There are many benefits that can come from working out. From helping you sleep better at night, to reducing your chances of injury, physical fitness can impact it all. And it doesn’t just stop there. Believe it or not, working out can also affect the state of your skin.
Exercising allows you to maintain healthy levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone found in your body. High cortisol levels will often heighten your chances of developing acne breakouts and even break down the collagen levels in your skin, which in turn, can cause premature sagging and wrinkling. So by working out consistently, you’re not only reducing levels of cortisol, but also supporting your body in the production of collagen.
Still, the skincare benefits associated with working out aren’t always guaranteed if you yourself aren’t taking proper care of your complexion before and after working out. Without taking preventative measures to ensure sweat doesn’t influence your skin’s health, you’re more likely to endure skin issues like acne post-workout.
Luckily, mitigating the likelihood of developing this skin concern can be easy. For all you gym gurus out there, follow this guide to healthy skin!
ALWAYS REMOVE MAKEUP PRE-WORKOUT
One of the best ways to reduce your chances of experiencing post-workout acne is to remove any and all makeup before heading to the gym. The increased temperature and sweat that inevitably comes from exercising causes your skin to become increasingly vulnerable because it opens up your pores.
When makeup is left on your skin, these particles will oftentimes block and consequently, clog your pores. As a result, breakouts and even uneven skin texture may occur. That being said, be sure to remove your makeup before you do anything else. Even if you’re on the go and don’t have time to stop at home first, you can always pack a travel size cleansing oil or makeup remover wipes in your purse or gym bag as these are both portable and convenient for gym gurus with busy schedules. Although it may not seem imperative, this small step can truly lead to a healthier you.
CLEANSE YOUR SKIN ASAP POST WORKOUT
Aside from the acne that can arise on your face if you let the sweat linger post workout, you can also experience acne on other parts of your body as well. That’s why after you’re finished working out, you should make a point to cleanse your skin and body almost immediately.
Chest acne, for example, is a common issue gym guru’s, specifically women, will experience if they do not practice good hygiene habits once they’ve finished their workout. This is likely due to sweaty compression clothes like sports bras that trap oil and dead skin cells on your skin for hours and hours if you do not change out of them. These factors are a breeding ground for bacteria buildup, which explains why acne tends to occur on account of this.
That said, always try to get a shower in after your workout. If you’re unable to for whatever reason, try to at least bring a change of clothes, and be sure to wash your face with a gentle skin care cleanser. This is one of many simple self-care tips that is sure to keep you looking just as good as you feel post workout.
PREVENT PIMPLES USING ACNE TREATMENT
If you identify with an acne prone or oily skin type, this tip is for you! Although removing makeup and cleansing your skin are helpful ways to mitigate the development of unwanted breakouts, they’re not always foolproof. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take extra precautions, which is where treatment products come in.
Using acne treatment is arguably one of the best ways to ensure your skin remains clean, clear, and under control—even after an intense, sweat-induced workout. It helps to prevent pimples before they even appear and target any existing blemishes you may be experiencing. So next time you notice the formation of post-workout acne, don’t fret. The consistent use of acne treatment is sure to effectively take care of the issue in no time!
DON’T FORGET TO HYDRATE!
Finally, remember to keep your skin hydrated after you’ve completed your session at the gym! Just as it’s critical to hydrate your body post workout, the same rule applies to your skin. Depending on how dry your skin is, the moisturizer you’ll want to reach for may vary. In most cases, however, sticking with a lightweight moisturizer is usually a reliable solution for fighting blemishes, replenishing your moisture barrier, and soothing the skin.
If you’re like many other gym gurus, you may encounter what’s commonly known as “post-workout flush,” a temporary condition that generally occurs when you sweat a lot, causing your skin to look abnormally red. This happens because the capillaries dilate on the surface of your skin, which naturally brings more redness to the face.
Even though this issue will typically fade as you go about your day post-workout, it can still be annoying to deal with when you’re planning to go somewhere other than your home after the gym. In this scenario, opt for a moisturizer containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe may be in your best interest. Using a product like this will allow you to target and treat redness as it occurs, and help your skin recover more quickly post-workout.