PRE AND POST WORKOUT SKINCARE

Natalie (@natwilson976) is here to tell us how to look after our skin before, during and after a workout!

There’s no denying that going to the gym is great for both your body and overall health, but it can become easy to just focus on your physique and forget about your skin whilst you are in there. Working out doesn’t mean that you need to compromise on your skincare routine, but workouts can also trigger skin breakouts if you don’t follow a proper regime.

Dirt and sweat can clog pores during a workout, which leads to breakouts and blackheads. However, there are some ways that you can keep your skin clear and bright, both before and after your workouts.

Pre-Workout Regime

Before you begin your workout, wash your face in order to remove any makeup that you are currently wearing. When you begin to sweat, your pores open which, if you are wearing makeup, can clog your pores with oil and sweat, leading to unwanted breakouts. As with all exercise, staying hydrated is important not just for your body’s health, but for your skin’s health, too. Your body becomes dehydrated during exercise which can lead to dry and tight skin. By keeping on top of your hydration levels, your skin won’t react to being dehydrated

If you exercise outdoors, then always remember to apply an even layer of sunscreen before you head out, no matter the weather. For best protection, use a broad covering sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and use as directed. If you exercise in a gym, then pay special attention to the equipment you are going to be using. Gym exercise machines are a harbourer of bacteria, so if you touch your face or body during your workout then you’re likely to transfer this bacteria directly to your face, which can then lead to breakouts. To avoid this happening, then it is a good idea for you to wipe down any equipment you are going to be using with antibacterial wipes before use and avoid touching your skin and face during your workout.

Post-Workout Skincare

Once you’ve finished your workout, avoid wiping the sweat away from your face with your hands. Doing this can lead dirt and bacteria directly into your pores, leading to a breakout. Rather than wiping your face with your hands, carry a small, clean gym towel and use that to pat dry your face and neck instead.

It’s vital that you change out of your gym clothing as soon as possible after finishing your workout. Wearing worn workout clothes for too long following a workout can lead to body acne and clogged pores. Have a shower and wash your face as soon as possible. Once your face is clean, then follow up with a cleanser and toner. Use a moisturiser to add some hydration back into your skin.

Gym Wear

What you wear for the gym will also have a huge impact on the way that your skin breathes and reacts to workouts. Jumping and squatting your way through a tough workout is hard enough, but having to constantly adjust sagging leggings or a sweaty top is even more difficult. What you wear to the gym can make or break your workout and clothing made from the wrong material can have a terrible impact on your skin.