You go through the repetitions, sweat on your forehead, sweaty hands. Between two sets, you grab this favorite bodybuilding accessory, put the weight back down, then, as an automatic reflex, you wipe your forehead or tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. A banal, almost reassuring gesture.
The problem is that this object that you hold with both hands in the gym harbors, according to an American study carried out by the EmLab P&K laboratory for the FitRated site, much more bacteria than a public toilet seat. And there, your face becomes the ideal gateway.
Gym: why dumbbells are a breeding ground for bacteria
Researchers took samples from 27 pieces of equipment in several gyms. Result: each device carried on average more than a million germs on a small contact surface. Stationary bikes had about 39 times more bacteria than a cafeteria tray, treadmills 74 times more than a public toilet faucet.
The big winners, however, remain dumbbells and free weights, with around 362 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat. We find Gram-positive cocci, often involved in skin infections, but also bacilli that are sometimes resistant to antibiotics. Between heat, humidity, perspiration and uneven cleaning, everything comes together to make germs comfortable.
From dumbbells to your face: the invisible journey of germs
Once your hands are contaminated, the path to your facial skin is very short. You adjust your bra, grab your smartphone, touch the bar, then, without thinking, you rub your eyes, pinch a button, wipe off a drop of sweat. Each contact deposits bacteria on the forehead, nose, chin or around the lips.
These germs can aggravate a tendency to acne, cause folliculitis (small inflamed pimples at the root of the hair), irritation or persistent redness. If the skin is weakened by recent exfoliation, an irritating treatment or the use of a razor, the microcracks make it even easier for infectious agents to enter, including in the eyes with conjunctivitis.
Protecting the skin on your face in the gym: the right reflexes
Before training, wash your hands thoroughly and arrive with a clean face, ideally without covering makeup. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps strengthen the skin barrier. Bring two clean towels: one to cover the benches or equipment, another reserved only for your face.
During the session, avoid touching your face with bare hands and wipe off sweat only with the dedicated towel. Clean or disinfect the handles and dumbbells before and after use, limit back and forth calls on the phone, other relays of germs, then wash your hands immediately after training. As soon as possible, rinse your face and neck with a gentle cleanser before resuming your usual care.
Dumbbells in the gym: really dirtier than the toilets?
Yes, the FitRated study showed that dumbbells carry on average 362 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat, under the conditions tested.
Why avoid touching your face after using dumbbells?
Because your hands serve as a bridge between the contaminated dumbbells and the skin of the face, which promotes pimples, irritations and local infections.
What simple steps can you take to protect your facial skin at the gym?
Wash your hands upon arrival, use two towels, never wipe sweat with your hands, clean the devices and rinse your face after the session.
