Working out is great for our health and for our self-confidence. Exercise is also wonderful for our skin. Exercise brings oxygenated blood to our face, boosts circulation, and reduces stress which always makes us look better. Reducing stress also has numerous anti-aging benefits for our skin. But in order to make sure that your skin looks its best post-workout you need to follow a few rules both before and after your exercise.
Before: Put Your Hair Up
If your hair is all over your face while you exercise the natural oils in your hair plus all the styling products you have in your hair will get all over your face and body as you sweat. This can and might lead to clogged pores and eventually cause breakouts. So put your hair up in a ponytail or bun before you start your workout. Be sure to pin up your bangs as well, or you could get breakouts on your forehead.
Before: Take Off Your Makeup
We all know that going to bed with our makeup on will cause breakouts, skin irritation, redness, and blackheads. If you really don’t have time use a facial wipe to clean off your makeup before starting your exercise routine, but if you have more time cleanse your face thoroughly. Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face before exercising. Apply a moisturizer if your skin is dry or dehydrated.
Though it can be hard, don’t be self-conscience about how you look without makeup. You’re not at the gym for a fashion show.
Before: Apply Sunscreen
Obviously, if you are going to exercise outdoors sunscreen is non-negotiable. Look for sun protection that is broad-spectrum (shields you from both UVA and UVB rays), and that is sweatproof. Consider trying Mission Sun Defeated Spray 50 which is highly affordable, won’t clog pores, and fast-drying. Even if you are exercising indoors, you need to apply sunscreen if you are in a room with windows.
UVA rays penetrate glass and lead to skin aging, so it is best to always be protected by sunscreen even indoors.
After: Get Out Of Your Sweaty Clothes
This might look like a no-brainer, but so many people don’t change out of their workout clothes after exercising. Instead, they might run errands, meet friends, or just wear their clothes all day. If you wear your sweaty clothes all day, you could get breakouts on your back and chest and folliculitis which is an infection in the hair follicle. These skin issues can be easily prevented by taking off your workout gear and showering after you exercise.
If you aren’t going to shower at the gym at least shower immediately when you get home.
After: Wash Your Face
Yes, I told you to wash your face before your workout, and now I’m telling you to wash your face again. You don’t want the sweat and maybe dirt and grime that has collected on your face while exercising to stay there. Once again you can use a facial wipe if you are pressed for time, but better yet wash your face with a gentle cleanser. At the risk of sounding like a broken record if you don’t properly wash your face after working out you’ll get clogged pores that can lead to breakouts.
Your skin won’t look its best if you walk around with a sweaty face. Body wash should not be used on your face; it will just dry your skin out.
After: Apply Moisturizer
After washing your face and body be sure to apply moisturizer. Remember that products for your body have no place on your face. If you suffer from irritation or redness, apply a soothing serum before the moisturizer. If you use products to fight acne or clear hyperpigmentation (dark spots), this is the time to apply them. Follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen, if there is still daylight outdoors.