Sore, dry skin after a bodybuilding show

After a bodybuilding show it's common to have sore, dry skin. There are several reasons for sore, dry skin, and some are more common than others. It's obvious that you'll feel like your skin is stretching from the water retention after a bodybuilding show.

Water retention causes sore, dry skin

Water retention is dangerous (for many reasons) after a bodybuilding show, and can make your skin feel like it's going to tear  or pull apart. Exfoliation is also another reason for sore, dry skin after a bodybuilding show.

Exfoliating causes sore, dry skin

Great for sore skin

Before applying tanner it's important to exfoliate your skin. An exfoliant will help slough off dead skin and create a smooth surface for the tanner. After the show, you will have to exfoliate your skin in some fashion to remove all of the tanner, posing oil or Pam cooking spray.

This amount of exfoliating can irritate and dry out skin. It is very painful to the touch and can take days to feel normal.

Use a good moisturizer

A good moisturizer will help soothe sore, dry skin. Everyone has their own preference, but I opt for Eucerin cream, which is very thick. I also use Bag Balm. Bag Balm was created for chapped  utter conditions in livestock. The ingredients are 8-Hydroxy Quinoline Sulfate 0.3% in a petrolatum, lanolin base. It smells awful and is greasy, but works wonders on dry, irritated skin. It's  $6 at Wal-Mart and is found in the pet section.


Lansinoh HPA Lanolin is what  nursing moms use on their nipples to reduce pain and cracking while breast feeding. You can also use this, but it comes in a much smaller container than the Bag Balm or Eucerin.

Apply liberally

Apply the moisturizer throughout the day until the pain reduces and subsides. If you use the Lansinoh or Bag balm wear dark clothes.

******White is not a doctor. This is just what she prefers to use.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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The bodybuilding season is over. Please eat, drink and be merry. Happy Thanksgiving!

Freeze water for smaller sips

Each competitor tries their best to come in dry for a bodybuilding show. Not all cut water but those who do often cut water completely, or taper it and then cut. It's important to maintain that dry look until the end of the bodybuilding show which ever you choose.

Posing suit bottoms should be smooth

Use a mirror or ask for help with glue 

I went to the OCB Charm City Classic bodybuilding show prepped as I would be for any bodybuilding show. I was tanned, hair done, make up on, nails polished and heavily bejeweled. All that was left was putting myself into the posing suit and getting glued in.

Bad glue job

Normally, gluing myself is not an issue, but I didn't use a mirror and there was a baggy spot in my posing suit bottom. I know it's common with female bodybuilding athletes, but it looks gross. I glued my posing suit down at every other show, and did a fine job. But, this was not the case at the OCB Charm City Classic bodybuilding show.

Use a mirror or ask for help


It's always noticeable when a bodybuilding competitor's posing suit is not glued the way it should be. Check the posing suit in the mirror prior to walking on stage even if someone else glues your posing suit down. If the posing suit is rumpled; pull it away from your skin gently so you do not pull off the tanner. Then glue it properly.

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Acne, infected injection sites and clear skin preparation

Once any bodybuilding athlete steps on stage their appearance is everything. Hair, nails, suit color and clear skin can weigh heavily in your placing.

Enhancement drugs

In fact, clear skin is a must for bodybuilders to bikini athletes. In many cases, athletes have used enhancement drugs such as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), synthol, GH, clenbuterol, thyroid hormones (thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)  or a combination of drugs to increase muscle mass, hardness or to get lean. They are also part of the reason for terrible acne breakouts or infected injection sites.


Prep your skin in advance

Acne scars 

You may be acne prone without the use of enhancement drugs, and will need to address the issue, also. Most female and some male bodybuilding athletes pay for a makeup artist, but do not prep their body for the bodybuilding show in advance.

An acne ridden back, chest and shoulders are not stage appropriate, nor is an infected injection site. They should be cared for prior to stepping on stage. Several acne scrubs and creams are available to minimize breakouts, as well as to prevent scarring. 


Seek medical advice

Seek a medical physician if you have an infected injection site. A lot of bodybuilding athletes will wait until there is no other option before seeing a doctor. Instead, they will often use a friend in the medical field who can give advice. Use your best judgment if this is the route you plan to take.

Note: 

This post is a tip for skin prep. Please do not inquire about creating a stack.

Bikini Bite No-Slip Suit Fastener: How to get the roller to roll

Bikini Bite No-Slip Suit Fastener is an adhesive that keeps your posing suit in place. Most male bodybuilders will not use this, but female bodybuilders and physique, fitness, figure and bikini girls will.

Bikini Bite's roller usually gets stuck because of the glue, which makes it very difficult for the first use. It is also the major reason for poor product reviews.

Bikini Bite Preparation 

Bikini Bite

For this reason, always get the roller to roll before arriving at the bodybuilding show. Do not wait until a few minutes before stepping on stage to attempt this. This will leave you at the mercy of your fellow athletes.

Although another bodybuilding athlete may let you use their glue; don't count on it. Low carbs and dehydration can take the sportsmanship out of any sport, and will leave you with a suit that creeps on stage.

Use Hot Water

Most  athletes try to get the Bikini Bite roller to move by rolling it on their hand. There is an easier way to get the roller to roll without the struggle though. Uncap the Bikini Bite, and fill the lid with hot water. Screw the Bikini Bite back into the lid, and let it sit.

Be Careful

Wait a few minutes and open the lid over the sink so you do not splash water on your tanner. Try the roller. Continue the process if it is still stuck. Be sure to wipe the Bikini Bite off before using  it.  You do not want the tanner to streak or spot from the excess water. Order the spray Bikini Bite if you continue to have  problems with the roller.

Smile for the camera

Have you been to a bodybuilding show and noticed that no-one smiled on stage? Even the bikini, fitness and figure competitors only smiled for short periods of time?

Smile for camera

Do not make this mistake if you compete. Smiling is very important for your stage presence. It creates an element of confidence and an air of fun.