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With the gyms finally reopening, it’s important to remember to take care of your skin.
Skincare before and after your workout is more vital than you may think. We have collated the top skincare tips for pre- and post-workout.
Pre-workout skincare tips
Pre-workout skincare is all about keeping it simple. You’re about to sweat, so you won’t need to use any heavy creams or serums. Cleansing the skin is the first step for pre-workout skincare. Whether you’re wearing makeup or not, washing the face is crucial before working out so that your complexion is clean. Washing off skincare products that include active ingredients such as AHA’s or using an acne cream with benzoyl peroxide is vital. Sweat will mix with these ingredients, causing the skin to become irritated and red. Using a calming cleanser such as the Kate Sommerville DeliKate Soothing Cleanser will stop this issue from arising.
Finish by applying to the skin a light moisturiser such as the Ren Clean Skincare Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream. Gentle and irritation-free, this moisturiser will brighten up your complexion so you can feel confident in your skin at the gym.
If you can, try to skip wearing makeup during exercise. Makeup can stop your skin from being able to breathe while exercising and clog up the pores. However, if wearing makeup is a must, keep reading for makeup products that are perfect for working out.
Post-workout skincare tips
Wash the sweat off after working out to prevent breakouts with a gentle cleanser such as the Elemis Superfood Facial Wash. Gel cleansers are powerful and reduce surface oil which is great post-workout. This cleanser will feel like a green smoothie for your face, leaving your skin feeling fresh. Cleansing the face after a workout is vital whether you have makeup on or not.
Toning is another post-workout skincare step. Toner is a way to thoroughly get rid of excess dirt and oil. If you’re in a rush after the gym and need something quick, try the Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go pads. They are the travel-friendly versions of the acid toner from Pixi and the perfect size for your gym bag. These pads have been pre-soaked in a brightening solution that will quickly eliminate dead skin cells post-workout.
Hydration is crucial post-workout. After exercising, the skin might be a little dehydrated so, it’s important to use hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Moisturise the skin with a lighter moisturiser such as the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream. Not only does it contain three different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, but it also attracts moisture from the atmosphere, keeping the skin continually hydrated. This level of hydration is just what the skin needs after exercising.
Exercise friendly makeup
Going bare faced to the gym isn’t for everyone. That’s okay! If you wish to wear a full face of makeup, pick lightweight products. A tinted moisturiser is the best choice for a good amount of coverage yet remaining light on the skin. The Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser is a great option for this look. Choose a water-resistant mascara to avoid it smudging around the eyes. The Glossier Lash Slick is light on the eyes and water-resistant.
Try out makeup specifically for exercise, such as CliniqueFIT. Clinique created this sports-friendly makeup line so that the makeup will not block the pores while exercising. The products in the ClinqueFIT line won’t irritate the skin when exercising either. Ensure you wash off the makeup once you have worked out to clear the sweat and dirt that has built up during exercise.
Words By Eleanor Coleman
