FitSugar

You Asked: I Started Exercising, But Now I'm Breaking Out!

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,
I just got on an exercise kick and joined a gym. I've been doing 30 minutes of cardio three times a week and finishing with 30 minutes of strength training and stretching. I feel amazing and am starting to lose weight, but now I have a new problem - acne. And it's not just on my face. I have it on my neck and back too. How can I prevent this?
- Blemished Back

Acne and bacne can be unfortunate side effects of exercise, especially in hot weather. There are definitely ways to prevent breakouts caused by sweating.

Wash your face before working out to remove excess oil and makeup that can clog your pores. Then apply a facial moisturizer that's made for acne-prone skin such as Neutrogena's Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer.
Always wear clean workout clothes, and choose sports bras and tank tops with shoulder straps rather than racerback style. You want the skin on your back to breathe as much as possible, and if there's material covering it, heat, sweat, and bacteria get trapped, which can lead to bacne. Also, the more your skin is covered, the hotter you'll feel, and the more you'll sweat, which also leads to breakouts.
Wear clothes made of wicking material that pulls sweat off the skin.

To find out what else read more.

After cardio, wash your face before you strength train and stretch. Also dry the rest of your body off. You can even change into a dry bra and top if you're especially prone to bacne.
Shower immediately after you're done exercising. Not only does it rinse the sweat and pimple-causing bacteria off your skin, but the water also helps to cool your body temperature down so you don't continue sweating once you get out. Don't have time to shower? Definitely wash your face and put on clean, dry clothes.
Unclog pores and remove dead skins cells from your skin by exfoliating in the shower with loofah gloves. They're gentle enough to use everyday on your face and the rest of your body. Use the gloves with an antibacterial cleanser such as Cetaphil, or soaps that have acne medicine in them, such as salicylic acid.

Whatever you do, don't stop working out. If acne is still a problem after trying out these tips, see a dermatologist.

Source

Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: Sweating Makes Me Breakout

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Part of getting a good workout means that I sweat a lot. I don't necessarily need to be sopping wet like when I take a Bikram yoga class, but a little sweat makes me feel like I pushed myself.

The bad thing about sweating when you workout is that it can lead to breakouts, and not just on your face. Blemishes can appear on your back, neck and chest, but they don't have to.

Here are some tips on preventing exercise-related pimples:

Wash your face before working out to get all the oil and makeup off. Then apply a facial moisturizer that's made for acne-prone skin such as Neutrogena's Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer.
Always wear clean workout clothes. Choose a sports bra and tank top that has over-the-shoulder sleeves instead of a racerback or t-shirt that covers your back. Wear the least amount of clothes while still feeling comfortable, since the more your skin is covered, the hotter you'll feel and the more you'll sweat.
Wear clothes made of breathable fabric. Many sports bras and tops are made of wicking material that pulls sweat off the skin.

There are more tips. To see them read more

If you like to do weight training or stretching after your sweaty cardio routine, dry yourself off in between and then change into a dry bra and top.
Shower immediately after exercising to prevent body acne. Not only does it rinse the sweat and pimple-causing bacteria off your skin, but the water also helps to cool your body temperature down so you don't continue sweating once you get out. If you can't shower, definitely wash your face and peel off those sweaty clothes. Completely dry off and put on clean, dry clothes. Then hit the shower as soon as you can.
Exfoliate your skin. I like to use loofah gloves in the shower (My fave are from The Body Shop, $7). They're gentle enough to use everyday, on your face and the rest of your body. Use the gloves with an antibacterial cleanser such as Cetaphil, or soaps that have acne medicine in them, such as salicylic acid. Gently scrub your skin to unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells.

Fit's Tips: Whatever you do, don't stop working out. If acne is still a problem after trying out these tips, seeing a dermatologist is a great idea.

Blast Bacne Easily with ClindaReach

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I've been talking a lot about bacne and ways to prevent it so I was really interested when I heard of the latest medication to hit pharmacy shelves.

The biggest problem with getting zits on your back is that they are so hard to reach and treat without having the helping hand of someone else. ClindaReach, from DUSA Pharmaceuticals, is a new, easy to use treatment that packages a topical antibiotic with an ergonomically designed applicator for treating hard-to-reach acne. Now that I am thinking about it, I don't know why they didn't come up with this fab idea sooner. So, if you are taking all the precautions before and after working out (such as wearing wicking clothing and showering post workout) but still getting unsightly bumps on your back, you may want to ask your dermatologist about getting a prescription for ClindaReach.

Bacne: An Unpleasant Side Effect of Working Out

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Working out is sweaty business which is great for detoxing your body, but there can be some disconcerting side effects to all that sweating. Bacne - yep acne on your back. The most common piece of advice to avoid bacne is to take off those sweaty clothes as soon as you are done and once naked, shower immediately. Now if you are already doing this and still feel plagued by the acne here are a few new tricks to try.

Make sure your bra and your shirt are made of fabric that wicks the sweat away from your body. Cotton, in this instance, is not your friend.
If your routine includes cardio followed by strength training, change your shirt and bra in between. Wipe or rinse (much more complicated mid workout) your back before putting on your fresh clothes.
Shower post workout and use Cetaphil or some other antibacterial cleanser. Use a back scrubber so you can reach all parts of your back. Do not scrub aggressively as that will only irritate the area even more.
Try over the counter acne medication. The skin on your back is tougher than the skin on your face. After showering try glycolic or alpha hydroxy lotion of about 8 or 10 percent strength. Or try 10 percent benzoil peroxide. Remember, benzoil peroxide will bleach your clothes.
Stop carrying a heavy backpack, especially if you are trying the regimen above. Backpacks can irritate the skin on your back and promote sweating.
If you're really at a loss, make an appointment with a dermatologist and hopefully they will clear things up for you (literally and figuratively).

Brides and Bacne: What to Do

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:30:00 -0700

The long haul to getting ready for your wedding can be complicated (or swimsuit season, for that matter). You're working out to look hot for your big day, but all the sweat is making you break out all over your body. To make matters worse you have a backless wedding dress. Yikes!!! What are you going to do?

For starters do not stop working out. All that exercise is great for relieving stress. Make sure to wear a sports bra and top that are made of wicking fabric and to take a shower immediately after exercising.

When you shower, use use Cetaphil or some other antibacterial cleanser on your back. Sugar user karebear recommends Murad Clarifying Spray, and user suzanne likes Zaperella's Bionic Blast by Benefit. TeamSugar just told me about the Body Squad Treatment by Avon.

If your problem persists, visiting a dermatologist might prove helpful. Ask your doc about Clindareach, a topical antibiotic designed with a special applicator for those hard to reach spots. This product does require a prescription.

Another way to fight the good fight against bacne, is a back facial (should this be called a "bacial?"). Many spas now offer this treatment and you can often buy a package of treatments for a discounted rate. Sorry to say, I think more than one treatment might be in order to really get the acne under control.

Source

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Here's the skinny on weighted sneakers - Vitamin G
Is your drinking harming or helping your health? - Nutrition Data Blog
What to order and what to avoid at Chipotle - Daily Spark
According to trainer Tracy Anderson, Madonna is a gym nerd - Fit Celeb
Ways to get fab abs without crunches - Self
Breaking up with a scale ain't easy - Margarita Shapes Up
Don't sweat the bacne, here's a post-workout cleanser for blemishes - That's Fit
Dedicated running requires a gear makeover - Fit Bottomed Girls
One minute full body toning Pilates move - Shape

Gear Review: Champion Action Sports Bra

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0700

When Spring rolls around, I like to buy myself a new running outfit (complete with a sports bra), to get me excited about running outside. When I was shopping for my new bra, I had some criteria. I didn't want a racerback, since I'd be running outside and my back gets super sweaty (did someone say bacne?). I also wanted it to have a clasp closure in the back, since peeling a sweaty sports bra over my head after a workout is not the most pleasant thing. So I found what I was looking for in the Champion Action Comfort Sports Bra ($29.99).

Don't you love how it looks like a real bra? Don't be deceived though since this baby offers amazing support. It may not be the best bra if you have a DD bust and like to run, but it'll definitely keep your girls in place if you're jogging with an A or B cup size. If you've got a little bit more going on in the chest department, this is great to wear under a tank top that has a shelf bra attached. I liked that the straps were adjustable, although my favorite part about this bra is that it has two separate padded cups. That means it makes your boobs look more attractive instead of looking like one big smooshy mound. It also prevents the world from knowing that you're cold (if you know what I mean). If you're in the market for a new sports bra, I'd try this one out. It may be your new favorite.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Seamless Champion Sports Bra

FitSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Sports bras are a very personal thing. Aside from wanting our breasts to be supported, we all have different needs and preferences when it comes to choosing the perfect sports bra.

I've realized that most sports bras have racer backs, and sometimes, if they're not cut thin enough, they can rub against your inner shoulders blades. They also look kind of weird if you're wearing a tank top that has spaghetti straps. Plus all that material on your back gives you an awful tan-line if you exercise outside and doesn't let your back breathe (did someone say bacne?).

I've discovered the Champion Double Dry Seamless Full Support Underwire Sports Bra.

"Support" is this bra's middle name, and it comes in sizes all the way to 40DD, so you can ban the bounce. The fabric is soft, comfy, and flexible, with NO seams to irritate you. It's made of wicking material called Double-Dry, to get moisture off your skin so you stay drier during workouts and cool down faster afterwards.

All that and it has triple-cushioned under-wires to add gently contoured lift, and molded cups inside to support without flattening your boobs to your chest (nice!).

The straps are adjustable and the back has a hook closure just like a regular bra, so you can get as tight a fit as you want. It does all this for $40 and comes in Black, White, or Bayshore Blue. Who knew I could get so excited about a sports bra!

Wedding Planning Mania on FitSugar: Round Up

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

If you are planning your wedding, you are probably planning your wedding fitness routine too. So let's review a few exercises you can do to get your arms and abs ready for the big day:

Elbow plank and the side elbow plank
Side push-ups
Your basic push-up

working out is a great way to chill out

walk like Eva Longoria

helpful pod casts

time for yourself

For chilling out with your fiancé, you can try couples yoga. There is a lot of trust and strength involved in many of the poses, and please do them in a safe and soft environment.

If one of the things that is stressing you out is your skin, these tips and products on how to deal with bacne might relieve some of your stress.

What ever you do, do not forget to order your aromatherapy bubbles for your big day.

Oh and another thing, you are never fully dressed without your smile.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Moving Comfort Sports Bras

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I don't know if this has ever happened to you but the other day I made my way to the gym and was changing when I realized that I forgot my sports bra! [Argh!] I am lucky enough that I had a sample waiting in my desk at work for a test run, so I ran back to work, grabbed it and was back to the gym in no time.

Now, keep in mind that I love the sports bra I currently wear, so I was more than disappointed that I was without it. The sports bra I was about to try from Moving Comfort had a lot to prove.

Turns out, the Sera Bra ($29.50) was great! I was pleasantly surprised at how soft yet supportive it was. Being that it was a day where I was running on the treadmill and then doing some arms strength training, I really put it to the test. I was happy with how freely my arms were able to move without any discomfort whatsoever. What's more? The Sera Bra is seamless, which means no irritation or chafing. The DriLayer moisture-wicking fabric makes it a great bet for spring, especially for those of us more prone to bacne. Buy it from Two Roads Fitness.

If you need a more supportive bra for a large chest, then read more

For bigger breasted women, Moving Comfort has a great line of sports bras that can help meet your needs too! Check out the Maia Bra ($39.00), their most supportive bra yet. This breathable, wicking and extremely comfortable bra, delivers outstanding support for D/DD cup women by encapsulating the breasts in shaped cups with a fully-encased underwire. Buy it from Two Roads Fitness.

Not sure how to buy the right fitting sports bra? I've explained sports bra fitting in an earlier post.