6 MUST-DOS FOR PROTECTING YOUR SKIN BEFORE AND AFTER WORKING OUT

We already know about the must dos for our skin before bed, and first thing in the morning. We know that a daily structured skincare routine can help your skin remain blemish free, soft, supple, and healthy. Exercise has also proven to be one of the best things you can do for your inner and outer health. A daily rising of the heart rate increases circulation, improves your health, and can clear up your skin. Learn more about the top habits to have for clear skin here.

However, what should we do to protect our skin before and after a workout? A good work out will leave you sweaty, and if you do not properly care for your skin it can suffocate and cause irritation and break outs. So here are our six-must dos before and after working out.

Before the work out.

1. Do not skin on the sunscreenParticularly if you are working out outside, make sure to reapply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. The Ultraviolet rays from the sun are the biggest factor that contribute to aging, so ensuring you are wearing a high SPF will take care of your skin as you sweat it out. Even if you are working out indoors, UV rays can travel through windows, so you can never be too careful or apply too much sunscreen. Do keep in mind that many sunscreens are not sweat proof, so try find yourself a sport one or one created with a mineral base.

2. Do not stress about removing your make upWhile you may think that wiping off all your makeup before a sweat sesh is recommended, it is not necessary. Particularly if you wear light make up, your sweat and hard work is more likely to ruin your make up than damage your skin. If you are well hydrated, which is a key point of staying fit and healthy, then you will sweat directly through your makeup with no consequences to your skin health. The one product that would however block up your pores, is a heavy moisturiser. Therefore, try and stay away from moisturising with heavy duty and oil-based moisturisers before going to work out.

After you work out.

1. Wash away your sweat 

   The first thing you should do after finishing your work out, is to use cool water to wash away the sweat. Sweat creates a warm, moist, and wet environment for bacteria to grow. Especially if you are acne prone, not washing your sweat away can increase the chances of break outs and pimples. Another tip to avoid acne developing is to always change out of sweaty clothes into dry ones. This will keep your skin germ, oil, and bacteria free.

2. At least wash your face 

   If you do not have the chance for a full body shower, at least wash your face with cool water. Wipe away the oil, sweat, and germs to minimise the chances of a breakout. Then apply a light moisturiser to trap in water and reapply sunscreen to provide additional protection from sunlight. Wearing sunscreen every day is the keyway to protect your skin from premature aging, sunspots, and more. If you suffer from hyper pigmentation from the sun, make sure to check out this blog post all about it.

3. Cool down your skin 

   Just like your muscles need to cool down after an exercise, your flushed skin will also benefit from the healing, cool touch, particularly if you have been exercising outside in the sun or have taken a hot yoga class, your skin may be inflamed from the high temperatures coming from within and outside. The best solution is to wash your face, and body with cool water. Another option is to apply a cooling mask once you come back home to provide your skin with additional relief from the heat.

So do not let stress about your skin stop you from working out, instead boost your skin health with daily exercise. It is one of the best things you can do for your overall health that will translate to your overall skin appearance. If you suffer from acne despite regular exercise and all the tips above, it may be a good idea to set up a professional appointment with our dermatologist. They will be able to create specific treatment plans to help you reach your goals.