Treating Sports Related Face Acne

For any athlete, there is a strong possibility that acne will develop on the face as a result of athletic activity. For athletes who rely on protective equipment such as helmets, as part a daily workout, practice or competitive routine, there’s an even greater chance that sports related face acne will surface at some point.

The cause of this acne isn’t mysterious, nor is it only the result of wearing a helmet, sweat band, hat or head gear of any sort. It’s also not simply the byproduct of sweating heavily. All acne is formed in the same manner. A better understanding of this will equate to a more efficient and effective solution when treating the problem.

How Face Acne Develops

As mentioned, all acne develops in the same manner. Ultimately it is caused by the combination of three things: dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, excess sebum from the sebaceous gland and bacteria that is found on the surface of the skin. This bacteria, known as P. Acne bacteria, is what creates the real problem associated with acne; the inflamed sores most frequently referred to as a zit or pimple. Frequently, acne of this nature is referred to as a whitehead. However, blackheads develop in the same manner, and can also be problematic on the face. Contrary to popular belief, blackheads are not a problem caused by poor hygiene.

Why Sports Irritate Face Acne

Face acne becomes more of a problem in athletes due to variables such as sweat and the use of equipment such as helmets or face guards. These variables cause the sweat and sebaceous glands to kick into overdrive, as they lend to chafing and additional shedding of skin cells. When equipment isn’t properly maintained through regular cleaning, it can create additional problems by collecting sweat and bacteria.

One of the biggest mistakes that athletes make is waiting to shower, and cleanse the skin of the face until hours after a workout or competition. By changing some simple habits and adopting a daily skin care regimen, athletically related face acne can be easily treated and prevented.

Treating Face Acne for Athletes

A good acne treatment begins with consistency. Athletes can easily understand that a quality performance is based on repetition in practice. To manage acne, it is necessary to implement a daily skin care regimen that consists of cleansing and treating the skin with active ingredients that address the three causes of acne: dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum.

A quality acne wash possessing a mild exfoliant, as well as a powerful ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide, can do wonders for the overall facial complexion. Benzoyl peroxide serves to cleanse the skin of excess sebum, while also providing an oxidized environment in which acne bacteria cannot survive.

After cleansing the skin, the use of a toner will help to protect the follicles by constricting the pores. This will help to limit access from the surface of the skin to the follicles, where acne problems truly begin.

Completing a daily skin care regimen with the use of a quality acne cream possessing moisturizers will aid in treating acne, preventing new acne from forming and offering moisture to the skin that can be stripped due to potent, acne fighting ingredients.

Performing this regimen immediately following a workout or competition is the best way to see quick, positive results.