Starting a workout routine is a commendable commitment for both your physical and mental well-being. And, maintaining a consistent daily skincare routine along with it is important, but when it comes to exercise, establishing both pre and post-workout skincare routines becomes even more important.
With the increasing popularity of fitness routines, the frequency of workouts has surged, which demands attention towards our skin. Achieving a radiant complexion after a gym session not only has aesthetic benefits but is also an important aspect of post-workout care. And, neglecting a proper skincare routine can potentially lead to unwanted breakouts and other skin problems.
Check out this list of the Do’s and Don’ts of Skincare to follow before and after workouts.
Do’s and Don’ts of skin care before workout
Do’s –
- Remove Makeup- Exercising with makeup on can be a primary cause of facial acne which is why it is recommended to wipe makeup off your skin.
- Cleansing- It is equally important to cleanse your face with a mild cleanser as it ensures that there’s no residual product left that can block the pores and lead to acne.
- Hydrate- Applying a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen as needed is essential for your skin.
- Sunscreen- when working out outdoors, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Don’ts –
- Heavy Products- Avoid using heavy creams or oils that may leave your skin feeling suffocated during exercise.
- Exfoliation- Before exercise, avoid using harsh exfoliants as they can lead to skin irritation when mixed with sweat.
- New Products- Resist the temptation to try out new skincare products before working out and stick to the familiar items that you know won’t cause irritation or breakouts.
Do’s and Don’ts of skin care after workout
Do’s-
- Maintain Hand Hygiene- After you workout, it is important to wash your hands to get rid of any bacteria or microbes that may have been transferred from gym equipment. Doing this can not only promote good health but also minimize the risk of allergies, bacterial, and fungal infections.
- Take a refreshing shower and change clothes- This not only makes you feel clean and refreshed but also helps reduce body odor and the likelihood of infections.
- Prioritize Moisturizing- To ensure your skin remains hydrated, it is important to moisturize your face and neck region.
- Hydrate Yourself- hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water after your workout. If your skin appears red or flushed, use a cool, damp cloth to gently pat your skin and reduce inflammation.
Don’ts-
- Touch your face- Resist the urge to touch your face, especially if your hands are sweaty as doing so can transfer bacteria and potentially result in breakouts.
- Heavy Makeup Application- Just like before your workout, avoid applying heavy makeup right away. Give your skin some time to breathe and recover.
- Skip Cleansing- Regardless of how tired you may feel, never skip the important step of cleansing your face after a workout as leaving sweat on your skin can contribute to unwanted breakouts.
