Acne
21 June 2025
If you exercise- whether for recreation or for competitions like Hyrox (and good luck to everyone taking part in Hyrox Singapore this week!)- your skin also experiences physical and environmental stresses. As you power through your sprints, sleds and weights, your skin is also exposed to sweat, friction, heat, and even gym bacteria, which can result in skin injuries.
If you work out, you must know these common skin conditions associated with HYROX and intense exercise, plus how to treat and prevent them so that your skin will not interfere with your performance!
Calluses are thickened, hardened areas of skin commonly found on the palms and feet. Repeated friction or pressure causes calluses to form to protect the skin. In athletes, they’re common from barbell work, kettlebells, sled pulls, and rowing; and can occur in runners too. Calluses are usually painless. However, calluses can crack, causing pain or become infected.
Treating calluses
• Gentle exfoliation: After soaking, use a pumice stone or a file to gently reduce the thickness of the callus. Exfoliating acids like AHA and BHA can also soften the calluses. Please read A Complete Guide to Acids in Skincare & Chemical Exfoliation to learn more about exfoliating safely.
• Use moisturisers containing urea (10–20%) and and salicylic acid to soften the callus to reduce cracking.
Preventing calluses
• Reduce friction on your hand with gloves or grips, especially those with padding
• Correct form: Correct your form. Incorrect grip techniques increase uneven pressure and worsen callus
• Well fitting footwear to allow pressure distribution; and double layer socks can help.
Chafing is caused by skin irritation due to friction against clothing, equipment and the skin itself. Chafing is often worsened by moisture and sweat. Intertrigo is a more severe form of chafing where the region is infected by bacteria or yeast. Chafing typically occurs in the inner thighs, underarms, or under breasts.
Treating chafing and intertrigo
• Zinc oxide cream or barrier creams to reduce skin irritation
• For infections, antifungal or antibiotics are required
• Steroids may be required for severe infections
Preventing chafing and intertrigo
• Choose clothing with quick dry, moisture wicking fabrics
• Avoid tight fitting clothes which exacerbate friction and sweat build up.
Acne can occur on the face and body; due to a combination of sweat, oil and bacteria exacerbating congestion and inflammation. Friction and pressure from clothing, sports equipment also causes eruption of microcomedones aka acne mechanica.
Treating face and body acne
• Exfoliation to reduce congestion- consider exfoliating acids. More about exfoliation in A Complete Guide to Acids in Skincare & Chemical Exfoliation and Review of Face Exfoliating Acids in Skincare
• Use retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to reduce the acne. More about treating acne in 5 Skincare Ingredients for Acne & Acne Prone Skin and The Beginner’s Guide to Starting Retinoids
• Recalcitrant or more severe acne will require medications and in-clinic treatments like chemical peels, lasers and LED light.
Related blogposts:
The Complete Guide to Back Acne & Treatments
The Truth About Chemical Peels
Preventing face and body acne
• Shower as soon as possible after workouts to reduce buildup of sweat and dirt
• Change out of sweaty clothing
• Choose moisture wicking fabrics that pull moisture away from skin; and avoid tight fitting clothing which worsen pressure on acne
• Clean your equipment and gear
Skin infections by fungi, which thrives in moist and humid conditions like Singapore. Common examples of fungal infections include Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis), Jock Itch (tinea cruris), and Ringworm (tinea corporis). They cause itchy, red, scaly rashes, often with a distinct border.
Treating fungal infections
• Anti-fungal creams and/or oral medications are required
Preventing fungal infections
• Wear clean, breathable clothing including socks
• Don’t go barefoot. Wear slippers in public showers and locker rooms.
Swollen, red and pus filled hair follicles are caused by inflammation or infection of the hair follicles by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Folliculitis is most common in areas subject to friction, heat, and sweat—such as the thighs, buttocks, neck, or underarms. Friction and excessive sweating from tight clothing and prolonged exposure to moisture (e.g. sitting in sweaty clothes) can trigger folliculitis.
Treating folliculitis
• Apply warm compresses to soothe and promote drainage
• Topical and oral antibiotics may be required
Preventing folliculitis
• Shower immediately after workouts
• Wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking athletic wear to reduce friction and trap less sweat
• Avoid shaving directly over irritated or previously affected areas
Prolonged sun exposure can cause a range of acute and chronic skin changes, including sun burns, photoageing (dark spots, dry skin, broken blood vessels and wrinkles), and increased risk of skin cancer, especially on high-exposure areas. Learn about the different signs of ageing and how to treat them in Are You a Sagger, Sinker or Wrinkler?
Treating sundamage
• Cold compression, hydration and steroid creams for acute sunburns
• Topical retinoids to improve skin texture and fine wrinkles. Learn about retinoids in The Beginner’s Guide to Starting Retinoids
• Deeper wrinkles may require botulinum toxin injections. More about wrinkle treatments in Preventative BTX and Baby Botulinum toxin
• Skin resurfacing lasers and collagen remodelling treatments to the skin to correct skin texture
• Regular examinations for skin cancer
Prevention of sun damage
• Application of broad spectrum, SPF 50+, water resistant sunscreen. Sharing my sunscreen recommendations in Sunscreen Reviews 2024 and 2021
• Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours
• Protective clothing and hats; consider fabrics with additional UV protection- learn about UPF fabrics in Sun Protective (UPF) Clothing Explained
Exercise can sometimes worsen skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. The combination of sweater, friction, chafing and rise in body temperature can trigger inflammation, congestion and increase blood flow to the skin.
Treating acne, eczema and rosacea has been covered in these guides
• Eczema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Explained
• Rosacea: Symptoms, Triggers, Skincare and Treatments
• Acne: Types, Causes, Treatments and Tips for Prevention
Prevention of acne, eczema and rosacea flares
• Cleanse skin before and after works outs
• Exercise in cooler environments
• Reduce body temperature for rosacea (e.g cold compresses, cool drinks)
• Wear breathable clothing
Hope you found these tips useful! In summary, remember to hydrate, use your sunscreen, and shower as soon as you can after your exercise. If your symptoms persist or if you’re unsure whether a condition is infectious please consult a doctor early to allow your skin to heal well. Enjoy your work outs!
