Athletes tend to be focused on meeting goals, crossing finish lines and winning the game. They’re driven, motivated, hardworking individuals who press boundaries to reap rewards. All the physical activity often hits their bodies hard, causing issues from achy muscles to blisters to dehydration. They have special skincare needs, too, and may need to care for their complexions a bit differently than others.
Here are some of the most common challenges athletes face with skincare and solutions to help them keep their skin in best shape.
Body breakouts
Back acne””also called “bacne”””is a type of body acne that can come out of nowhere. Often times athletes experience body breakouts because acne forms when pores or hair follicles become clogged with dead skin and sebum (oil). Body acne is most commonly found on the back, chest, and neck, but blemishes can appear anywhere.
Acne mechanica is another form of acne common in young athletes. It’s activated by excess heat and friction or rubbing of the skin. Football gear, hockey pads, baseball caps, even sporting helmets””anything that traps heat against the skin or puts pressure on it””can provoke a breakout for athletes. Acne mechanica can occur anywhere on the face or body. And athletes aren’t the only ones who get it. People who are already prone to body breakouts are more likely to develop acne mechanica.
Most cases of body breakouts respond well to over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments. Try a facial cleanser like the MyChelle Clear Skin Cleanser as your body wash, and use it daily. This unique cleanser contains natural salicylic acid from willow bark, which dissolves excess oil, dead skin cells and debris for an ultra-smooth surface. Totarolâ„¢ purifies blemish-prone disturbances at the source, while lemongrass essential oil helps to normalize and balance oil, keeping skin blemish free.
Germs and bacteria
Germs and bacteria are everywhere; avoid using gym equipment or group mats unless you can wipe them down with antibacterial wipes. You want to make sure you’re not exposing your skin to bacteria that can lead to athletes foots or, even worse, staph.
No matter what, we should all cleanse at night to remove makeup, dirt and debris. However, if you work out during the day or break a sweat, you should certainly wash right away. Make sure to shower or bathe immediately after a workout or game, or dirt and debris can become clogged in your pores.
Keep something like MyChelle’s Clear Skin Clarifying Pads in your gym bag to use post-workout. Powerful plant extracts support skin’s health and minimize bacteria on the skin. Willow bark dissolves excess oil, clearing dead cells and impactions in pores while Totarolâ„¢ and neem leaf deeply purify.
To keep your sin in tip-top shape, consider incorporating vitamin A, also known as retinol, into your routine. Retinol is one of the most effective, clinically-proven, anti-aging ingredients. MyChelle’s Vitamin A Plus Serum is loaded with skin-refining vitamin A and nourishing antioxidants to improve the texture and smoothness of rough, dull and congested skin. Retinol and naturally-derived Vit-A-Likeâ„¢ work together to resurface skin, clearing pore blockage and minimizing the appearance of lines. Argan oil, naturally high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, works to balance sebum production.
Sensitivities
Your feet are pounding the pavement and the blood is rushing to your face. Your sweat glands are opening and sweat is running down your face. There are many things that happen to the body during exercise. After a good cardio session you are dripping in sweat and flushed with rosy pink cheeks and a good overall red appearance. This is normal; but for some athletes the redness doesn’t go away. Post-workout the skin can feel tight, dry and irritated.
Help your skin recover by applying a healing, reparative mask weekly. The MyChelle Pure Harmony Mask will luxuriously soften, soothe and maintain hydrating moisture. Skin-protecting and antioxidant-rich prickly pear cactus combines with soothing blue agave to ease discomfort and signs of redness, while deeply hydrating and preventing moisture loss. Protection is further enhanced with smithsonite and malachite stone extracts to shield against environmental stress and pollution. Your skin will feel fantastic after just one use.
Keep your skin looking healthy and feeling great by booking an appointment at your local spa for a facial. A skin specialist can help provide you with a deep exfoliation, hydrating facial that brings your skin into a healthy state. Exfoliate twice or three times per week and add a hydrating mask into your regimen to keep your skin balanced and nourished. Consider using mostly products targeted for sensitive skin, as these products are formulated to be non-drying, gentle and hydrating””a great option for athletes combating tough conditions!