A clean face is an important factor of healthy skin, and this article dives into what skincare products to pack in your gym bag and should you wash your face before working out.
Fitting in a gym session can often be tricky between the hectic balance of work and social lives. Many of us prefer to bite the bullet and exercise in the morning, while others opt to workout on their lunch break or in the evening. Whatever time of the day you choose to get a sweat on, a pre and post-workout skincare routine is essential! If you are skipping this step, it can cause a variety of skin problems, so now’s the time to get into the habit.
Should You Wash Your Face Before Working Out?
Many dermatologists and skin experts agree you should wash your face before exercise, but should you wash your face before working out also depends on your skin type and personal choice.
People who double cleanse at night may choose not to in the morning as their face is still clean. Instead, they may prefer to rinse with lukewarm water or use a micellar water. Cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, and board-certified dermatologist Dr Stephanie Saxton-Daniels told Health, “For most people, simply cleansing your face before bed should be sufficient.”
Not everybody can get away with skipping washing their face in the morning, especially people with acne, oil-prone skin or other skin conditions, so do whatever works for you.
What Skincare Should I Do Before The Gym Or A Workout?
A survey by the Body Shop found, “58% of Brits don’t factor a skincare routine before or after exercise, with 61% feeling that it’s an unnecessary step.”
A pre-workout skincare routine is essential, consisting of a few simple steps that are quick and easy to do. If you are working out first thing, clean your face before you begin your exercise routine. You can do this either with a gentle cleanser, micellar water or a rinse with lukewarm water, it’s up to you.
Once your skin is clean, choose a lightweight moisturiser or serum; avoid thick and heavy creams, as they can clog the pores. Even if you are working out indoors, you need to wear sunscreen as UV rays still pass through windows. Dermatologist Dr Shereen Idriss recommends “It’s always best to start your workout with clean skin and sunscreen if you’re working out in the morning or midday.”
Avoid facial wipes; as convenient as they seem, they are not an efficient makeup remover, as instead of removing dirt, they move it around your face. The Inkey List also warns, “the excessive rubbing motion required to clean with face wipes can be abrasive to the skin barrier potentially causing irritation, inflammation and damage.”
Working up a sweat has us wiping our faces more often with our hands or a towel. This action can decrease the amount of SPF previously applied on the skin, and why you should wear a water-resistant sunscreen.
The best option for ultimate protection is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. There are two types of sunscreen, mineral and chemical, and dermatologist Dr Jennifer Segal recommends a mineral-based sunscreen, saying, “Mineral-based sunscreens tend to be less irritating and sit on the skin rather than being absorbed by it.”
**Remember to do a patch test before applying any new ingredients on your face and body. Consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns or specific skin conditions.**
What Happens If You Don’t Wash Your Face After Working Out?
Your post-workout skincare routine should start by washing your face ASAP to clear the buildup of sweat and bacteria. This essential step decreases the risk of breaking out or other skin issues.
Doing a double cleanse is recommended, and dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner advises “starting with an oil-based cleanser to remove the make-up followed by a water-based cleanser to finish the job.” It’s a good idea to bring your own clean towel to avoid bacteria from using one at the gym.
Avoid using harsh exfoliants on workout days as it might cause skin irritation as your face is sensitive after exercise. After a workout routine, don’t rinse with hot water, as it will make your skin even redder; instead, rinse with lukewarm or cool water.
After washing your face, follow up with your usual skincare routine, and finish with a SPF and make-up if you wear it. You can skip SPF if you are working out in the evening, and after cleansing your face, apply your p.m skincare products.
The gym is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and some skin care tips to keep it at bay are:
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Clean the gym equipment and mats before use
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Wear clean workout clothes
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Avoid touching your face.
Is Working Out With Makeup On Bad For Your Skin?
The combination of sweat and make-up is not good on the skin, so going bare-faced is a better option as it lets your skin breathe, helping prevent skin problems such as post-workout breakouts.
Dongsun Park, PhD, of the Korea National University of Education, told Healthline, based on a study conducted, “wearing heavy make-up like cream foundation during exercise can potentially lead to skin problems such as clogged pores due to sweat accumulation. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for lighter makeup or oil-free products to maintain healthy skin during exercise.”
If going make-up-free is out of your comfort zone, don’t worry as you can still wear it. Dermatologist Dr.Shari Lipner says, “There are no known long-term effects of wearing makeup. It’s fine for people to wear makeup, as long as it’s not irritating their skin or exacerbating any skin condition.”
Colour-correcting creams (CC) and beauty balms (BB) are better options for working out, as they consist of a lightweight formula and healthier alternatives to heavy foundations. Eye make-up mixed with sweat can irritate the eyes; the best option is waterproof mascara which is resilient to moisture.
Whether you do a morning workout or go to the gym after a long day at work, don’t let a busy schedule mean you neglect taking care of your skin. It only takes a few simple steps before and after your workout to maintain a healthy complexion and avoid unnecessary skin issues.
Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied.
