The workout effect on acne

Does working out in a gym cause acne? I shower immediately after workouts, but the acne persists. 

A regular exercise regime can actually be beneficial in getting rid of acne. It increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the skin cells. When you sweat, your body expels toxins through the skin and clears the pores of excess sebum. So, exercising cannot cause acne. 

But heavy exercise, especially when you work out with weights, can make your body create an increase in androgens to repair your damaged muscles. This may react with your oil glands, causing increased oil production, which could lead to acne. 

Acne breakouts can also be a result of improper skin care. Exercising can leave your skin warm and sweaty, which is the perfect environment for acne to develop. Lycra or nylon track pants can trap heat and perspiration resulting in bacterial infection. Using unhygienic gym equipment could also increase the risk of picking up germs. People who consume protein supplements and special body-building foods are more prone to acne breakouts. You need to rule out the triggers and establish safeguards to benefit from your exercise regime. 

I have dry scaly patches on my elbows and knees. I use coconut oil to moisturize, but after a few hours, these areas become dry again. 

Your dry skin condition indicates psoriasis. This is caused by an inflammatory response in which the immune system accidentally targets the body’s own cells. This causes an increase in the production of skin cells and leads to the formation of thick scales on the surface. Take medical advice.

Acne Attack

STOP THAT ACNE ATTACK

Pimples have damaged my skin. I still get many pimples on my face. When I use pimple creams, my skin becomes dry and sensitive. Will derma abrasion help me? Natalie, 29 years. 
Choosing an acne treatment depends on the severity and type of acne. If you've had acne for a long time, there’s probably an underlying cause that may need investigation. Derma abrasion is a medical procedure by which the outer layer of the skin is removed by abrasion, like a carpenter using sandpaper to smoothen rough wooden surfaces. It is a moderately invasive treatment and is not advisable during an acute bout of acne when your skin is already inflamed as it may cause scarring of the skin. As your acne has been chronic, investigate thoroughly and rule out underlying factors. An all-round approach that treats acne internally and externally may be appropriate.
Acne has scarred my face. My face lacks glow, has brown spots and is dull. Please suggest a remedy. Vinita, 26 years. Your skin is prematurely aging, which is caused by free-radical activity. Free radicals are minute chemical particles released during normal chemical processes. When a pimple occurs, the skin generates hydrogen peroxide — a free radical that damages the skin — to kill bacteria. Repeated pimple bouts increase free-radical activity, accelerating premature aging of the skin. The more severe the acne, the greater the damage, which will lead to premature wrinkles.