Fitness: Tips for post-workout skincare routine
Exercise is proven to contribute significantly to the overall health, including skin health. Regular physical activity offers plenty of benefits, including weight control, stress management, promoting sleep quality, improving blood flow, boosting energy, improving mood, etc. Similarly, the National Institutes of Health suggests that endurance exercise and training may help reduce the signs of ageing and improve skin health in general. However, knowing the proper skincare after a workout is essential in keeping healthy-looking skin. The LUNATM Micro-Foam Cleanser, a product filled with natural origin ingredients that retain water and restore skin balance, is your skin’s best friend after intensive hard training! It provides a unique opportunity to wash away any dirt and impurities, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated. Now, let’s jump into some views from dermatologists regarding preparation before and after training.
Please keep in mind that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Skincare suggestions may vary depending on the climate or indoor and outdoor activities; therefore, adjust your skincare routine accordingly.
First and foremost, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is generally advised if you’re going outside. Some experts, including Dr Hooper, recommend applying sunscreen even if you’re training in a gym, as she believes that all light can cause skin damage and that it shouldn’t necessarily be restricted to sunlight. Further, she suggests that due to sweating, you should choose a waterproof and sweat-resistant comedogenic sunscreen; sports sunscreen usually offers both characteristics. Now the question is, where should you apply it? Well, it is better to apply it not only to your face but also to the neck, ears, back of the neck, and chest.
Moreover, Dr. Dolitsky highlights the importance of choosing the right moisturiser before working out. She suggests avoiding heavy moisturiser, as some put a barrier on the skin and clog the pores.
Due to building up bacteria in warm and wet environments, many experts recommend at least rinsing off the skin, especially if you’re acne-prone. For acne-prone skin, use cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide. As a general rule, what comes next is to change your clothes after training to keep your skin clean. You can also put some salicylic acid cleansers on a facial wipe and gently rub it onto your skin, followed by a lightweight moisturiser and sunscreen before leaving the gym. Some researchers suggest that tinted sunscreen is the best choice to avoid the skin damage effects of indoor light.
When it comes to women, the question may arise whether wearing makeup while training is suitable for the skin. Generally, it is recommended to remove makeup before training to avoid clogged pores, which is one of the main reasons for breakouts.
Now that we have discussed some pre- and post-workout skincare tips let’s consider them when using workout skincare. We usually rub our face sweats with a towel during training. Using blotting paper or splashing some water on our face is recommended to freshen up. As you might guess, drinking plenty of fluids during a workout is essential in maintaining skin hydration. Fortunately, the next point, sanitising the weights and gym equipment, is being held in almost all gyms; don’t forget to sanitise the weights before picking them up to avoid bacterial and viral infections. You may also want to wear sports glasses to keep the dirt away and your hands soft. And please don’t share your items with anyone, even your friends! Remember that after working out, a refreshing shower is necessary to detox your skin and rehydrate with a lightweight moisturiser to seal your skin.
When heading home after an intensive training session, remember that your body muscles need rest, and your face also needs a break.
Overall, staying fit is a key to overall health. Exercising helps increase oxygen levels, which helps improve skin health and elasticity; it keeps the body clean, energised, and hydrated. We must know that maintaining a skincare habit after training is important to keep the skin away from any irritation and complexion. Avoid heavy, thick moisturisers before and after a workout; instead, opt for a lightweight serum or moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and not clog the pores. A well-established skincare routine is important to ensure removing any grime and dirt buildup on your skin; if you leave the gym without washing the layer of dirt off your skin, you invite some dead skin flakes and bacteria building up over time that lead to skin dullness and irritation. So, as a last reminder, as much as you care about bulking up and staying fit, don’t forget to listen to your skin needs and certified dermatologists to keep your skin glowing and radiant.
