We all know going to the gym is healthy for our bodies and our minds, but unfortunately, it can wreak havoc on our skin. If you notice your face breaking out more than your abs coming in, you might need to focus on your skincare routine as much as your workout routine. With the proper products and care, working out does not have to lead to breaking out.
According to Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian, “When we work out, we sweat, we get flushed, and our pores open up.” So, all of the dirt, gunk, and, yes, makeup you wear when you work out is taking up residence in your pores. Dr. Nazarian advises against wearing makeup when you sweat for many reasons: “Heavy foundations can actually clog pores, contributing to breakouts.” Blushing is unnecessary since you are already flushed. “Even wearing something as basic as mascara is bad because it can run into the eyes or smear when using your towel to dry off your face.”
If the prospect of burning your eyes or getting breakouts isn’t enough to frighten you into working out with a clean face, the very real possibility of looking like the Joker will.
However, she doesn’t suggest forgoing everything entirely: “a good lip gloss is all you need to keep your lips moist while mouth-breathing.”
We’re all aware that we should take a doctor’s advice seriously. But, whether we are hitting up a spin class straight from work or can’t bear the thought of a bare face, let’s be honest: going to the gym sans makeup isn’t always a realistic goal. So if you must, choose products designed exclusively for this purpose.
Here are some of my favorites:
Sweat Stick is a mineral foundation with SPF 30 made by professional and college-level female athletes. It’s water resistant so that it won’t run into your eyes (ouch). It is conveniently packaged in a refillable, anti-bacterial twist brush.
Move’s Mineral Eyeshadows are designed to stay put all day, making them an ideal choice for women who apply their makeup in the morning and work out at night.
Thanks to Cara Delevingne, brow gel has become an absolute necessity. Luckily, Osmosis Colour Water Resistant Brow Gel is smudge and smear-proof.
If you choose to wear makeup to the gym (or not), other than drinking water, washing your face is the most important thing you need to do after your workout.
Because that post-cardio glow is just extra dirt, Dr. Nazarian recommends using a cleansing device. One of the newest ones is the Foreo Luna Mini. Designed for this purpose, it’s the size of a protein ball and has bristles that are made of a material that’s 35 times more hygienic than nylon.
Sweat is hard enough on your skin, so a light but effective cleanser is ideal. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a perfect post-gym fix for all skin types. It takes off all of your makeup without being irritating. Available in a 1.7-ounce travel size, it won’t weigh down or leak in your gym bag.
If you’ll only do the bare minimum or you plan to wash your face the second you get home (we trust you will), a spritz or two of Decleor Refreshing Mist will hold you over. With salicylic acid and essential oils, it will prevent breakouts until you can wash your face for real.