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You can prioritize your fitness without compromising your skin's health.
Many overlook the significance of maintaining a skincare routine before and after exercising, but having a pre- and post-workout skincare regimen is essential for optimal skin health.
According to a study conducted by The Body Shop, as reported by Women's Health, 58% of individuals don't do a skincare routine before or after workouts, with many saying they feel "too tired" after exercising.
Pre-workout skincare routine
People tend to underestimate the pre-workout skincare routine, assuming that any effort put into it will just wash away with sweat once they start working out.
However, it's essential to adhere to a pre-workout skincare routine as exercising with impurities like dirt, debris or lingering makeup can seriously affect your skin, according to Premier Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery.
In a piece by Tatler Asia, Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a top New York-based dermatologist of Schweiger Dermatology Group, explained the detrimental effects on the skin caused by exercising without a proper skincare routine.
"Exercising would cause the blood vessels to dilate and an increase in body temperature and sweat volume to the skin," Nazarian said. "Sweating with makeup or heavy skincare on can result in dysregulation of skin temperature and a buildup of bacteria in the pores, creating the perfect environment for inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea and acne."
The dermatologist recommended incorporating a gentle cleanser into your pre-workout skincare routine to help maintain a healthy skin barrier and provide optimal hydration levels.
In a Women's Health article, consultant dermatologist Dr. Shaaira Nasir similarly advised washing your face with a gentle cleanser and removing makeup before starting your gym session.
"Removing makeup before exercising is important, as makeup mixed with sweat can cause breakouts," Nasir said.
After completing the essential step of cleansing your skin in your pre-workout skincare routine, consider applying a facial toner. This additional step aids in eliminating residual impurities, preventing their interaction with sweat during your workout.
Moreover, toner helps tighten pores, reducing the likelihood of dirt and sweat seeping into your skin, according to Retrouve.
Lastly, apply sunscreen before workout, particularly if you plan to exercise outdoors.
Post-workout skincare routine
The post-workout skincare routine, on the other hand, might seem straightforward -- cleansing your face after hitting the gym to get rid of sweat, toxins, and impurities post-exercise and prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Yet, many tend to also undermine its importance due to exhaustion post-gym session.
According to celebrity facialist Shani Darden, as per CNN Underscored, cleansing your skin is just as crucial in post-workout skincare routines as it is in pre-workout ones. However, the specific products you use after cleansing may vary based on the time of day you exercise.
"What products you put on your skin after a workout depends on what time of day you work out," Darden said. "In the morning, follow up with your a.m. routine; if working out at night, follow with your p.m. routine."
