After finishing a workout and taking a shower, we often overlook the importance of thoroughly cleansing our skin. Many people underestimate the impact of sweat, but it can have more detrimental effects than you might realize. So, why is it crucial to cleanse your skin properly after exercising? Simple! When we sweat our skin pores open, we become dehydrated and eliminate toxins. That is why we must take the time to return our skin to its original state. To achieve this, carrying out a post-workout skincare routine is paramount.
Pre and post-workout skincare routine: how to take care of our skin after and before exercising?
During physical exertion, our pores open up, allowing sweat, oil, and other impurities to enter and potentially clog them. But there’s more to consider: have you ever thought about the bacteria that can linger on gym equipment? Or the potential harm to your skin from sun exposure if you’re running outdoors?
Obviously, you should wash your face after a workout, this is the first step. But we recommended carrying out skincare routines after and before doing exercise. Let’s discover more about workout skincare!
Pre-workout skincare
Before starting your workout, it’s important to wash your face to ensure your skin is clean. Sweating causes your pores to open up to expel toxins. If your skin isn’t clean before you start exercising, impurities can enter the pores, leading to blockages and potentially causing microcysts and breakouts. To simplify your pre-workout skincare routine, consider keeping disposable makeup removing wipes in your gym bag. If you’re exercising outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect your skin. Follow the instructions on the sunscreen for optimal effectiveness.
For those who work out in a gym, be mindful of the equipment you’ll be using. Exercise machines can harbor bacteria, which can transfer to your skin if you touch your face or body during your workout, potentially causing breakouts. To minimize this risk, wipe down the equipment with antibacterial wipes before use and try to avoid touching your face during exercise.
Post-workout skincare
After finishing your workout, avoid using your hands to wipe sweat from your face, as this can transfer bacteria and dirt into your open pores, potentially causing breakouts. Instead, use a clean gym towel to gently pat your face and neck dry.
It’s also crucial to change out of sweaty clothes promptly, as prolonged contact with sweat-soaked garments can lead to clogged pores and body acne. Wash your face as soon as possible after exercising, this is the first step in any post-workout skincare routine. Once your skin is clean, apply a toner followed by a moisturizer to restore hydration and keep your skin balanced. You can also look for a post-workout mask, this product can provide moisture and nutrition and that’s why it becomes a great ally in your post-workout skincare routine.
Given that exercise can irritate the skin, it’s crucial to avoid harsh cleansers that might strip or damage it. Steer clear of products such as acids, peels, exfoliants and alpha-hydroxy acids. Instead, use mild cleansing options like cleansing oils, makeup remover milks or creams, micellar water or biphasic formulas. These will effectively remove sweat, oil and impurities without causing additional irritation.
Next, continue with the usual skincare routine, a toner to eliminate any remaining dirt, a serum with hydrating and soothing properties, and of course a moisturizing cream because exactly what the skin needs most after exercising is to regain hydration and repair. the hydrolipid barrier. Don’t forget sunscreen either to complete the ideal post-work skincare regimen, as long as it’s daytime.
The most crucial post-work skincare routine step is to rehydrate: use products that restore the nutrients and moisture your skin has lost. Make sure to apply moisturizer to both your face and body. Consistent hydration is key, so don’t skimp on this essential step!
Should we repeat our entire skincare routine after exercising?
While the essential step of cleansing is straightforward, you might wonder whether you should follow it up with your complete skincare routine, including toner, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. This question is especially relevant if you work out early in the morning. Should you apply all these products before or after your workout?
Given that a subsequent cleansing is recommended (which would remove any previously applied cosmetics), the most logical approach would be to cleanse your skin, exercise, then clean your face again and proceed with your full skincare routine. This ensures that your skin is fresh and free of impurities before applying your complete regimen.
On the contrary, if several hours are going to pass between the time we get up and the time we play sports, we could do our skincare routine in the morning, since we will give our skin time to absorb the cosmetics. However, an important point is that even if we have already done the morning skincare routine, after training and subsequent cleaning, we should continue with a dose of treatment – even if it is in a reduced version of our usual steps – since it is necessary to restore the tissue, providing it with nutrients and, above all, the water that has been lost during exercise, being a vital step to keep the skin protected during the rest of the day. Therefore, we should at least always follow with a moisturizer and, if it is not yet nighttime, with our sunscreen.
