Do you know that sometimes the best workouts can lead to the biggest breakouts? No, it is not because only because you let your sweat stick around on your face, instead of cleaning it off immediately. There are various other factors that can lead to acne and irritable skin. A post workout skincare routine is vital, but what you do with your face before hit the treadmill also has huge effect on your skin. Fluctuations in body temperature, loss of hydration due to sweating, and the bacteria in the sweat itself can wreck havoc on the dermis. So, follow a rigorous routine before and after you finish sweating it out at the gym.
Pre Workout
Bare Face
First of all you need to cleanse your body and face thoroughly. It’s best to give your skin a good scrub before exercising so the sweat that builds up during your workout doesn’t have a dirty surface to cling to. Otherwise, you risk developing acne (and even worse, body fungus-eeesh).
Protect Your Skin
If you’re heading to the gym or a workout class during the day, you’re of course slathering on the sunscreen, right? Choose a lightweight one, with a minimum SPF of 30 to avoid clogging your pores. Heavy formulas mixed with sweat will cause breakouts.
Dress The Part
Do not let your skin come in contact with the gym equipment. This means no face should ever touch a yoga mat (that isn’t yours) and no exposed back should hit the weight bench. Try to wear full-sleeves shirts and pants, and always place a towel on any surfaces you might come in contact with. The equipment is one of the biggest causes for acne … and bacne (when your breakout on your back). Make sure you wear a sweatband as well. The drip-down effect can also cause your skin to react.
No Make-Up
It’s best if you don’t wear any make-up at all. After all you are going there to workout and not for a beauty pageant. But, if you really are too conscious of your bare face, curl your lashes to brighten up your eyes and add a pop of colour to your lips with a tinted lip balm (insert story). Don’t wear any heavy make-up at all, if you don’t want your complexion to go for a toss.
Post Workout
Change Clothes
Make sure you get out of your gym gear as soon as you are done with your exercises. If you let the sweat sit on your skin, it will clog pores and can cause acne and other skin infections.
Cleanse Again
Not only do you need to change your clothes, but you also need to cleanse your body and face. The key here is to use a gentle cleanser that is effective at getting rid of sweat, oil and dirt, but that doesn’t upset or dry out your skin. Try to avoid a hot shower, as it can dry out your skin and open pores. Also, avoid products that can harm sensitive skin such as cleansers with abrasive scrub particles. Exfoliation is important, but not before or after you exercise.
Repair
After cleansing, apply a lightweight moisturiser to rehydrate and nourish the skin. If your skin is prone to redness, look for soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile. Ensure your post-workout moisturiser is rich in antioxidants (they assist with skin repair by helping to protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals from sunlight, air pollution, wind, and intense exercise.) Look for Vitamin C and E for intense hydration.
Drink Water
Not only do you need to provide hydration to your face body, but you also need to replenish your body fluids. Make sure you drink lots of water after your workout. Water will keep you hydrated and will also make you feel more energised.
