Exercise is good for the body and mind and did you know exercise and sweating is good for your skin, too? Dr. Margarita Lolis, a Board-Certified Dermatologist and member of the American Academy of Dermatology, explains that, "When exercising we release toxins from our skin, opening up and clear out our pores. However, if you miss one important step when it comes to exercising and skin, you'll start to notice your skin going downhill." Here are some pointers to help your skin look its post-workout best:
- Use disposable body wipes or medicated/herbal wet tissues right after a workout. This will help in removing excess oil from your skin.
- Always carry a small towel with you to wipe the excess sweat.
- Avoid touching your face with bare hands to keep bacterial infections and acne at bay.
- Use a foot deodorizer to clean your feet after a heavy workout.
- Skip the tanning bed. It's harmful to your skin, in so many ways. There's also the range of cosmetic skin concerns, like wrinkles and sun spots. Opt for a self-tanning lotion or simply working out outdoors with SPF will give you a natural glow.
- BYOT (bring your own towel!). If you opt for a gym washroom for a shower, be careful of the towels and cleansing products you use. Do not use towels already used by someone. The sweat of other people can cause acne on your skin. Cleaning your skin should be hygienic.
- Wear fresh clothes after showering. Also, avoid wearing gym clothes after washing yourself clean. Gym clothes will be sweaty and grimy; they may cause acne and other skin related problems.
- Avoid close contact. Other people's sweat may also cause skin acne, pimples and other related problems. That hug to your trainer or gym buddy can end up triggering a breakout.
- Skip the hot water. Sure,your muscles are sore, and you're in the mood for a hot shower after a workout. Hot water strips skin of vital oils, leaving you with dry, itchy, dull skin.
- Reduce the redness. Calm down a flushed face with your own redness control remedy made up of a little bit of iced green tea and a spray bottle. You'll cool down your skin and add in a few extra anti-oxidants in the process.
- Rehydrate your skin. After enduring a good workout and cleanse, it's critical to re-establish the natural moisture and oils that have been removed from your skin. When it comes to your face, you really should invest in a high quality, fast-absorbing, nutrient-rich product that includes vitamins A and E and the super-ingredient hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is expert at restoring moisture to your skin and has also been shown to stimulate collagen production. If you've been exercising outdoors, a moisturizer with anti-oxidant ingredients is important to help repair damage caused by UV exposure and other environmental factors.
- Go bare. Morning gym people there’s no need to apply makeup. If you work out after work consider taking a face wipe to remove dirt, makeup which may blend with sweat triggering breakouts. You want your skin to be able to breathe while you're working out.
- Wear a hairband. Hair should always be pulled back from your face, not only because of sweat, but because of your hair products, too. If you are seeing breakouts on your forehead or hairline, mousses, gels or other hair products could be to blame. An elastic headband worn behind the ears about an inch from the hairline keeps stray hairs off the face.
- Wear gloves when working out. In addition to protecting hands from rough calluses, gloves also prevent the transmission of bacteria and viruses like warts and staphylococcus bacteria; which can cause impetigo. Impetigo is a common skin infection that can be easily transmitted at the gym and result in blisters and sores. If you choose not to wear gloves during a workout, disinfect your equipment with a wipe or spray.
The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.