Working out is a dirty job, so wash your face after you finish the last rep.
If you sweat frequently, as most gym-goers do, you're probably familiar with acne, clogged pores, blackheads, and possibly painful "blind" pimples. Sweating on a regular basis can wreak havoc on your skin, but you don't have to let breakouts undo all of your hard work.
First and foremost, it's critical to understand how acne breakouts caused by sports occur in the first place. "Sweat provides a warm environment in which acne-causing bacteria can thrive," says Sibylle Gorla, founder of Visual Chemistry Skin. "Aside from sweat, toxins are trapped on the skin by dirt, oil, makeup, and workout gear, which can lead to breakouts on the face, back, shoulders, and other areas."
The good news is that if you learn how to properly care for your skin both in and out of the gym, you'll be able to avoid future breakouts and feel more confident in your appearance and health.
Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
You know how it is when sweat runs down your face and you have to wipe it away before it gets into your eyes. So you wipe with your arms and hands, sometimes with a towel, sometimes with your hands and arms. When it comes to breakouts, that very act can add fuel to the fire. "When people go to the gym, they tend to touch their faces more after touching exercise equipment to wipe away sweat, which only helps bacteria spread." Gorla explains.
Replace Face Wipes with Cleanser
"It is critical to cleanse immediately after exercising, or as soon as you are finished with your workout, to protect your skin," Gorla advises. It's also not a bad idea for some people to wash their faces before a sweat session. "It's a good idea to do a preworkout face wash if you wear a lot of makeup," she adds, "so that sweat and toxins don't mix in with the product on your face." Going into exercise, you want to have clean, bare skin.
Select Skin Care Products That Are Free Of Chemicals
You should take care of what you put on your face in the same way you take care of what you put in your body. "Make sure the products you're using are free of toxins, artificial dyes, synthetic perfumes, heavy metals, gluten, silicone, carcinogens, and phthalates," Gorla advises. Maintaining healthy skin necessitates the use of high-quality ingredients.
Vitamin D Is Beneficial, but It Requires Protection
Some athletes spend almost every day in the sun, absorbing the sun's UV rays—and while vitamin D is known for many amazing bodily benefits like fighting depression and boosting the immune system, too much can be harmful. "While using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing every time you go out may seem excessive, it will prevent years of aging on your face as well as other potential complications." You'll be one step closer to healthier skin if you invest in good sunscreen and protective clothing.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Your skin, like the rest of your body, requires hydration. "Moisturize at least once a day (preferably twice a day, morning and night) to help give your skin the nutrients it needs to refresh and regenerate," Gorla advises.
Unclog Your Pores
Living in a sweaty environment leads to clogged pores. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Gorla provides detailed instructions for preventing clogging. "Use an oil cleanser to cleanse your face on a daily basis. This will help to balance oil production, heal acne, and remove makeup, dead skin cells, and deep-seated impurities."
3 Face Cleansing Styles to Keep Your Skin Looking Younger Forever
There are three different types of cleansers to be aware of, each with its own set of benefits.
Cleansers with a gentle water base: It's ideal for everyday use and if you don't wear much makeup.
Oil cleansers: Great for everyday use, especially if you wear a lot of makeup or have a lot of products on your face.
Exfoliators: Should be used once a week to remove dead skin cells and clear blackheads and light acne. However, do not use them if you have inflamed or cystic acne.
Skincare is a human thing, not a female or male thing. You should take care of your skin if you have it. To flush out toxins, drink plenty of water, be gentle with your skin, and clean it properly. Your skin will thank you!
