Working out is highly beneficial to the mental and physical health of any individual. However, while exercising gives your skin a healthy, radiant glow, it could also trigger breakouts if you don’t maintain a proper skincare routine.
Gyms are generally unhygienic, with sweaty people sharing the same equipment, which may not be adequately disinfected. This allows for the spread of germs and diseases; also, sweat and dirt can clog skin pores leading to breakouts and blackheads.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your skin clear and bright even after a hard workout session. Here are 7 skincare tips to follow before and after each workout session:
- PULL YOUR HAIR BACK
When working out, be sure to pull your hair back and away from your face. This prevents oils and hair products from clogging your pores and causing breakouts. Headbands could trap sweat and causing your forehead to also breakout.
This is why you should opt for putting your hair up in a bun, away from your face. Putting your hair in a bun not only keeps it away from your eyes and distracting you, but it also prevents breakouts.
- SKIP MAKEUP IF YOU CAN
When working out, it is best to do so with a clean, makeup-free face. During workouts, the body heats up, causing your skin pores to open. Makeup can then settle into your skin pores, which in turn could lead to problems for your skin.
This is why, when working out, you should take care to ensure your skin can breathe by taking off all makeup before you start your workout session. If you do have to use makeup, opt for a tinted moisturiser or sunscreen to provide light coverage. Also, make sure to properly clean your face after your workout session.
- AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE
While at the gym, you should take care to avoid touching your face. This tip is vital for those who share gym equipment with others to prevent bacteria from spreading to their skin. This might be hard to do at first, but it is a habit that can overtime be developed.
Make sure to wash your hands after your workout sessions before putting it anywhere your face.
- ALWAYS WASH YOUR FACE AFTER WORKING OUT
Whether or not you wear makeup to the gym, you must wash your face properly after working out. Clean your skin gently after a workout to remove all traces of bacteria and sweat residues accumulated during your exercise.
Use a gentle cleanser to remove sweat and bacteria without irritating your skin then finish up with a moisturiser or sunscreen. Washing your face post-workout cools off your skin and returns your skin’s temperature to its normal level faster.
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT GYM TOWEL
Many gyms provide members with towels, but it is often advised that you bring your gym towel along. This is because, with your gym towel, you know precisely when and how the towel was cleaned. With gym towels, your skin might react with the detergent used, or they might not even be adequately cleaned, causing more problems for your skin.
Also, you have to consider the towel’s absorbency. Fluffy, thick towels hold on to bacteria for longer, this is why you should opt for a thin medium thick towel with less fibre making it difficult for bacteria to foster. Also, make sure to regularly and properly clean your gym towels after each use.
- USE ICE TO REDUCE REDNESS
If you get easily flushed after a workout, grab some ice and suck on it. The temperature receptor on the hard palate of the mouth resets the flushing and blushing in your face when you suck on a piece of ice. Sucking on ice provides instant relief to post-workout redness.
- 7. PACK SOME TONER PADS IN YOUR GYM BAG
Toning pads also help you get rid of excess dirt and oil. These toning pads are cotton rounds, pre-soaked with active ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid. They are great for people with oily skin as they help remove sweat layers and residual makeup after you exercise.
While exercising has tremendous benefits for the body, without proper care, your skin might start to feel the brunt of these workouts. This is why you must take adequate care of your skin before and after each workout session.
These skincare tips will help you ensure your skin stays healthy, beautiful and glowing even on really hard gym days.
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