Help! Started working out...now I'm breaking out!

[Anonymous]

I recently have gotten back into running and am also doing the shred. It's doing wonders for my derriere and my legs ...but my skin needs major help!!

Even though I get to the shower right after my workout, I've been breaking out in pimples on my back and chest. It's awful!
I don't glow, I REALLY sweat. And, like Costanza, my shower doesn't take. About 5 minutes after my post-run shower, my back, chest, and face are glistening with sweat again (thankfully, my face has been spared any breakouts).

To those of you who work up a good sweat and have beautiful skin, please share your tips!

What's your post-workout routine?
What products have worked?

TIA for your help.

[Anonymous]

Use Cetaphil face lotion all over.

[Anonymous]

I use a low strength benzoyl peroxide wash (4%). My dermatologist recommended it. I had beautiful skin everywhere my entire life until after kids and the big 40. Now with the crazy hormones killing my skin, I feel like I have teenager acne angst.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you for these suggestions. Is the benzoyl peroxide wash something I can get over the counter or is it a prescription?

[Anonymous]

Mine is prescription, but I bet if you go to a good independent pharmacy (like Foer's), they can recommend one over the counter.

[Anonymous]

Oops, prior poster; I hit submit too soon. I forgot to say if you find it too drying you can always use it every other day. In the winter I sometimes do that when my skin is already dry.

[Anonymous]

My husband uses this during lacrosse season when he breaks out, it works well and clears him right up.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P47517

[Anonymous]

I sweat a LOT. And work out 6 days a week. Try CVS body wash for acne prone skin. Also, I highly recommend using a loofah or other exfoliating device when you shower. Finally, take 10 minutes to stretch gently and cool down after your workout, so you're not sweating after your shower.

[Anonymous]

OP again. Thanks for all the great ideas. I'm stopping at the drugstore on my way to the gym this afternoon!

You know, I think this suggestion from a pp addresses a huge part of my problem:

Anonymous wrote:Finally, take 10 minutes to stretch gently and cool down after your workout, so you're not sweating after your shower.

I am definitely not including enough cool down time at the end of my workout (not even 3 minutes, probably), then straight to the shower. I bet if I build this cool down time into my routine it will make a huge difference! Thanks!