January is a popular to time to begin a fitness journey, and you may be regularly hitting the gym to get fit in 2024. Remember, there is more to getting healthy than just breaking a sweat. Focusing on fitness is a great opportunity to enhance your overall well-being, including the health and appearance of your skin. Taking care of your skin before and after your exercise routine is crucial for maintaining a glowing complexion. Let’s take a look at some workout skincare tips.
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Pre-Workout Skincare Tips
We know that it can often be difficult to find time to workout in your busy day. However, when you do take the opportunity, don’t forget to take an extra 5 minutes to get your skin ready to go. Regularly sweating with makeup on could be detrimental to your complexion. Makeup and sweat are the perfect breeding ground for pore-clogging bacteria, triggering acne and inflammation. You do not have to do a full skincare routine. A quick cleanse, a light moisturiser, and SPF application if you are exposed to the sun when working out is all you need. Avoiding a thick moisturiser pre-workout is best, as you do not want a barrier to water loss on the skin while you are sweating.
Workout Skincare Tips
During your workout, following a few simple rules can be incredibly beneficial to your skin. Stay hydrated from the inside by drinking lots of water. If you have long hair, make sure it is tied back off of your skin and away from your face. Consider what you are wearing. Loose, cotton gym clothes are the perfect choice for your skin when getting hot and sweaty. Use a clean gym towel to pat sweat off of your face – don’t rub, and definitely don’t use your hands. Touching your face during your workout can introduce bacteria into your open pores, causing inflammation and acne. This is especially true if you are using shared gym equipment, so wipe down your machines before and after use, and try not to touch your face. It can be useful to consider the type of exercise you are going to do when planning your workout skincare.
Cardio/Weights
Workout Skincare Focus: Cleanse & Soothe The Skin
When doing a high intensity workout such as cardio or lifting weights, your skin will get very hot and sweaty, so it is key to bring the temperature back down, and properly cleanse to remove any sweat, dirt and debris off the skin. Your post workout skincare should begin with a double cleanse with a foaming or gel cleanser, to clean out the pores. Following up with a soothing toner is an excellent way to rejuvenate the skin and continue the cool down process. Toner also has an added benefit of refining and minimising the appearance of pores post-workout, so don’t skip this step! As always, follow up with a nourishing moisturiser to add moisture back into the skin, and SPF for sun protection. Rehydrate with water to help your skin from within.
Water Workout
Workout Skincare Focus: Rehydrate The Skin
If your workout of choice is water related, such as a few lengths of the pool, your post workout skincare should focus on rehydrating the skin. Chlorine is a common skin irritant, causing contact dermatitis, and even if you are not experiencing irritation, it will be pulling out hydration from your skin. If your pool allows swimmers to wear moisturisers in the water, you can combat the negative affects during your workout by wearing a thick barrier cream, such as a glycerin or petroleum product. If not, rinse off with clean water as soon as you leave the pool, and follow up with a thick moisturiser. Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness, such as the knees and elbows. Don’t forget about your face. A double cleanse, toner, moisturiser and SPF routine will keep your face healthy too.
Yoga/Pilates
Workout Skincare Focus: Massage The Skin
Low impact workouts such as yoga and pilates are excellent for your posture, core strength and joints. They also provide the perfect opportunity for relaxation and mindfulness, which you can incorporate into your post workout skincare. Double cleanse your skin in gentle circular motions with firm pressure, focusing on massaging areas of your face such as the temples and under your cheekbones. Apply toner, moisturiser and SPF to add moisture and protect your skin, and don’t rush the process. For maximum self care, follow up with another massage with a serum or facial oil.
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