Whether it’s strength training, cardio or a power yoga class, working out feels great and is one of the best things you can do for your body and confidence. Do you know what’s not so great? Clogged pores, blemishes, blackheads and “bacne”. It’s no secret that there is a correlation between workouts and breakouts, but the good news is, with a few simple pre and post-workout habits you can get rid of all the skin trouble that comes with daily exercise.

Work out with little to no makeup on – Lip balm is okay but working out with a full face of makeup is simply asking for blackheads, zits, and irritated skin. Makeup and sweat are notorious enemies and wearing makeup blocks the skin pores and glands. This prevents your skin from breathing and causes congested pores and breakouts. Go to the gym bare-faced and you’ll notice an incredible reduction in breakouts.

Use sunscreen – If you’re going for a run, swim or any outdoor activity, it is important to use sunscreen liberally all over your face and any exposed skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays will cause early aging, sun spots, damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. Even if you think it’s gloomy outside or you’re running in the early hours, it’s always a good idea to use sunscreen for outdoor sweat sessions.

Get out of your sweaty clothes – Compression tops, sports bras, leggings and any moisture-wicking clothing you wear at the gym are designed to allow you movement and help you perform a more effective workout. But when you are done working out, they transform into wet, clingy bacteria and microbe magnets that you need to get out of immediately. Changing and showering right after a workout is the best way to prevent breakouts on the back and chest. If you’re prone to fungal overgrowths, use an antifungal soap and antibacterial cleanser like benzoyl peroxide.

Invest in a facial brush – Cleansing your face properly right after a workout clears away debris and sweat. A quick rinse off in the gym shower won’t cut it. Use a gentle cleanser and a cleaning tool or brush. Facial brushes slough off dead skin, dirt, oil, and sweat more effectively than your hands can. Most on the market come with different intensities and settings so you can figure out which setting works best for your skin type. A facial brush will give you a deep-clean that is also gentle and won’t irritate your skin. Some even come with a massage setting so your face feels as recharged like the rest of your body does.

Use an acne treatment post-workout – If you already have acne and sweating makes it worse, use an acne-targeted treatment right after working out. Ingredients in acne wipes or creams contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide, all of which will soothe inflamed skin and prevent further congestion. An acne wipe is also a quick-fix way of removing sweat, surface dirt and oil from your neck, chest, upper arms and back in case you can’t shower right away..