If you’re like me, you love working out and you’re always looking for new ways to improve your workout routine. That’s why I was surprised when I read this study that claimed you can actually break out after using a pre-workout supplement!
Does that mean there’s no point in using a pre-workout supplement? Not necessarily. But it certainly makes it worth considering whether or not pre-workouts are right for you.
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Does pre-workout make you breakout?
There are many reasons why a person may suffer from acne. These include hormones, the environment, genetics, and diet. People always think anything related to fitness has to be good for the skin too. But in reality, this is not the case.
Pre-workouts are not good for acne-prone skin and it only adds more breakout on your skin. The workout itself is a big reason for a breakout to come up on your skin, but when you supplement yourself with pre-workout it even got worse. Certain ingredients in pre-workouts are not very good for skin and could end up giving you scary breakouts everywhere on your body.
The two main reasons for pre-workout to give your acne are caffeine and artificial sweeteners used.
Caffeine
The caffeine content in pre-workouts isn’t just in the caffeine itself, but also in the other ingredients like taurine, guarana, and BCAAs. These ingredients are often used as energy boosters and can have a huge effect on your body’s metabolism and caffeine levels. In some cases, these ingredients can have a synergistic effect and can increase caffeine’s absorption rate by up to 500%. The increased caffeine content in the body is directly related to acne inflammation. Caffeine also is responsible for anxiety and stress, which in fact is bad for the skin.
A high intake of caffeine causes your skin to dehydrate and makes it dry. This further activates the sebaceous gland to produce more oil to compensate for dry skin. The whole process will eventually leave you with more bacteria-prone oily skin and even clogged pores, thus more acne or breakouts.
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Artificial sweeteners
Most pre-workouts available on market are filled with artificial sweeteners. These sweetening agents are not good for your skin as they increase insulin levels in your body.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It is made up of two polypeptide chains called A and B. Insulin has a very narrow range of effectiveness and can only act on cells with a specific receptor. Insulin can cause fat storage in the body and has been linked to acne and oily skin. It is important to understand that insulin is not the sole cause of oily skin, but it can make it worse.
Natural alternatives of pre-workout for acne-free skin
Fruit
You can snack on fresh fruit as a healthy and delicious alternative to pre-workouts. If you want to get even more benefits from your fruit snacks, make sure you eat them while they are still fresh. Snacking on fruit that has been sitting around for too long is not as beneficial as fresh fruit. Fruits are very high in natural sugars and carbohydrates. This is a healthy source of energy for your workout session giving you energy for a great workout.
Green tea instead of coffee
Green tea is a naturally caffeine-free alternative to coffee. It has many health benefits and is great for your skin. It is also great for your metabolism and gives you energy for a longer time. It is also great for your digestion and helps you get rid of acne or breakout.
Green tea is full of antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, vitamin A and B1. It also helps in weight loss and detoxification and provides glowing acne-free skin.
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Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin c, which helps boost collagen production, making them perfect for a pre-workout snack. Collagen is known for giving your skin elasticity and reducing skin inflammation which is one of the primary causes of acne. Sweet potatoes are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from UV rays and keep your skin pores clear.
How to avoid acne when exercising?
It is important to note that while certain foods can trigger an acne breakout, most cases are caused because of not taking precautions. That’s why it is important to take care of your body before and after a workout. This includes eating healthy and drinking enough water. If you’re dehydrated, you may also want to consider consuming protein shakes or a sports drink to replenish your electrolytes.
We all want a nice, smooth complexion, but if you want to avoid acne breakouts, you’ll need to pay attention to your diet and exercise routine. The most important thing is to make sure you’re eating the right foods and exercising properly. Below are some simple tips that can help you keep acne away without compromising your pre-workout.
Cold Showers
A lot of people think that showers aren’t necessary after a workout, but this is not true. Sweat, bacteria, and sebum (oil) stick on your skin and if you don’t wash it off within an hour or two, it will lead to clogged pores and breakouts eventually. Always shower after finishing your workout. If showering isn’t possible, at least use cold water to clean your face. This helps keep pores clean and prevents oil and dirt build-up.
Related Article: Does Cold Showers Help Acne?
Hygiene
Changing your workout gear regularly will help keep bacteria away. When you wash your workout clothes, hang them to dry in the sun or in a well-ventilated area. Don’t let them sit in a damp, moist environment as these bacteria grow in such an environment.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are a great way to help you with your acne. It is excellent in reducing skin inflammation which is one of the main reasons for acne and breakout.
Conclusion
Pre-workout is an energy supplement that is taken before working out. There is some controversy about whether or not it causes acne. Based on several facts, it is pretty evident that pre-workout may cause acne and breakout. Caffeine and artificial sweetener used in pre-workouts are the biggest culprits for acne. While avoiding pre-workout might not be the most sensible decision, you can incorporate the tips discussed in this article to keep your skin acne-free.