Colorful basketball lockers displaying jerseys and basketballs, showcasing sports team spirit and organization.

Stay Fresh, Clear, and Confident—On and Off the Field

Your skin works as hard as you do. Discover simple, natural ways to stay fresh, clear, and confident—on and off the field.

Locker Room Hygiene: Do’s and Don’ts for Teen Athletes

Why Locker Room Hygiene Matters

The locker room is where teams come together, celebrate wins, and gear up for the next challenge. But it’s also a hotspot for germs, bacteria, and fungus—especially with sweaty gear, damp towels, and lots of shared surfaces. Practicing good hygiene in the locker room isn’t just about smelling fresh; it’s about protecting yourself (and your teammates) from breakouts, infections, and even illness. Here’s how to make locker room hygiene part of your winning routine.

The Science: Why Locker Rooms Are a Breeding Ground for Skin Problems

Locker rooms are warm, humid, and packed with people—basically paradise for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When you add in sweaty gear, shared benches, and damp towels, it’s easy for germs to spread from person to person or surface to surface. Dermatologists and public health experts warn that locker rooms are a common source of:

Athlete’s foot and plantar warts: Fungi and viruses thrive on wet floors and can enter through tiny cracks in the skin.
Ringworm and impetigo: These contagious skin infections can pass through direct contact or by sharing towels, razors, or even soap.
Body acne and folliculitis: Sweat, friction from gear, and bacteria left on the skin can clog pores and trigger breakouts.
Odor: Sweat itself is odorless, but when it mixes with bacteria on your skin or in your gear, it creates that classic “locker room smell.”

Sources:

Do’s: How to Stay Clean and Healthy in the Locker Room

Keeping up with good habits in the locker room can make a huge difference for your skin and your overall health. These simple steps help you avoid the most common issues—like body acne, athlete’s foot, and stubborn odors—so you can focus on your game, not your skin.

Shower as soon as possible after practice or games. The faster you rinse off sweat, dirt, and bacteria, the less likely you are to develop body acne or skin infections. If you can’t shower right away, at least change into clean, dry clothes.
Use your own clean towel every time. Sharing towels (even for a quick dry-off) can spread germs, fungus, and bacteria that cause rashes, breakouts, and athlete’s foot.
Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in the locker room and showers. This simple habit helps prevent athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and other infections that spread easily on wet floors.
Store your gear in a breathable bag and air it out at home. Damp, closed bags are breeding grounds for bacteria and odor. Hang up your uniform, pads, and shoes to dry fully between uses.
Clean your gear, shoes, and uniforms regularly. Washing your stuff after every practice or game helps keep bacteria and odor under control.
Wipe down shared surfaces before using them. If you’re using a shared bench, sink, or equipment, give it a quick wipe with a disinfectant or towel.

Don’ts: What to Avoid in the Locker Room

Some habits might seem harmless, but they can lead to breakouts, rashes, or even spread infections to others. Avoid these locker room pitfalls to keep your skin (and your team) healthy all season long.

Don’t share razors, soap, deodorant, or skincare products. These can transfer bacteria, fungus, and even viruses—causing skin issues or infections.
Don’t leave damp clothes or towels in your locker or bag. Always hang them up to dry or toss them in the wash after each use to prevent mold, mildew, and bad smells.
Don’t walk barefoot, even for a second. Fungi and bacteria can live on locker room floors and cause issues like athlete’s foot, warts, or ringworm.
Don’t skip cleaning your gear. Helmets, pads, and shoes should be cleaned and aired out regularly to prevent odor and bacteria buildup.
Don’t rush your shower. Take a few extra minutes to cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle, non-drying soap—especially in areas that were covered by gear.

Prep U Picks for Locker Room Hygiene

Blue Tansy Cleansing Bar: Non-drying, non-comedogenic, and calming—perfect for sensitive or irritated skin after practice.
Charcoal Face & Body Cleansing Bar : Deep cleans sweat, bacteria, and locker room grime.
Talc-Free Moisture Wicking Active Dry Powder: Helps keep feet, underarms, and skin dry and comfortable.
Natural Deodorant: Long-lasting, aluminum-free odor protection.

FAQs: Locker Room Hygiene

Why is it so important to shower right after practice or games?
Sweat, dirt, and bacteria build up quickly during sports. Showering right away helps remove these irritants, lowers your risk for breakouts and infections, and keeps you feeling fresh.

Can I get athlete’s foot or warts from the locker room?
Yes—fungi and viruses thrive in warm, damp environments like locker rooms. Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes to protect your feet.

What’s the best way to keep my gear from smelling?
Air it out at home and wash it regularly. Sprinkling Active Dry Powder in shoes and pads can also help absorb moisture and keep things fresh.

Is it really bad to share towels or razors?
Absolutely. Sharing personal items can spread bacteria, fungus, and even viruses—leading to rashes, infections, or worse.

What Prep U products are best for locker room hygiene?
The Blue Tansy Bar for gentle cleansing, Charcoal Bar for deep cleaning, Active Dry Powder for moisture control, and Natural Deodorant for odor protection.

Real Athlete Stories

“I used to get itchy feet and breakouts after every game. Wearing flip-flops in the shower and switching to Prep U bars made a huge difference.”
— Max, 17, Varsity Soccer

“I always keep a clean towel and my own soap in my gym bag now. My skin’s never been clearer—even during tournament season.”
— Jayden, 16, JV Baseball

Related Resources

Stay Fresh, Stay Healthy—Every Practice, Every Game

Locker room hygiene is about more than just smelling good—it’s your first line of defense against breakouts, infections, and unwanted odors. With Prep U’s clean, effective products and smart habits, you can stay clear, confident, and ready for whatever’s next.