We’re edging toward the end of winter, and your
workout resolution is well under way. Or,
your regular workout routine has been under way for a long time. Either way, this is often the time I get
asked about the best way to keep acne clear with a workout schedule
that seems to interfere too often with keeping skin healthy. How do you
avoid over- or under-washing the skin with workouts, and how to keep skin hydrated enough?
Pre-Workout
If your workout happens first thing in the morning
before applying makeup, there’s no need to do your entire morning routine. Simply use a third of the amount of cleanser you normally use, rinse well, and spray on twice the
usual amount of toner. Sunscreen should be applied
while your skin is still wet, to take advantage of any water-binding
ingredients (provided your sunscreen lotion is hydrating, which is best for
acne clearing).
What if your workout is at the end of the day? Never work out with makeup on! What’s the big deal?
- Heat on your skin melts clogging ingredients further into your pores.
- Pressure and friction from wiping away sweat pushes and smashes clogging ingredients in even further.
- Both heat and wiping exacerbate inflammation from pore irritating ingredients like red dyes.
You can use a liquid makeup remover to not only
remove your eye makeup with cotton-rounds, but also use a dime-size in your
hand for the rest of your face used like a wash. Rinse, and spray on lots of toner. Nothing more is needed. Now go work out.
Adult Acne Tip:
Wiping sweat off with a terry cloth towel can be
irritating. It can microscopically tear
at the skin causing milia, and also cause the kind of inflammation that leads to faster
aging, especially around the eyes. In
addition, if you’re using towels from home or the bottom of your shirt or
sleeve (yeah, I’ve seen you), residue from dryer sheets and fabric softener
will clog your pores! It's a good idea to stop using those anyway, actually. Gyms are not likely to use dryer sheets to save on costs, but that also means their towels can be pretty rough.
The solution?
A soft, absorbent, foam cloth!
Simply wet the cloth it in cold water (water fountain perhaps?), squeeze out as much as
you can, and now you have a cool cloth that will absorb your sweat like crazy! When you get home, hand wash with
antibacterial hand soap and hang to dry, or throw it in the wash. It dries hard, so it doesn’t harbor bacteria or
mold! Use it over and over until it
falls apart, usually about 6 months to a year.
Post-Workout
It is very important to wash sweat off after
working out, because the salt of your sweat can actually irritate follicles. So, as soon as possible after working out,
simply do your regular daytime or nighttime skincare routine, depending on
the time of day. If you absolutely can’t
do that, if you can only perform your skincare routine at home, rinse your
face with cool water at the gym, and spray your toner generously. But don’t wait too long - remember the ideal
is to do your routine right after working out.
If your workout is right in the middle of the day,
you can wash using a third of the amount of cleanser you normally use, and then
spray on twice the amount of toner, with either nighttime moisturizer or
sunscreen. Moisturizers can be applied
an unlimited number of times a day. Then
redo your makeup if needed.
When it’s later in the day and not the middle, like
closer to dinnertime let’s say, there’s no reason not to do your entire
nighttime routine at the gym, or the minute you get home! Remember, there’s no rule that says a nighttime routine has
to be before bed!
The only caveat here, is that if you’re only
brushing your teeth before bed, make sure you rinse with your hand and not
a cup, in order to more thoroughly wash away any foam from your toothpaste,
which can cause real problems under the lip line and the upper chin over time
if any residue is left.
As long as you’ve got such a great start on your
health journey, we should evaluate your current skincare routine, taking a look
at all products you use, including skincare, makeup, body care, and hair
care. Your body is getting healthy, get
your skin healthy, too!
Exclusive online skincare coaching service
specially designed for Adult Acne in ages 24+
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