Exercise is essential for healthy skin, but it can also lead to breakouts if you don’t take the proper care before and after your workouts. Sweat and dirt that builds up can quickly clog your pores and lead to acne, blackheads, and unsightly spots. Luckily, there are ways to avoid post-workout breakouts and to keep your skin looking clean and bright. So before you head out to the gym or hit play on your exercise video, follow this ultimate workout skincare guide for healthier looking skin.
Before You Start
Before you begin your workout, we recommend that you give your face a thorough cleaning with a facial wash and eye makeup remover. This will help to remove any makeup that can clog up your pores when you start to sweat. If you exercise outdoors or at a gym, disposable facial wipes can easily be packed in your bag to be used when you’re on the go. And when taking your workout outside, always remember to apply a thin layer of sunscreen to combat sun exposure on your face.
During Your Workout
If you plan on using any type of exercise equipment for your workout, it’s wise to wipe these down first with an anti-bacterial wipe or spray. This will help to remove any bacteria that you could transfer to your face during the workout. You should also take considerable care to avoid touching your face to prevent passing on any dirt or germs to your skin. When it comes to removing sweat during your workout, a clean gym towel should be used to gently pat away any sweat from your face and neck. For those with long hair, wearing it up can help to prevent any additional oil from touching your face.
Those who have skin conditions may need to adjust their workout to reduce any flare-ups. If you have rosacea, for example, high-intensity workouts can trigger a flare-up. By switching to shorter intervals and lower-intensity exercises that reduce overheating of the face, you can help to prevent any further skin issues from occurring when working out.
After Your Workout
As soon as you’re done, you should wash your face as soon as possible. Removing the dirt and sweat will prevent your pores from becoming clogged and breaking out. Once washed with a cleanser, we also recommend applying toner and moisturizer to help replenish your skin. We also advise our patients to have a facial at least once a month. This can help give your face a deep cleaning to remove any built-up dirt that may have reached the deeper layers of your skin.
Exercise is excellent for your skin, but it can also trigger breakouts if you don’t take the proper care before and after your workout. By following this ultimate workout skincare guide, you should start to notice immediate improvements in your overall complexion. However, if you still are experiencing breakouts or acne, it may be time to talk to a skincare professional to get to the root of the problem. At Ottawa Skin Care Clinic, we can provide you with all the advice you need and recommend a treatment plan to improve any skin conditions.