Acne and Bodybuilding

If you have never suffered from acne before, you should not worry about bodybuilding ruining your complexion. However, if bad luck strikes you with some blemishes here and there, lifting weights might make matters worse for your skin. It is a pretty awful situation, as it leads you to believe that you have to make a choice. A choice between a good body or a good complexion. With a lot of discipline and reliable research, you might eventually work things out and refuse to compromise. 

So, here are the three main areas that you need to pay attention to in order to continue working on your fitness and, at the same time, keep you skin acne-free.

HORMONES

Testosterone is an acne stimulating hormone. Bodybuilding increases testosterone levels for about half an hour after you have finished your workout. This doesn't seem to pose too big of a problem, as testosterone levels quickly return to their default setting after exercising. Nonetheless, testosterone precursors, such as DHEA, are also elevated after lifting weights and it takes them several hours to get back to what they used to be. Acne patients have been found to have elevated levels of DHEA, which have been linked to an increased sebum production.  

What you can do: incorporate anti-androgens in your diet. Anti-androgens act as androgen-receptor blockers and have been used in the treatment of acne for a long time already. Think about oral contraceptives, spironolactone or cycproterone. Luckily, you can also find some plants that naturally contain anti-androgens and whose efficacy has been tested in several trials. The number one option is probably spearmint tea. Try drinking two cups a day and see if you can notice any change. Other anti-androgen plants include red reishi, licorice, Chinese peony, green tea, black cohosh, chaste tree and saw palmetto extract.

INFLAMMATION

According to Giugliano et al., a diet 'high in refined starches, sugar, and saturated and trans-fatty acids and poor in natural antioxidants and fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids may cause an activation of the innate immune system, most likely by an excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines associated with a reduced production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.' Now, a bodybuilder's diet is roughly a healthy diet, with an emphasis on lean protein, vegetables and complex carbs. Sugar and refined starches should not really be a problem for a serious weight lifter. It might be the case, nonetheless, that we are ignoring one not so obvious acne promoting food: dairy. Many bodybuilders use whey protein powders or casein products, which are both derived from milk. 

What you can do: give up dairy and mind the glycemic index and load of your meals. You can switch from whey protein powder to isolated whey or vegan protein powders.

SKIN CARE AND TOPICAL TREATMENT

Wash the face no more than twice daily, using a gentle synthetic skin cleanser with a neutral

pH (5.5-7).

Use morning and evening creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid or tea tree oil.

Keep your pillow cases clean by washing them once or twice a week.

Keep your phone clean by wiping it off with an antibacterial gel or tissue once a day.

Seeing a dermatologist is always a good idea, so please do that if  your acne is severe. Do not forget to tell your doctor that you lift weights, as this might give him/her a better outlook on your condition.