Post-Workout Skincare Routine
It's really good to exercise regularly and stay fit. But while you're busy taking care of your body, don't forget about your skin health. Exercise helps manage stress, control body weight, boost mental health and boost self-confidence. But the feel-good endorphins and tired skin from a workout can often be very annoying—it makes the skin sweaty and prone to acne, increasing the risk of a number of skin problems if no steps are taken to prevent them. So, does this mean you should stop working out to save your skin? Absolutely not! All you need is a post-workout skin care routine that's dedicated to keeping your sweaty, irritated skin at bay. Through the various tips here, we'll show you how to develop a simple yet effective beauty routine after a workout and offer various tips to keep your skin healthy.
What is post-workout skincare?
Post-workout skincare involves cleansing the skin of sweat, dirt, and bacteria collected during exercise. The cleanser can be completed with gentle exfoliation to get rid of any clogged pores, then followed by a moisturizer. This is believed to embed hydration back in and close the pores on your skin. This routine helps prevent acne and keeps your skin healthy.
Steps to follow a post-workout skincare routine
Step 1. Wash your hands
It is observed that during the time spent in the gym you touch countless gym machines where dirt and innumerable germs and microorganisms get accumulated on your hands which you do not notice. Hence, you must wash your hands before doing anything. This will prevent bacterial infection on your face which causes acne.
Step 2: Wait is all you need to do
Now it is important to wait until the skin returns to its normal freshness. During a workout, the metabolism will speed up the secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands. Applying anything on the skin at such a time will lead to clogged pores.
Skincare products are made to work under normal conditions, like dry climate, normal room temperature, normal skin, etc. After a workout, the skin becomes quite red and hot. It is better to wait until the skin cools down and returns to its normal state before applying anything, including moisturizers.
Step 3: Take Shower
Once you have finished your workout, allow your skin to return to normal before showering and washing away the sweat. This is because sweat remaining on the skin for too long can lead to fungal infections, which can cause acne.
Bathing also helps the body cool down after exertion. This not only prevents blood vessels from breaking but also helps the entire body system return to normal quickly. So, make sure to take a bath and wear clean clothes after exercise.
Step 4: Cleanse
Gently wash your skin after a hard workout. If you don’t have the opportunity to shower, don’t wait too long to cleanse thoroughly after a workout. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your pores will become clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, etc.
Then, you should find a cleanser that unclogs pores, fights bacteria, and removes excess oil from the skin. Salicylic acid-based cleansers and neem face washes give the best results. These ingredients will unclog deep pores and prevent acne by loosening sweat, oil, impurities, and dirt. Some people suggest that you incorporate double cleansing into your post-workout skin care routine, while rinsing your face with lukewarm water for ideal cleansing results.
Step 5: Moisturize (Day + Evening)
During exercise, the capillaries on the surface of the skin dilate, bringing more blood to the surface. This is why sweating can make the skin look redder in some cases. You will also experience extreme dehydration after exercise or while bathing, so it is even better to lubricate the skin with a moisturizer and this should be done immediately after bathing. Considering the lost moisture in your skin, you need a hydrating moisturizer that brings a healthy glow to the skin.
The moisturizer you choose will depend on your skin type and the climate. Make sure you apply it thoroughly on the hands, face and neck. The moisture will soothe the skin that may become a little red and irritated after a workout. Therefore, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer after bathing.
Step 6: Never forget to apply sunscreen
Surely you have heard it again that sunscreen is very important to get perfect skin. Never apply just a moisturizer, but follow it with a broad-spectrum non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. A good sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, which are ultimately responsible for breaking down collagen (an important protein in the body that acts as an anti-aging agent for the skin).
Even if you are dressed head to toe and hiding behind a full-sleeved dress, a thin layer of good quality sunscreen works wonders. Some sunscreens also work as lotions, while some lotions have a very high SPF factor of their own, so you can always choose your preference.
Step 7: Drink water
Flush out internal problems by drinking enough water after a workout. If your skin turns red, pat it with a cool damp cloth.
Step 8: Hair care is equally important
It is always good to wash your hair twice a week with a soft shampoo to remove excess oil, dirt or sweat from the hair. This keeps the hair clean and free from moisture as sweat attracts more dirt and bacteria which can eventually lead to infections. This does not mean that you cannot wash your hair every day, but it is better to shampoo every other day.
Do not drink too hot or too cold water. Too much water can damage your hair! Do not blow dry your hair, dry it with a towel. Do not forget to apply a serum on the ends. This will bring back the shine to your hair and make them less tangled.
Keep these things in mind during workout:
- Don't touch your face when working out! This can transfer bacteria and lead to breakouts. That is always important and isn't only a COVID guideline.
- If you must dab your perspiration. Use a fresh towel, do not use your sweaty t-shirt or your filthy hands.
- Don't let your hair fall in your face. When working out, it's essential to keep your longer hair pulled back and out of your face. This keeps oils from blocking your pores, which can lead to breakouts, as well as any hair products you may have used that day.
- Don't wear a lot of makeup just after working out. Allow your skin to breathe.
How exercise benefits your skin
Exercise is not only beneficial for your muscles and brain but also for your skin.
- Improved circulation
When you move, the blood circulation around your body increases, giving your skin a boost in terms of oxygen and nutrients. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that post-exercise glow!
- Encourages lymphatic drainage
Post-Workout Meal Ideas
Brown rice and boneless skinless chicken breast: Cook them with your favorite lower-sodium spices or salsa for a nutrient-packed recovery meal done in crockpot, stovetop, or oven style.
Egg scramble: Just one skillet, one whole egg, veggies, and sweet potatoes can be tossed together, seasoned with your favorite spices and topped with a sprinkling of fresh ground black pepper.
Takeaways: The leftovers from last night's meal are calling for you, ready to rejuvenate your body.
Nut or seed butter: Spreading nut or seed butter on whole-grain sprouted toast takes the cake for post-workout. This nutrient-dense fare packs in some quality plant protein, good fat, and fiber.
Power smoothie: Blend some of your favorite fruit with non-fat Greek yogurt or your preferred tolerated dairy, a little water, and ice for a full-bodied drink. To really kick up the good fat, add a spoonful of your favorite nut butter. You can also beef your smoothie up by pairing it with a meal replacement bar.
Wraps: Whole grain, high-fiber wraps are a fantastic way to get started with a really good recovery meal. Add some fresh avocado, cooked lean meat of your choice, salad greens, beans, or whatever else fits the theme of the wrap and roll up and chow down.
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