If you are a teen who is entirely involved in activities such as playing sports, running, or simply sweat a lot, then you might be concerned with constant acne or skin breakouts because after activity, your face likely have sweat, oil, dust, pollution and other environmental irritants which can totally contribute to clogged pores and skin breakouts.
On top of that, sports equipment like helmets, protective gears and tight clothing makes breakouts even more frustrating. But, this does not mean you need to stop playing sports for a clear skin.
A simple yet effective skin care routine is sufficient to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. A face wash is one of the important steps that sets the foundation of a good skin care regimen. But choosing the right one out of various over-the-counter products can be overwhelming.
Therefore, in this blog we will talk about why athletes get more acne, things to look for in a cleanser, some dermat recommended cleansers and when to consult a professional which will help you to pick the right cleanser for your skin that ensures proper cleansing without worsening the breakouts.
Why Do Athletes Get More Breakouts?
Teenage skin naturally produces excess oil due to hormonal imbalance around this age. Moreover, playing a physical sport can totally increase sweat production due to which sweat and excess oil remains on the skin, while the sports gears or equipment can also totally create friction or heat.
As per organizations like American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), workouts can totally lead to acne or skin breakouts because excess oil can trap the materials which leads to clogged pores and sweat and heat gives the suitable environment for bacteria to grow.
But this does not mean that you should stop playing sports. Instead, your focus should be on a simple skin routine before and after your workout. Moreover, studies have shown that sports gear such as helmet straps, tight clothing and protective gears can actually cause a type of breakout called acne mechanica which forms due to sweat, friction and heat which irritates the skin.
What to Look For in a Teen Face Wash?
The best cleanser is not necessarily the one that is the strongest. In fact, cleansers with harsh ingredients and aggressive scrubbing can irritate the skin and even lead to micro tears and potentially worsen the skin breakouts.
That’s why you should look for a cleanser that contains:
- Gentle cleansing ingredients
- Oil free and non-comedogenic
- Suitable for oily or acne prone skin
- Easy to use after sports
- Free from artificial perfumes and preservatives
Teens who are dealing with acne can look for ingredients such as salicylic acid which can be useful as many clinical studies proved that it dissolves the excess oil and clears the clogged pores by removing the trapped materials. Skin experts also recommend a topical salicylic acid solution as an acne treatment option.
Benzoyl peroxide is a more powerful ingredient than others which totally contains antibacterial properties which in fact is useful for reducing inflammatory acne such as red, pus-filled pimples and pustules. But, teens who are new to benzoyl peroxide should totally avoid using benzoyl peroxide daily as it may leave the skin feeling dry or irritated.
When Should You Wash the Face?
Timing of washing the face also matters to get the maximum benefits and avoid further skin breakouts.
- Face wash in the morning is important to remove the dust and prepares your face for further skin care steps.
- Before Workout: Gently wash your face with normal water and apply sunscreen of spf 30 or higher, if the sport is being played outdoors.
- After Workout: Washing your face after playing sports is important as it helps in removing the buildup of sweat, dust, oil and other impurities from the skin and prevents acne or skin breakouts.
However, you should totally avoid washing your face repeatedly as it can strip off the skin’s natural oil which leaves the skin feeling tight and dry.
Some Dermat Recommended Cleansers For Teens
These are some effective and safe cleansers which are trusted by skin experts and are worth giving a try, if you find difficulty in picking the cleanser.
| Product Name | Key Ingredient | Key Highlight | Best Suited For |
| Alite Anti-Acne Charcoal Face Wash | Encapsulated Charcoal Ceramides | Pulls out sweat, heavy dirt, and pollution | Teens facing intense outdoor sweat |
| Episoft Oc Cleansing Gel | Zinc PCA, Niacinamide, Allantoin | Reduces angry, red acne inflammation | Inflamed acne and sensitive prone skin |
| Cipla Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash | 2% Salicylic Acid, Glycerin | Dissolves sweat induced sebum blockages | Active acne, blackheads |
| Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant | Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate | Regulates sebum to avoid future clogging | Daily post-workout use |
| Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin | Cleanses sweat without stripping natural moisture. | Irritated skin barrier, dry patches |
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
Acne or breakouts during the teenage years are fully normal; especially if they are regularly indulged in sports or physical activity but following a right skin care helps in keeping the skin healthy and glowing while also preventing skin breakouts.
But if you notice persistent severe, painful acne that leaves acne scars or dark spots on the skin then over the counter options are not enough. That’s why you should consult with a dermatologist which will find the underlying cause and provide you skin products specific to your skin concern.
The Bottom Line
Teens who are totally involved in physical activity such as sports, hitting gym workouts or regularly participating in physical activity are more prone to get clogged pores and acne breakouts. This is the result of sweat and oil remaining on the skin which blocks the pores and causes skin breakouts.
That’s why using a good cleanser is very important which gently removes the buildup of oil, sweat and other impurities from the pores without making the skin dry.
For that reason, having knowledge about key things to look for in a cleanser, knowing about some expert recommended cleansers and how often you should wash your face will help you to pick the best face wash which ensures best results and avoids skin concerns.
