An effective workout routine challenges your body to keep pushing for the next milestone. Whatever goals you have for your gym sessions, it’s important to prioritize. In the same way you would never skip that crucial warmup set and risk injury to your muscles, you shouldn’t skip the essentials of skin care and risk dryness, acne, irritation, and other skin problems. Being an athlete exposes your skin to everything from sun and sweat to chlorine, wind, and heat. Put as much thought into caring for your skin as you do your body to avoid the visible signs of premature aging and other common skin concerns.
You shouldn’t have to choose between a sculpted physique and healthy skin. Check out these simple tips for pre- and post-workout skincare to make sure your skin stays as strong as you are.
Before and During Your Workout
You already have a pre-workout routine to prep your body for the hard work ahead, but what do you do to prepare and protect your skin? Before you hit the gym floor, cleanse your face with a gentle, nourishing cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt that might become trapped in your pores during your workout. After washing your face, apply a light moisturizer to lock in hydration and don’t forget SPF. Even if you’re training indoors, it’s a good idea to apply SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours – UVA rays can penetrate through glass, so you’re still at risk of exposure if you’re working out close to a window.
After you start your workout, it won’t take you long to get into the zone. You’ll be pumping out repetitions and chasing that new personal record with barely a thought to anything else. It doesn’t hurt to spare a few thoughts for your skin, however – it will thank you later. Avoid touching your face as much as possible, tempting as it may be to wipe the sweat from your brow between sets. Use a clean towel instead and have a separate one to lay on the bench. Disinfect exercise equipment before and after each use and be sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
Post-Workout Skincare Tips
When you complete that final rep and put the weights away for the day, all you’re probably thinking about is grabbing a shower then kicking back to relax. After pushing your body to its limits, a break is well deserved. Before you settle in for a few hours of R&R, take a few minutes to take care of your skin. After all, it works just as hard as you do. A little post-workout skincare goes a long way.
Here are some simple tips for keeping your skin healthy between workouts:
- Be gentle with your skin when you shower and cleanse your face. Don’t rub too hard and avoid harsh products that might dry out or irritate your skin.
- Switch to warm or cool showers rather than super hot showers. Really hot water could strip the skin of its natural oils, especially if you’re showering more than once a day during intense training.
- Keep your skin properly hydrated by applying moisturizer after you cleanse your face or take a shower. Pay a little extra attention to your hands which can become dry and calloused.
- Prevent stretch marks caused by rapid muscle growth by keeping the skin moisturized with cocoa butter or shea butter – ingredients like vitamins A and E may help as well.
- Treat acne breakouts promptly with spot treatments or acne medication made with tretinoin. Sweat and friction from tight workout gear can irritate the skin and make breakouts worse.
- Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week to encourage cell turnover and prevent dry, flaky patches of skin and clogged pores – choose a chemical or physical exfoliator appropriate for your skin type.
- If you shave frequently as an athlete or bodybuilder, exfoliate in between shaves to help reduce the formation of ingrown hairs.
As an athlete, you strive to achieve optimal health and strength. Even as you work to sculpt your body, however, don’t forget to show your skin a little TLC as well. Incorporate some of these tips before, during, and after your workouts to keep your skin at peak performance.
