Just had a massive workout? Wiping the sweat of your face with your hands as you head off for a hot shower. Itching to scrub the dirt off your face or just too exhausted and shower later?
Here are some tips which may make you rethink all of the above and more.
A few extra minutes cleansing post-workout can make all the difference in keeping your complexion healthy, hydrated and breakout-free.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #1:
Don’t touch your face! The gym is full of germs. leading to bacteria on the face and therefore breakouts.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #2:
Immediately hit the showers to remove a build-up of sweat from the skin. (Use body wipes until you get home if you can’t shower at the gym).
Leaving sweat to dry on the body can keep the bacteria inside your pores, which makes breakouts and folliculitis more likely.
Showering also makes you smell better. It’s not the sweat that smells, it’s the bacteria that causes body odour. Pat dry the skin, do not rub and do not completely dry the skin.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #3:
No hot showers, Stick to lukewarm water. Hot water can dry out the skin, making it itchy and creating a need to scratch which ultimately can break the skin barrier and leave the skin vulnerable to bacteria and fungus.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #4:
Be gentle with the skin. Do not scrub the face or body aggressively to remove dirt. It’s the number one mistake gym-goers make. Too much exfoliation can dehydrate your skin, leading to eczema or exacerbate acne.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #5:
Moisturise your skin. Sweat does not quench your skin. You need to replenish the water your skin has lost. However do not make the mistake of using a heavy moisturiser.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #6:
Post-workout protein shakes can be more than just for your muscles. Collagen is a protein found in the skin, which helps the skin stay plump and firm. Taking the right collagen supplement along with protein shakes can boost collagen production and keep you looking younger for longer
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #7:
Your Hair Products Can Cause Breakouts During Your Workout
As you exercise and sweat, water-based hair products can melt and run down your face, which in turn can clog pores and cause acne on your face, neck, and shoulders.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #8:
Hydrate. Keep drinking water post-workout to help the skin recover from dehydration.
WHAT IS A POST-WORKOUT SKINCARE TIP? #9:
Do your proper skin prep later at home, not immediately after a workout. You don’t want to clog open pores after a heavy workout.
Working out can be massively positive for your skin, as it detoxifies your body’s toxins. However, those very toxin, if not dealt with properly after a workout, can lead to a breeding ground for bacteria, and ultimately spots and acne. Have a good post-workout skincare routine.
