Digital creator and actor Kusha Kapila recently shared her personal experience with adult acne and how strength training has become an unexpected solution to managing her skin health. During a podcast with Mira Kapoor, Kapila revealed that regular workouts have significantly improved her acne. “Strength training helps with my acne. If I don’t work out for two weeks, I get a new pimple,” she said.
Kapila opened up about her struggle with acne, noting that at 29, she experienced severe breakouts, which she later realized were linked to hormonal changes and PCOS. “Adult acne is the worst,” she added. “When I was 29, I had acne that I had no idea where it was coming from until I discovered it was my hormones and PCOS.”
Despite facing persistent skin issues, Kapila highlighted the positive impact that exercise has on her skin. “My cult favourite is just working out… when nothing works, just that sweat glow is the best glow,” she said, referring to the renewed vitality her skin gains after a workout.
Exercise and Acne: A Scientific Perspective
Adult acne can result from a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, and lifestyle choices. While skincare treatments and medications are commonly used to tackle acne, experts suggest that exercise—particularly strength training—could provide additional benefits.
Dr. Swetha Sridhar, a consultant dermatologist and assistant professor at Lady Curzon and Bowring Hospital, explains that hormonal imbalance plays a major role in adult acne, and exercise can help regulate these hormones. “High cortisol levels from chronic stress can trigger increased sebum production, leading to acne. Strength training reduces cortisol levels, helping to stabilise sebum production,” Dr. Sridhar says.
Insulin resistance is another contributing factor to acne, as it can increase androgen activity, which stimulates oil glands. Strength training enhances insulin sensitivity, preventing androgen spikes and acne flare-ups. Additionally, exercise boosts endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which help reduce stress—a key contributor to skin issues.
For women, hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles often lead to breakouts, but regular exercise can help regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels, alleviating these effects. Dr. Sridhar adds that a study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that individuals who engaged in consistent exercise experienced better skin elasticity and fewer inflammatory markers, which are commonly associated with acne.
The Benefits of Sweating for Skin Health
Sweating during workouts has been touted as beneficial for the skin, but Dr. Sridhar warns that post-workout hygiene is crucial. “Sweating opens up pores and flushes out impurities like dead skin cells, dirt, and excess sebum that can clog pores and lead to breakouts,” she explains. Sweat also carries dermcidin, a natural antimicrobial peptide that helps fight acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.
However, Dr. Sridhar stresses that neglecting to cleanse the skin after a workout can worsen acne. “While sweating is beneficial, neglecting post-workout hygiene can worsen acne by trapping bacteria and oil on the skin,” she cautions.
Precautions for Acne-Prone Skin
For those with acne-prone skin, Dr. Sridhar recommends several precautions to maximise the benefits of exercise while minimizing the risk of breakouts:
Pre-Workout Preparation: Remove makeup or heavy skincare products before exercising to prevent pore blockages. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to prepare the skin.
Post-Workout Cleansing: Wash your face immediately after exercising to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria. A mild cleanser with salicylic acid is ideal for acne-prone skin.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Gym equipment can harbor bacteria, so avoid touching your face after using equipment to prevent introducing irritants to the skin.
Breathable Clothing: Wear moisture-wicking fabrics to reduce sweat buildup and prevent body acne.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to replenish fluids and maintain skin hydration.
By following these steps, individuals can enjoy the skin benefits of exercise without exacerbating acne.
Related topic:
What is the best treatment for acne scars and wrinkles?
Can microdermabrasion remove acne scars?
How Many Sessions of Microdermabrasion is Needed for Acne Scars?
