As a former athlete (Junior Olympic high jumper, full track scholarship recipient who competed in every sport that came my way), I know that exercise continues to benefit me. As a skincare authority and model for 30+ years, I know it’s good to be healthy outside as well as in. Skin can be extra vulnerable after a workout!
Exercise is so important for both the body and mind. But it can wreak havoc on the complexion! Those who go very hard and sweat a lot may dehydrate their skin. It might take a little extra time, but using a face wash before your workout is sure to help dislodge oils and buildup as you sweat.
People who workout at public gyms also encounter another threat: bacteria from too many people touching the exercise machines, spreading germs and a host of other parasites. Avoid touching your face during your workout. Blot sweat with a clean towel. Don’t let the sweat dry and leave the pollutants to settle back in the pores and clog them. And then, shower as soon as possible so that the bacteria and oils don’t settle into the skin.
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Skin can be extra vulnerable after a workout. It’s important to wash off the pore-clogging sweat, bacteria and all that your skin encountered during exercise. The sweat glands in the skin make acidic secretions — undecylenic, lactic and urocanic acids — and are part of the skin’s defense mechanism against microorganisms.
The best way to avoid dried out itchy skin, breakouts and even infections is to wash your face as soon as you can.
First Step: wash your hands first before touching your face! Then, be gentle; don’t over–scrub or use too much product that won’t rinse off. Finally, never rub the face hard to dry it off; pat your face dry with a clean towel — but NOT the sweaty dirty one you used inside the gym!
Gently clean your face, and make sure to rinse shampoos off your skin to avoid breakouts, irritation and more serious problems.
Avoid products with too much alcohol, fragrance and essential oils; also make sure your cleansers are not highly acidic nor highly alkaline. Those formulas will strip not only the bacteria that causes irritations and infections, they will strip away the natural acids that the sweat glands make to protect the skin. Find cleansers with pH levels ranging from a 5-7. Exfoliants and skincare products with vitamin C and retinol can range from a 3.2-6 pH.
See a dermatologist for stubborn conditions.
One more thing: drink! Keeping hydrated is as important for the skin as cleansing! Your face will thank you with visible results of more vibrant and brighter looking skin!
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