Why is my sports bra causing acne breakouts and how to cure it?

This is a frequently asked question that can't be answered in 2 or 3 sentences.

Your sports bra is not the only blame of your acne.

It's actually a type of acne called Acne Mechanica. It's a a form of acne caused by aggravated heat from exercise by covered skin from a sports bra (less air circulation).

Constant repetitive "friction" and pressure causes Acne Mechanica. Tight clothing, such as sports bras that are made with synthetic fibers as opposed to breathable cotton, don't allow the skin to breathe, thus causing Acne Mechanica to form.


Fitness lovers wearing tight headbands, sports bras, bikers'shorts, helmets and backpacks are most likely to get Acne Mechanica.

The best way to avoid this acne is to get a better fitting sports bra. Your sports bra is not suppose to move or "bite into" the skin. You may need to switch from your current brand. A better fitting sports bra will stop the "friction" caused by constant movement of the bra thus causing this acne.


The most popular class of athletes who become victim to Acne Mechanica are runners, triathletes, sports players who wear shoulder pads and/or helmets, hats and (cyclists) have this acne on buttock area from the bike seat.

When you have Acne Mechanica, you should use a liquid cleanser that is not formulated for masses of people, but one that is formulated for a post workout and will return skin to it's proper PH after exercise. Use dermatologist recommended the Stellar Performance Post Workout Cleanser by Motion Medica. This cleanser has a complex formula to kill bacteria causing acne from sweat. Over time, if Acne Mechanica is left untreated it can cause permanent skin scars.

By Sandy Alcide. Sandy is a Biochemist and President of the American Athletic Skin Care Association. Athlete Skin Consultant Founder of Motion Medica skin care. Pioneer of fitness beauty products. Sandy is an esthetician specializing in skin disorders.Copyright 2010 All rights reserved. You may use this article for your blog, website or newsletter or portions of it but you must include this paragraph and a link to www.MotionMedica.com