Because sweat is great for your body—just not so much for your pores.
You crushed that workout. The endorphins are flowing, your skin is glowing... until it’s not. Post-exercise breakouts, redness, and clogged pores are all too common when sweat, oil, and bacteria aren’t properly addressed. The good news? With the right post-workout skincare routine, you can prevent breakouts and keep your complexion clear, calm, and confident.
Here’s your ultimate guide to post-workout skincare—especially if you're acne-prone.
Why Post-Workout Skincare Matters
Sweating is your skin’s natural detox method, but if left sitting on your skin, that sweat can mix with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells—leading to breakouts, irritation, and inflammation. For acne-prone skin, skipping a post-sweat skincare routine is basically asking for a flare-up.
To protect your skin barrier (and your glow), it’s important to cleanse, soothe, and replenish right after you work out.
Step 1: Cleanse—ASAP
First things first: don’t wait to wash your face. The longer sweat sits on your skin, the greater the chance it can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Try this:
Use a gentle but effective cleanser like our Daily Essential Cleanser. It’s formulated to target acne-causing bacteria without stripping your skin. Plus, it leaves you feeling fresh, clean, and balanced.
If you’re on the go and can’t wash immediately, keep a toner in your gym bag until you can get to a sink. Our Hydrating Acne Toner is perfect for preventing breakouts and neutralizing the skin.
Step 2: Soothe Redness + Reduce Inflammation
Flushed skin after a tough workout is totally normal—but if you’re dealing with sensitivity or breakouts, it can lead to discomfort and even more inflammation.
After cleansing, apply a product that calms your skin and brings down the heat. Our Chlorophyll Correction Serum is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce redness and prep your skin for hydration. Our mini size is perfect solution for on-the-go.
Step 3: Treat Breakouts Before They Start
Preventative skincare is your best post-sweat defense. That means using ingredients that keep your pores clear and your skin balanced.
Add this to your routine:
Our Exfoliating Pads are an essential gym bag. These salicylic acid-powered pads help unclog pores, fight acne-causing bacteria, and keep your skin breakout-free—without over-drying. Bonus: they’re easy to use, even if you’re mid-errands or headed straight to brunch.
Step 4: Rehydrate + Protect
Your skin just worked hard (just like you), and now it needs a little hydration boost. Lock in moisture with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.
We love:
Our Daily Hydration Moisturizer—it’s designed to deeply hydrate while keeping acne-prone skin clear and balanced. And if you’re headed outdoors post-workout, don’t forget SPF!
Pro Tips for Clearer Post-Workout Skin
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Avoid touching your face while you work out. Gym equipment + sweat = breakout city.
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Clean your workout gear often, especially headbands, hats, and towels.
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Shower as soon as possible to prevent body acne, especially on your chest, back, and shoulders.
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Hydrate inside and out. Drink plenty of water and use hydrating skincare to support your skin barrier.
The Bottom Line
Your workouts are doing wonders for your mind and body—make sure your skin gets the same love. With a few smart steps (and a few AN Skin essentials), you can keep your complexion clear, calm, and glowing—no matter how hard you sweat.
Shop our post-workout acne essentials here.