Pre and Post Workout Skin Care Tips

If you're on this website then chances are you love working out or are at least thinking about starting to. With workouts come sweat and with sweat comes a dirt, particularly on your face. Having clear skin and hitting the gym might seem like an oxymoron but there are ways to take care of this before and after your gym sesh to make sure your skin looks clear no matter how hard you go during the workout! And can leave the gym with clean and clear skin! Expert Quotes from Dr. Shereene Idriss, founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City.

Pre-Workout

1. Do Your Normal Skincare Routine

When you wake up, do your everyday skincare routine, but if you know your workout that day is going to be a sweaty one, pay attention to your moisturizer and your makeup.

2. Load Up on the Moisturizer

If that day is going to be one of the harder workouts, experts say the best defense is to load on with a thicker layer of moisturizer. When we workout, not only does the sweat get into our pores, but it also dries our skin out. Take a proactive stance and put on more moisturizer you think on those heavier workout days to combat that sweat sinking into your skin and making it dry.

3. Remove Your Makeup

This is a tough one, because I know every woman here wants to go to the gym looking cute. But trust me, acne is not cute. Working out in makeup is like doubling up the amount of toxins that can seep into your skin while you workout. “Sweat mixing with makeup is obviously much more damaging to your skin, so take off all the makeup." Idriss says. Now no one is saying you can't wear your makeup to a yoga class, or a low impact class, but the sweaty days don't need makeup at all. Go with your natural self! Your skin will thank you later.

Post-Workout

1. Double Cleanse

“Additionally, if you’re working out at a gym, you’re also exposed to other people’s sweat and bacteria, so cleansing afterwards is essential to keep your skin healthy, clear and glowing.” Dr. Idriss is a huge fan of double cleansing, even if you did you a.m. skin care routine then went to workout in the morning, when you come back, cleanse your skin again. No one wants their sweat AND others people sweat still on their face hours after the gym session. Ideally you want to rinse off your whole body after the gym, but in cases where you can't, Idriss says to wash your face with water “just to make sure that you’re getting rid of any of the residue that built up on your face.” If you're lucky, get some micellar water and a cotton pad and wipe off any dirt or sweat still on your face. If working out in the evening, just follow up with your normal night time routine.

2. Serum or Moisturizer

A lightweight moisturizer is perfect for after a workout. Too heavy of a moisturizer after a workout and for the rest of the day will clog the pores even more and not allow the skin to breathe after a workout. Give the pores time to heal and a lightweight moisturizer to protect the barrier is all you should need.

3. Do NOT Exfoliate

I know I said to double cleanse but reminder, that does not include exfoliating your face. You can before the workout but after the workout for the second cleanse is a huge no no. After a workout your pores are red and irritated and very open and susceptible to whatever you put on them. If you take an exfoliator and scrub your face harshly after the gym, you risk tearing or rupturing those tiny pores. Be gentle with your cleansing after a gym session.

Last little piece of advice is to keep lotion handy after a sweaty gym session. Your body skin gets dry too, from the sweat sitting in your leggings. If you get the chance to rinse off in the shower after your workout, always remember to replace the moisture in your body too by putting on lotion. Now go out there and look your best self before and after your awesome workout!