After a workout, you can feel several things: energized, motivated and, well, greasy. You're working on building muscle and cardio strength, but your skin is facing some undesirable oil buildup. Therefore, while exercise has a lot of benefits, the main drawback can be the excess sweat that accrues from the session's intensity. You feel great, but your skin may not.
If you do not love your skin, consider adopting habits that support it. The following are tips to help exercise lovers create a skincare maintenance routine.
1. Have a Consistent Skincare Regimen
You're likely to sweat a lot when you work out hard and often. Be sure you not only hop in the shower immediately for a quick wash but also invest in quality skincare products. The oil sticks to your skin and could potentially clog pores. Clean and refresh after a workout to support healthy-looking skin.
Be sure you have a cleanser in your gym bag. Wash off the buildup and begin renewing. Then, follow up with serums and light-weight moisturizer to establish hydration balance.
2. Don't Forget the Sunscreen
Exercise enthusiasts often spend more time in the sun. It's essential to think about exposure and block out as much as possible. Runs, bike rides, hikes and swims make you particularly vulnerable to the light.
What about that cardio class or weight lifting session? You need sunscreen when working out in a gym or outside. Light passes through windows, and those UV rays could reach you. Therefore, apply a reliable, sweatproof and water-resistant sunscreen to your face, neck and chest at least 15 minutes before you enter the sun or start your sweat session.
3. Change Out Your Towel
Do you keep a towel in your gym bag? This standard accessory helps wipe off equipment and your forehead;' however, are you washing it often? Many people leave it there for convenience, thinking it's okay to clean it now and again. This move, though, is a mistake. You pick up sweat and bacteria when you wipe your forehead or chest. You're not cleaning yourself the next time you use it, exposing your skin to undesirable organisms. You change clothes daily for a reason. You want to feel clean. Toss those sweaty towels into the washer often to avoid contamination.
4. Use Lotions
During workouts, the body loses water, so while you may feel oily, your skin could start dehydrating. Long-term moisture loss could lead to dry, flaky skin. Spend time caring for more than your face. Use a lotion on your legs and arms to support hydration. You can do it after a shower or before bed. Pick a time convenient for you, and make it a consistent habit. These efforts help maintain radiance and firmness.
5. Drink Water
You probably bring a large bottle of water with you to the gym. You get thirsty quickly when you're pushing your limits. This drink delivers essential nutrients to your entire body, including supporting the epidermis. Your skin, after all, is the largest organ in your body. According to the United States Geological Survey, skin comprises 64% water. Exercise can deplete that number. Therefore, you want to increase your daily intake to keep it at the proper levels.
Drink not only when you're at the gym but before and after. Find a system that works for you. Fill up a glass with each meal, drinking water before you eat. This routine may help you squeeze in the water during busy days. Others may find it helpful to invest in an oversized water bottle. Top it off when you wake up. Immediately refill it when you get to the bottom. Use a marker to signal that it's completed one time. Keep track of how often and how much you consume.
