How Sweat, Exercise, and Pillowcases Impact Your Skin

Being active is good for your body - and your skin.
Exercise helps reduce stress, improve circulation, and support healthy hormone balance. But sweat, friction, and dirty surfaces can also lead to clogged pores and breakouts if you're not careful. How you take care of your skin before, during, and after working out matters more than most people realize.

Let’s talk sweat
Sweating helps regulate your temperature and flush out toxins, but it can also trap bacteria, dead skin, and oil on the surface of your skin. If that sweat dries on your skin or mixes with makeup or sunscreen, it can block pores and lead to breakouts - especially on the forehead, back, chest, or around the jawline.

How to sweat smart

• Avoid working out with makeup on if possible.
• Use a gentle cleanser before and after workouts, especially if you’re acne-prone.
• Pat, don’t rub, your skin with a clean towel.
• Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to reduce sweat and friction on the body.
• Shower as soon as you can after sweating heavily.

The role of friction and pressure
Friction from helmets, tight headbands, or clothing can irritate your skin and lead to acne mechanica: breakouts caused by heat, pressure, and rubbing. This is common among athletes, gym-goers, and anyone who wears tight gear regularly.

If you're noticing breakouts under a sports bra, backpack straps, or around your hairline, friction could be the cause.

Pillowcases and sweat at night
Your pillowcase collects oil, bacteria, and sweat while you sleep. If you’re not washing it regularly, all of that buildup can transfer back onto your skin night after night. If you sweat in your sleep or have oily skin, this becomes even more important.

How to protect your skin while staying active

• Wash your face before and after exercise, especially if you're wearing products or sweating heavily.
• Use clean towels, hats, or bands, and avoid touching your face mid-workout.
• Wash pillowcases 1–2 times per week with fragrance-free detergent.
• Change out of sweaty clothes quickly to prevent body breakouts.
• Use a salicylic acid body wash or toner on breakout-prone areas like the back or chest.

Exercise is good for your skin as long as you follow up with care.
You don’t need to stop sweating or avoid movement. Just build habits that keep your skin clean, cool, and free of buildup after your workouts and overnight.

Sources to learn more:
Mayo Clinic | National Institute of Health | Johns Hopkins