Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

PSA: Your Yoga Mat May Cause Backne — But Here's A Natural Fix

Alexandra Engler
Author:
October 17, 2024
Alexandra Engler
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
By Alexandra Engler
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
Alexandra Engler is the senior beauty and lifestyle director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
(Last Used: 1/7/21) woman in downward dog yoga pose
Image by Javier Pardina / Stocksy
October 17, 2024

Whether you're just starting out a new routine or reintroducing yourself to yoga, there's much to enjoy about the practice. Just like countless others, you'll likely come to realize what it can do for your mental health, your stamina, resilience, and body. 

And with any new habit there are, of course, things you need to learn and adapt to. So let's set this straight before it becomes an issue: If you don't clean your mat after every use, it may contribute to body acne. 

Yes, unwashed mats can contribute to body acne

Mats collect sweat, grime, and bacteria after use. Just think about all that pooling in the grippy texture, especially if you're doing a more rigorous flow and then leaving the bacteria to fester and grow in between uses. Repeat this a few times, and not a pretty picture. Now think about relaxing into savasana—exposing all of that to your skin.

From there, it's pretty easy for that reintroduced bacteria to nestle their way into your pores, which can clog and cause inflammation. The next thing you know, you have a body acne problem you've never had previously. 

"Anyone is vulnerable to acne on the back but particularly those that play sports or do activities that cause sweating or rubbing of clothing or athletic gear," says Umbareen Mahmood, M.D., board-certified plastic surgeon and cosmetic injector at SKINNEY Medspa. "It is extremely important to pay attention to meticulous hygiene because of this."

A natural, DIY yoga cleaner to help

There are plenty of ways to deal with body and back acne, but one of the best preventive steps is to just be mindful to clean your mat after every single use. You may not see it as visibly dirty, but there's a good chance there are microbes on the surface that will irritate your skin over time. 

But this natural yoga mat disinfectant is easy to make at home and will solve your woes before they can become so. 

  • Combine 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (90 to 99% is ideal), ½ cup aloe vera gel, and 15 drops tea tree essential oil in a bowl, and mix well. 
  • Transfer to a squeeze bottle, and spray generously on your mat. 
  • Wipe it dry with a reusable cotton towel, and allow to completely dry before rolling it up.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Lifestyle
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.