to avoid breakouts while exercising!
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition, identified by blackheads and whiteheads (comedomes) and pus-filled spots (pustules) which may cause scarring. It is caused by a combination of factors in people of all ages.
- Sebaceous (oil-producing) glands are found near the surface of the skin and are affected by hormones. In acne, these glands are particularly sensitive to hormones, even at a normal level, and produce too much oil (sebum). The lining of our pores (small openings in the skin surface) also becomes thickened and dead skin cells accumulate, blocking the pores.
- The mixture of oil and dead skin cells clogging the pores produces blackheads and whiteheads.
- Harmless bacteria live on everyone’s skin, usually not causing any problems. The build-up of oil in acne creates the perfect environment for the bacteria to multiple and cause inflammation, leading to red, swollen or pus-filled spots (papules, pustules, nodules or cysts).
- Oily skincare products, greasy moisturisers and hair products, or contact with oily surfaces can also worsen acne. The term “non-comedogenic” means that a product has been formulated to avoid causing blocked pores, and are usually oil free. While they do not cure acne, they may prevent spots forming by minimising the first step which is clogged pores.
- Sometimes acne can be associated with excess hormones, in conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in females. It can also be due to certain hormonal contraceptive medications, high-dose steroids or other medications. Skin picking can also make acne worse and lead to scarring.

Benefits of Exercise
The benefits of regular exercise are well known; great for the body and mind, improving mood and quality of life while prolonging your lifespan through improvement in overall health. For your skin, exercise has multiple benefits which include increased blood flow to the skin, elevated skin temperature and improved skin moisture. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve skin structure and rejuvenate its appearance, increasing collagen by affecting hormone secretion. Overall, a good workout can help to keep your skin supple while giving you a healthy glow!
Before exercise
- Deep cleanse: Remove make-up before working out with a gentle cleanser. During exercise, the pores dilate, and body temperature and sweat volume increase. Make-up or heavy skincare may clog these pores, leading to a build-up of bacteria and creating the perfect environment for inflammatory skin conditions like acne.
- Clean equipment: Headphones, helmets or hairbands should be cleaned regularly to remove makeup, sweat, oil and dirt which can lead to a build-up of bacteria on your skin. If using shared equipment, wipe it down before use.
- SPF: If running or exercising outdoors, don’t forget your sunscreen (and not just in the summertime)! Sun protection while exercising helps protect your skin from the ageing UV-A and harmful UV-B rays, ensuring your skin benefits from exercise rather than burning. Even when the sun is behind the clouds, it can still have an impact on our skin.
During exercise
- Tie your hair back: Oils from the hair can transfer to the skin.
- Hands off: Avoid touching your face with your hands, to prevent transfer of bacteria, oils and dirt.
- Breathable clothing: Opt for loose-fitting or breathable clothing for your workout. Tight cotton clothes can trap sweat next to the skin and the rubbing of fabric can irritate the hair follicles. Malassezia is a yeast commonly found on the skin, and warm moist environments are perfect for the yeast to thrive, leading to inflammation of the hair follicles. This can cause spots or pimples around the hair follicles, called folliculitis, which can sometimes be confused with acne due to similar appearances.
After exercise
- Remove sweaty clothes as soon as possible after a workout.
- Cleanse after exercise: Shower as soon after exercise as possible, or if that isn’t possible, cleanse your face well. Sweat and oil are expelled from dilated pores during exercise, and it is important to remove these from the surface of the skin to minimise the risk of spots developing after a workout.
- Wash workout clothes: After exercise, ensure to wash your workout clothes to remove sweat and oil from the fabric. Re-wearing garments without washing them can create a welcome environment for bacteria and fungi to grow and lead to skin problems.
Talk to your GP
Even mild cases of acne and folliculitis can cause distress and unhappiness. If you develop breakouts that persist, speak to your GP about supports and treatment options that are available.
For more on acne and how to manage this common skin condition visit our acne information page or download our information booklet, ‘What you need to know about acne‘.
If you need guidance or support about managing acne or a skin condition, contact the Irish Skin Foundation’s Ask-a-Nurse Helpline