Why Is My Skin So Red & Flushed After Working Out? Derms Explain

Workouts can do wonders for the skin. The sweat can clear pores ("Sweat is the best cleanser," board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, M.D., once quipped to us). Moving your body can improve circulation, thereby delivering more nutrients to the skin cells. And being in touch with your body can improve your mental well-being, which in turn can do wonders for skin health.

All around great, no? Unfortunately, there are some common skin complaints post-workout. Occasionally, individuals will complain of increased acne (which is actually the result of not washing your face, gear, or clothing correctly). Or if the increased workouts result in significant weight loss it may cause slight skin sagging. And for some: flushing. 

Sure, flushing post-workout may be an annoying side effect of a hard-core workout for some, but the reason behind it is pretty cool. Allow board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., to explain. 

"When you exercise, your body temperature increases. One of the homeostasis mechanisms used by the body when body temperature increases to maintain a healthy body temperature is to carry more blood to the surface of the skin so that heat loss from the skin increases," she says. “This entails peripheral vasodilation—or widening of the small blood vessels found in the skin so that more blood is carried through them. This can cause a red, flushed face, particularly noticeable in fairer skin types." 

In short: no, and you really don't want to. "There's no 'cure' for this because it's a normal body mechanism," says King. Remember, circulation to the skin boasts a major net gain—so even if the redness isn't ideal in the short term, in the long term you'll be happy.