Skin Care Musts For Your Workout
Exercising does wonders for your body, inside and out. Not only does it deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin, it also promotes collagen production and boosts your circulation. But there’s just one tiny workout nuisance that can lead to big problems for your skin. Sweat.
Want to avoid post-workout redness, irritation, acne, and itchiness? Incorporate the tips below into your workout routine to give your skin the same love you give to your muscles.
Avoid Heavy Makeup
Easier said than done, right? Still, going to the gym make-up free is the best way to go. Combining the ingredients of a heavy foundation with sweat, dirt, and oil can quickly lead to dreaded acne. If you know you’re acne prone, try to skip the makeup altogether. But, if you struggle to go bare-faced, use mineral-based makeup products to minimize clogging.
Don’t Touch Your Face
In case the gym wasn’t germy enough, add some sweat into the equation, and you have a skin nightmare on your hands (and face). Bacteria breeds on sweaty surfaces (especially clothing and workout equipment). Transferring those germs onto your face is a perfect storm for acne or worse — skin infections.
Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face throughout your workout. Also be aware that even if you’ve used hand sanitizer, repeatedly touching your face can transfer alcohol onto your skin and cause dry patches.
Wash That Sweat Away
Hopping into the shower after a workout is a no-brainer when you’re at home. But what if you’re on your lunch break and headed straight back to work? Cleansing that sweat off your skin is critical. If you can’t shower right away, at the very least, wash your face. The longer that sweat sits on your skin, the more time it has to seep into your pores and cause problems.
When washing, opt for lukewarm or cool water. The cooler temperatures help close your pores that were dilated from sweating. (This cool down is especially important if you worked out outdoors or just finished up a round of hot yoga.)
When washing post-workout, you’ll want to avoid scrubbing your skin. After a workout, your skin is delicate and prone to micro-abrasions. Reach for a gentle face wash, like Mint & Needle’s Gentle Cleanser, which will help reduce irritation.
Moisture Is Your Friend
For most of us, when you sweat, capillaries on the surface of your skin dilate, bringing more blood to the surface and causing redness. That’s normal, but moisturizer will help soothe that redness quicker.
Use a light-weight moisturizer both before and after your workout to help prevent redness and itchiness. Mint & Needle’s B3 Hydrate is a great light-weight, oil-free option that effectively hydrates, replenishes, and restores the skin without clogging your pores.
As you head out for your next workout, don’t neglect your gorgeous skin. Have questions about the best products to use? Email us at info@mintandneedle.com, or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram. And if you feel as though your sweat is abnormally excessive — even when you’re not working out — talk to the Mint & Needle team about our hyperhidrosis treatment.
