As you already know, working out is a great way to improve your health, boost your energy, and get an attractive body. But did you know that exercise can benefit your skin too? Ever heard of the post-workout glow? Exercise improves blood circulation and delivers nutrients to the skin. But if you are not careful enough and offer your skin the proper care before and after your workout, you may damage it.
In this article we present you all the steps you must follow before and after your workout if you want an acne-free and glowing skin.
Steps to follow for a healthy skin
Before your workout
Remove your makeup
The biggest mistake you could ever do! Exercise and sweat while wearing heavy make-up. Sweating is a natural function that helps regulate your body temperature. Through sweat, harmful toxins are released and certain impurities (pollutants, dirt) are expelled. The problem begins when sweat, excess sebum and dead cells combine with make-up, block your pores and eventually cause breakouts and acne.
Make sure to thoroughly clean your face before your workout. Remove your make-up and then use a mild cleanser to wash away any residue left.
Hydrate your skin
When you work out, you normally sweat and lose body fluid. Make sure to drink lots of water before and during your exercise. This way you will stay hydrated and maintain a normal body function. To offer to your skin some extra protection against dehydration use a moisturizing cream.
Opt for a lightweight hydrating cream that will easily be absorbed and avoid creams with rich texture, which combined with sweat could clog your pores.
Wear sunscreen
If you exercise outdoors, wear a sunscreen. Exposure to the sun is the main cause of skin damage and aging because it results in the form of free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin and lead to wrinkles, black spots and loss of elasticity. Using a sunscreen every day helps slow down the skin’s aging process and prevents the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other symptoms of premature skin aging.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and both UVA and UVB filters. Make sure to apply a thick layer covering all exposed areas of your body, and don’t forget to reapply during the day. Remember that you should use a sunscreen all year round and not just during summertime.
Opt for a natural deodorant
It is essential to use a deodorant, especially if you exercise indoors (gym) or in a group. Unfortunately, most conventional deodorants contain harsh chemicals that could damage your skin and cause dryness, redness, irritations, and even allergies. Furthermore, most regular deodorants contain aluminum that blocks sweat causing inflammations. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, do not prevent the physical function of sweating or do not prevent it entirely. They allow you to sweat and deal with your body odor, reducing bacteria, and covering smells.
So, opt for a natural deodorant that is safe to use and effectively fights odors. If you are interested in learning more about natural deodorants, read this article from our blog:
Benefits of natural deodorants
After your workout
Wash your hands and face
The first thing to do after your workout is wash your hands and face. When you touch your face with your hands, bacteria are transferred and your skin could be easily infected. In addition, if you leave the sweat and various impurities (dust, pollutants) on your face long after your exercise, you will most probably end up with breakouts and uneven skin texture.
Use the right cleanser according to your skin type and age, and thoroughly cleanse your face. Opt for cleansers with a moisturizing formula to avoid dry skin and irritations.
Change clothes
When you are done working out, you should ideally hit the showers. Your pores must be cleansed and left to “breathe” again. If that is not possible, then at least change your clothes. They will have absorbed a lot of sweat and if you keep them in touch with your skin for too long, your pores will be clogged, causing breakouts and acne.
Wash your hair
If you work out regularly, you should avoid washing your hair on a daily basis. With the frequent use of shampoo, the natural oils of your skin are removed and its pH balance is disturbed. But if you notice that your scalp is too oily or you suffer from dandruff, then you should pay more attention to your scalp and hair. Excessive oily skin can lead to various skin problems, including dandruff.
Avoid the use of conventional hair care products and opt for natural solid shampoos and conditioners. Conventional liquid shampoos contain a lot of chemicals as preservatives or foam agents. All these harsh ingredients may harm your hair and scalp and cause irritations, dryness, dandruff, hair loss etc. Natural ingredients included in shampoo bars do not remove the natural moisture of your hair and are gentler on the scalp. If you are interested in learning more about solid shampoos and conditioners, read this article from our blog:
6 Reasons to Switch from a Shampoo Bottle to a Shampoo Bar
Use a rich moisturizing cream
You just finished working out, thoroughly cleansed your face and your skin is glowing! Now is the perfect time to apply your moisturizer. Using a face cream is one of the most important skin care steps in every beauty routine and you should never skip it. Its main purpose, is to moisturize your skin and prevent water loss and dehydration. When your skin lacks moisture, it is more vulnerable and prone to signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply a rich moisturizing cream and if you are interested in targeted solutions to specific skin care concerns, then opt for a cream with active ingredients (antioxidants, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, etc.).
