Working out is a great way to improve your health, but it's important to take care of your skin before and after exercising to avoid irritation and breakouts. Exercise can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of water both before and after you sweat. Starting your workout with a clean face is important, but what you do after you sweat it out is just as crucial. This pre and post workout skincare routine will help you get rid of acne and keep your skin looking its best.
Before your workout
The act of cleansing is important for many different reasons. Cleansing can help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, helping to avoid breakouts that may be caused by makeup mixing with your sweat and clogging your pores. So, it's important to clean your face and remove your makeup before working out when you can (and depending on how sweaty you expect your workout to be).
To quickly remove your makeup, start by soaking a cotton pad with micellar water and gently rubbing it over your face in a circular motion. Continue until all of your makeup is removed. Then, rinse your face with cold water and apply a simple moisturizer and sunscreen. If you’re going for a run along the beach or taking part in any outdoor class or activity, applying SPF is essential for keeping your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays. If you don't want to use a moisturizer, you should use a sunscreen with a moisturizing formula.
During and after your workout
During your workout, try not to touch your face to avoid transferring sweat and bacteria onto your skin. For the same reason, it’s usually best to keep your hair tied back. If you didn’t have time to remove your makeup prior to your workout, now is the time to double-cleanse. Start with an oil-based, makeup-dissolving cleanser before a quick wash with a gentle, water-based cleanser to take care of any excess sweat and bacteria left on the skin. After cleansing, follow with a simple replenishing moisturizer - there’s no need to repeat your entire skincare routine unless you’re working out at first thing in the morning, or last thing in the evening. Save any products with active ingredients for your evening routine when your skin is likely to be less sensitive.
Most importantly, hydrate! Replenish your skin, body and mind with water and try to continue hydrating throughout the rest of the day or evening.
