Short, practical men’s skincare plan tailored for athletes — focused on sweat, sun, body acne, and quick post-workout recovery.

Quick routine (daily / training days)

• Pre-workout (face + body): Clean hands, apply lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen SPF ≥30 to any exposed skin 15–20 minutes before going outside. For heavy sweating or water sports use a “sport” / water‑resistant formula. (runnersworld.com)
• During workout: Use a sweat‑wicking headband/hat and breathable clothing. Blot (don’t rub) sweat with a clean towel; avoid letting salty sweat sit on the face/body. If you can’t shower immediately, use cleansing wipes to remove sweat and bacteria until you can. (menshealth.com)
• Post-workout (within ~30 minutes if possible): Shower. Use a gentle face cleanser and a body wash — for acne-prone skin choose products with salicylic acid (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide for the back/chest. Dry gently and apply a lightweight, oil‑free moisturizer to face if needed. (menshealth.com)

Why those steps matter (short)

• Sun protection: Athletes have high UV exposure — water/sweat‑resistant broad‑spectrum SPF prevents burns, skin cancer risk and premature aging. Choose a formula that won’t run into eyes. (SportStarsMag.com)
• Sweat + bacteria = breakouts and irritation: Prompt cleansing removes sweat, oil, and microbes that cause acne, folliculitis, and itch. Showering within ~30 minutes lowers those risks. (menshealth.com)

Product types & active ingredients to look for

• Sunscreen: broad‑spectrum SPF ≥30 (SPF 50 preferred for long outdoor sessions), water/sweat‑resistant “sport” formulas. Mineral (zinc oxide) or chemical filters — pick one that is non-comedogenic for the face. Examples often recommended: EltaMD UV Sport, Coppertone Sport, Neutrogena/Coola sport options. (SportStarsMag.com)
• Cleanser (face): gentle, fragrance‑free gel or foam cleanser. For acne‑prone: salicylic acid cleansers (0.5–2%) help unclog pores. Avoid harsh bar soaps that strip skin barrier. (menshealth.com)
• Body acne (bacne/facial acne): benzoyl peroxide washes or leave‑on (2.5–5% OTC) and/or salicylic acid body washes; rotate or combine under dermatologist guidance. Use non‑comedogenic lotions if you need moisture. (Byrdie.com)
• Moisturizer: lightweight, oil‑free, non‑comedogenic; look for ceramides or hyaluronic acid if skin is dry or after sun exposure. (verywellhealth.com)
• Antiperspirant/Deodorant: clinical or sport antiperspirants reduce sweat and odor for long practices. Wash underarms daily. (No web citation needed for common product class.)
• Foot care: antifungal sprays/powders for sweaty socks/shoes and breathable footwear to prevent athlete’s foot.

Practical athlete tips (habits that help)

• Shower as soon as reasonably possible after exercise (dermatologists often recommend within ~30 minutes). If you can’t, at least rinse or use wipes. (menshealth.com)
• Wear moisture‑wicking, properly fitting gear and change out of sweaty clothes quickly to reduce friction and bacterial growth. (Byrdie.com)
• Launder workout clothes and towels after each use in hot water when possible; don’t re‑wear sweaty items. (Practical hygiene.)
• For shaving: shave after showering when hair is softer; use a sharp razor and a gentle shaving cream to minimize irritation and ingrown hairs.
• If you spend long periods outdoors, reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes when sweating heavily or per the product instructions (most sport sunscreens advertise ~40–80 minutes water resistance). (runnersworld.com)

When to see a dermatologist

• Persistent or severe acne on the face, back, or chest despite OTC treatment.
• Recurrent folliculitis, suspicious lesions, or any skin changes that bleed, don’t heal, or look unusual. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical/oral meds or offer in‑office treatments (laser, chemical peels) tailored for athletes.

Quick starter shopping list (types, not exhaustive)

• Sport/water‑resistant sunscreen SPF 30–50 (face + body).
• Gentle face cleanser; salicylic acid variant if oily/acne‑prone.
• Benzoyl peroxide body wash or spot treatment for bacne.
• Lightweight, oil‑free moisturizer (non‑comedogenic).
• Cooling wipes for emergency post‑workout use.
• Antifungal foot powder (if you sweat heavily in shoes).

If you want, I can:

• Recommend specific current products available in US stores (price/where to buy), or
• Build a 2‑week sample routine with shopping links and timing (pre/during/post workout).

Sources: runner/sports sunscreen guides and dermatology/grooming coverage supporting post‑workout shower timing and acne/body care. (runnersworld.com)