Bodybuilders work at hard at refining and strengthening their muscles and we all love to flaunt them whenever we can. Showing off our shapely and muscular bodies is one of the great advantages of having it in the first place. But, what do we do if blemishes and acne start showing up everywhere, too? We first try to control it via pimple patch, or even medication as well.
Many avid bodybuilders face this challenge, so do not worry. You are not alone in this. We have worked hard at trying to understand why it happens and everything that you can do about it. We understand that having acne can be uncomfortable, often painful, and might affect your confidence. Here is the complete guide to having an acne-free skin that you can be proud of.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
Let’s first understand what causes a bodybuilder’s skin to develop acne before diving into treatment and prevention plans. At its very core, acne is caused by high levels of sebum production under your skin. Sebum is an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands which when gets blocked under the skin, develops bacteria and becomes infected resulting in what you might call zits, pimples or acne. There are many reasons why your body may over-produce sebum and not all of these reasons are connected to bodybuilding.
You might be prone to acne because you have inherited the condition. That is right. Genetics plays a vital role in determining the number of our physical characteristics – the quality of our skin is one of them. If either one or both of your parents had acne, there is a good chance that you will have them, too. Such genes may make your skin sensitive to androgen hormones which are directly related to acne problems.
Smoking should be avoided anyhow, but people who smoke excessively also develop skin problems. First, as a bodybuilder, you need to know that it lowers your stamina. In addition to that, it may worsen the acne on your skin.
Your diet has a direct correlation with your skin problems. Foods high in sugar, oils, soy, and dairy have been reported to cause acne. While at it, you should also avoid processed and junk food items. Consult a nutrition expert to get a meal plan designed for you. Lack of routine and mental stress badly affects our immune system which can lead to acne. A solid sleep cycle, stress management, and other creative ways to destress will improve your skin and overall health.
Weight lifting and heavy exercises can cause spurts of testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and growth hormones – all of which are linked to acne. Proper dietary supplements and food intake control measures will help you keep skin problems away.
TREATMENT
There are various treatment plans you should consider to alleviate your acne problems and improve your skin’s health conditions. Choose the right treatment plan based on the severity and type of acne you have.
- Dermatologist
Nothing beats an expert’s consultation when seeking treatment for any kind of ailment. Dermatologists are trained professionals in treating skin diseases. They can conduct a thorough examination, make a diagnosis, and suggest the perfect treatment plan for you. If you have mild acne, then you can probably do away with precautionary measures, but it is always best to get a doctor’s opinion.
- Patching
One of the best ways to prevent acne from getting worse is to apply a pimple patch on them. Pimple patches are the perfect way to remedy new spots before aggravation. They include hyaluronic acid as a moisturizing agent, OG-76 to improve the pimple’s appearance, salicylic acid as an exfoliant, niacinamide to reduce redness, and sodium hydroxide to balance pH levels.
- Home Remedies
Home remedies are a great way to treat acne. They are a low-cost way to transform your skin and reduce the acne on your skin. Our personal favorite is a mixture of garlic, honey, aloe vera, strawberries, and a touch of jojoba oil. Make a paste out of these ingredients and put it on the affected area once a day to see the change in no time.
- Gentle Cleansing
While you need to keep the skin clean to prevent any exacerbation due to bacteria build-up, you should avoid rough exfoliation and excessive washing. Use a gentle skin cleanser that includes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in small, diluted amounts to clean your skin.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics help fight off the nasty germs and bacteria that cause the build-up of acne. Consult your dermatologist to get the prescribed antibiotics best suitable for your skin.
- Retinoid Medication
A healthy dosage of vitamin A boosts the immune system and helps cell growth. Retinoid medications rich in vitamin A prevent swelling and inflammation caused by acne.
PREVENTION
Treatment is necessary when you have acne, but there are ways that you can actually have the problem in the first place. How to prevent acne?. There are several preventive measures that you can easily take to make sure your skin remains acne-free. As they say, prevention is the best cure.
- Sweating
While sweating is generally frowned upon, it is actually healthy for your skin. Heavy workout leads to good amount of sweat that helps flush out the acne-causing toxins and opens up your pores. However, it also means that you must drink plenty of water to remain hydrated at all times.
- Picking and Popping
One thing that we have noticed is that people pick on zits and pimples as soon as they appear. It may feel good when you are doing it, but they can cause permanent scarring and worsen the condition. Avoid scratching and popping acne and if you cannot control yourself, then wear a simple patch to stop you.
- Controlled Washing
People often end up washing their skin to reduce acne. Wash it only twice a day, as excessive washing can dry up the skin and impede the healing process.
- Sunning
Obtaining a healthy dose of vitamin D is another great way of having healthy skin. You do not want to stay out in the sun too much, though. Some early morning sun with a brisk walk can give you a free healthy amount of vitamin D and work up the sweat, too.
- Change of Clothes
Regularly change your clothes before and after bouts of physical activity. Clothes can get contaminated with bacteria and old sweat containing the flushed out toxins from your skin.
CONCLUSION
It is important for you to feel good in your skin. Avoid steroids and harmful supplements at all costs. Don’t use the tanning bed for darker skin if you are prone to getting acne. Keep a healthy diet and follow the routine we just discussed to have healthy-looking, acne-free skin. These remedies and treatments will not work their magic in a single day, but we know for sure that you will be out there flaunting your glowing skin and amazing body if you work hard at it.
