WORKING OUT – it’s great for your health but not always good for your looks. Between sweating and repetitive motion (think lifting weights or running), you’re likely to encounter issues such as calluses and bruised nails. Fortunately, we have pro pointers and products that can cure – and help you avoid – these problems so you can be both buff and beautiful!

Workout Woe

Body Breakouts

Acne on your back, chest and butt is often caused by sweaty clothing rubbing against your skin, says dermatologist Dr Amy Derick. And if you carry a back pack when running or wear padded shorts on a bike, you’re almost sure to trigger a flare-up. “These items trap moisture against the skin, making your pores even more likely to get clogged,” says Derick.

TREAT IT: “One of the best remedies for a body breakout is a daily vinegar rinse,” says dermatologist Dr David Colbert. The acetic acid in vinegar helps kill off blemish-producing bacteria. Add one tablespoon of white wine vinegar to a cup of warm water, sponge down the affected area and rinse in the shower. At night, apply a benzoyl peroxide cream.

If you see no improvement in three weeks, consult a dermatologist for a topical antibiotic, such as Cleocin – the foam version is particularly back and butt-friendly because it’s quickly absorbed.

PREVENT IT: “Showering after exercising is the key to fending off breakouts,” says Colbert. “Waiting too long after a workout gives bacteria the chance to grow.”

Workout Woe

Bruised Toenails

“Tennis toe” – the bruising and thickening of your big toenail – is the result of sports that involve quick stops and turns, which cause your foot to bend into the front of your shoe. Closely related is “jogger’s toe,” the loosening (or loss) of a nail, which also occurs due to repeated slamming.

TREAT IT: If the bruise is just at the nail’s tip (not under the matrix, where nail growth starts), it will eventually clear, says Colbert. However, to keep a bruised tip from getting worse (and possibly snapping off), cut the nail short and apply a thick balm, such as Orly Cuticle Therapy Creme ($9.95, orlybeauty.com.au), which contains vitamins A and E to condition and strengthen. If the nail is bruised at the matrix, follow the same regimen and bandage it. The nail will probably fall off within a few weeks, and when it does, apply an ointment, such as Savlon Antiseptic cream ($2.99, from your local chemist), daily for a week and keep it covered while the new nail grows, says dermatologist Dr Kathleen Davis.

PREVENT IT: Shoes that fit well will minimise toenail bruisers, says Davis. If you’re not sure if yours do, consult an expert; one’s usually on hand at a runner’s shop. “And if the problem persists, consider seeing a podiatrist,” says Davis “You may need customised inserts.”