The Complete BJJ Skin Care Guide: Pre-Training, Post-Training & Prevention

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most rewarding martial arts you can practice—but it's also one of the toughest on your skin. Between close contact with training partners, friction from the mats, and exposure to bacteria and fungi, your skin faces constant challenges every time you step onto the tatami.

The good news? With the right skin care routine, you can protect yourself from infections, maintain healthy skin, and train with confidence. This guide covers everything you need to know about BJJ skin care, from pre-training preparation to ongoing prevention strategies.

Why BJJ Athletes Need a Dedicated Skin Care Routine

BJJ training creates the perfect storm for skin issues:

• Close skin-to-skin contact spreads bacteria and fungi between training partners
• Warm, humid environments in gyms create breeding grounds for microorganisms
• Friction and abrasion from gi fabric and mat surfaces compromise your skin's protective barrier
• Sweat and moisture trapped against your skin during rolling sessions
• Shared equipment and mats that may harbor pathogens

Common skin conditions among grapplers include:

• Ringworm (tinea corporis)
• Staph infections (including MRSA)
• Impetigo
• Folliculitis
• Athlete's foot
• Jock itch
• Mat burn and abrasions
• Acne breakouts

The key to prevention isn't just killing bacteria and fungi—it's maintaining overall skin health so your body's natural defenses can do their job.

Pre-Training Skin Care: Set Yourself Up for Success

1. Start with Clean Skin

Always shower before training. This removes:

• Dirt and oil buildup
• Dead skin cells
• Environmental pollutants
• Bacteria from daily activities

A quick rinse isn't enough. Use a quality soap that cleanses without stripping your skin's natural protective oils.

2. Check for Cuts and Abrasions

Inspect your skin before every training session:

• Cover any cuts, scrapes, or open wounds with waterproof bandages
• Don't train with active skin infections
• Be honest with yourself and your training partners about skin health

3. Trim Your Nails

Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean to prevent:

• Scratching yourself or training partners
• Harboring bacteria under nails
• Causing mat burn or skin tears

4. Moisturize (But Not Right Before Training)

If you have dry skin, moisturize earlier in the day—not immediately before training. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient, but fresh moisturizer can make you slippery on the mats.

Post-Training Skin Care: Your Most Critical Defense

This is where most grapplers make or break their skin health. What you do in the 30 minutes after training matters more than anything else.

Shower Immediately After Training

Don't wait. Don't drive home in your sweaty gi. Shower at the gym within 15-30 minutes of finishing your session.

Why timing matters:

• Bacteria and fungi multiply rapidly in warm, moist environments
• The longer they sit on your skin, the higher your infection risk
• Sweat and friction have already compromised your skin barrier

Use the Right Soap

Not all soaps are created equal for BJJ athletes. You need a soap that:

✅ Fights bacteria and fungi effectively ✅ Nourishes and moisturizes your skin ✅ Contains natural, skin-friendly ingredients ✅ Doesn't strip your skin's protective barrier

This is where Scrubmission Grappling Soap stands apart.

Why Scrubmission is Different

Most antifungal and antibacterial soaps focus solely on killing microorganisms—often with harsh chemicals that damage your skin in the process. Scrubmission takes a holistic approach to skin wellness.

Scrubmission doesn't just kill bacteria and fungi—it actively promotes skin health.

Here's how:

Natural Antimicrobial Protection:

• Tea tree oil: Natural antifungal and antibacterial properties
• Peppermint: Antimicrobial benefits with a refreshing, unisex scent
• Activated charcoal: Draws out impurities and toxins

Deep Moisturization:

• Enriched with natural oils that nourish your skin
• Prevents the dryness and irritation common with harsh antibacterial soaps
• Leaves skin soft and smooth, not tight and stripped

Skin Barrier Support:

• 100% skin-friendly formula with no harsh chemicals
• Maintains your skin's natural pH balance
• Supports your body's own defense mechanisms

Long-Lasting Value:

• Outlasts regular shower gels, giving you more washes per bar
• Concentrated formula means a little goes a long way

The result? Your skin stays protected from infections while remaining healthy, balanced, and resilient—ready for your next training session.

Proper Showering Technique

1. Rinse thoroughly with warm (not hot) water
2. Lather Scrubmission soap and apply to entire body, paying special attention to:
   • Neck and shoulders
   • Armpits
   • Groin area
   • Feet (especially between toes)
   • Any areas with mat burn or irritation
3. Let the lather sit for 30-60 seconds to allow active ingredients to work
4. Rinse completely to remove all soap residue
5. Pat dry with a clean towel (don't share towels!)

Post-Shower Care

• Moisturize while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration
• Apply treatment to any problem areas (cuts, mat burn, dry patches)
• Wash your training gear immediately—don't let it sit in your gym bag
• Air out your gym bag to prevent bacterial growth

Product Recommendations for BJJ Athletes

Essential: Scrubmission Grappling Soap

Your primary defense against skin infections and your foundation for healthy skin. Use after every training session without exception.

Why it works:

• Specifically formulated for athletes who face regular exposure to bacteria and fungi
• Natural ingredients support long-term skin health, not just short-term protection
• Gentle enough for daily use, powerful enough to prevent infections
• Suitable for face, body, and even hair

Complementary Products:

Moisturizer:

• Look for non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) formulas
• Fragrance-free options reduce irritation risk
• Apply after every shower

Antifungal Powder:

• For feet and groin areas prone to moisture
• Use before bed on training days

Wound Care:

• Antiseptic spray or cream for cuts and abrasions
• Waterproof bandages for training

Laundry Detergent:

• Sport-specific or antibacterial formulas for gi and training gear
• Add white vinegar to rinse cycle for extra antimicrobial action

Daily Skin Care Tips for Grapplers

Training Days:

1. Shower before training (quick rinse)
2. Train with clean gi and gear
3. Shower immediately after with Scrubmission
4. Moisturize
5. Wash training gear same day

Rest Days:

1. Continue regular hygiene routine
2. Give your skin time to recover
3. Deep moisturize any dry or irritated areas
4. Inspect skin for any developing issues

Weekly Maintenance:

• Deep clean your gym bag
• Replace or wash any shared equipment (rashguards, shorts)
• Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells
• Check for any persistent skin issues

Ongoing Prevention Strategies

Gym Hygiene Practices

• Choose clean gyms: Look for facilities that regularly clean mats and maintain good ventilation
• Wipe down mats: If your gym provides cleaning supplies, use them
• Never train barefoot off the mats: Wear flip-flops in locker rooms and bathrooms
• Don't share personal items: Towels, razors, soap, or training gear

Personal Habits

• Stay hydrated: Healthy skin starts from within
• Eat well: Nutrition supports immune function and skin health
• Get enough sleep: Recovery time is crucial for skin repair
• Manage stress: Chronic stress weakens immune response

Know When to Sit Out

Being a good training partner means:

• Not training with active infections
• Covering any questionable spots before getting medical clearance
• Communicating openly about skin concerns
• Respecting others' health as much as your own

Regular Skin Checks

Perform weekly self-examinations:

• Look for new spots, rashes, or discoloration
• Check common problem areas (neck, armpits, groin, feet)
• Monitor any existing issues for changes
• See a dermatologist if something doesn't heal within a week

Special Considerations

For Sensitive Skin

If you have eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin:

• Scrubmission's natural, chemical-free formula is ideal
• Moisturize more frequently
• Consider shorter training sessions while building skin resilience
• Consult a dermatologist about your training routine

For Acne-Prone Skin

• Scrubmission's tea tree oil helps combat acne-causing bacteria
• Shower immediately after training to prevent clogged pores
• Use non-comedogenic moisturizers
• Avoid touching your face during training

For Dry Skin

• The natural oils in Scrubmission provide essential moisture
• Layer moisturizer after every shower
• Use a humidifier at home
• Drink plenty of water

The Bottom Line: Holistic Skin Health for Grapplers

Effective BJJ skin care isn't about harsh chemicals or aggressive antibacterial treatments that damage your skin in the name of protection. It's about supporting your skin's natural defenses while providing targeted antimicrobial action when you need it most.

Scrubmission Grappling Soap embodies this philosophy perfectly:

• Natural antifungal and antibacterial protection from tea tree and peppermint
• Deep moisturization from natural oils
• Activated charcoal for detoxification
• No harsh chemicals that compromise skin health
• A formula that works with your body, not against it

By combining Scrubmission with smart pre-training preparation, immediate post-training hygiene, and ongoing prevention strategies, you can:

✅ Dramatically reduce your infection risk ✅ Maintain healthy, resilient skin ✅ Train with confidence ✅ Recover faster between sessions ✅ Enjoy BJJ for the long term

Your Action Plan

Start Today:

1. Order Scrubmission Grappling Soap
2. Commit to showering immediately after every training session
3. Inspect your skin weekly
4. Wash your gi and gear after every use
5. Moisturize daily

Build the Habit:

• Keep Scrubmission in your gym bag
• Set a reminder to shower within 30 minutes of training
• Track your skin health in a training journal
• Share these practices with your training partners

Remember: Your skin is your first line of defense against infections. Treat it well, and it will support your BJJ journey for years to come.

Ready to elevate your skin care routine?

Experience the Scrubmission difference—natural protection that doesn't compromise skin health. Because the best defense against infections is healthy, resilient skin.

Shop Scrubmission Grappling Soap today and train with confidence.