Improve your post-workout skin care routine

A regular work out routine is good for your physical, mental and emotional health. As you are committed to the health of your body and mind, be sure to remember to care for your skin both before and after your workout.

Skipping your post-workout skin care routine can lead to poor skin health, plugged oil glands, acne and a dull appearance.

Although your skin does not “lose” anything during exercise, it will accumulate perspiration, grime and oil, as well as environmental damage if you are out in the elements. 

Your post work-out regimen doesn’t have to be lengthy. Follow the easy steps below whether you are at the gym, outdoors or at home.

1. Cleanse your face: You should thoroughly cleanse your skin directly after completing exercise to clear your pores and remove the sweat and grime that have built up during your workout. Harsh detergents are not necessary to accomplish this, just a mild cleanser or cleansing cloth if you are on-the-go. If you don’t have access to a cleanser, rinse your face with water at the very least.
2. Re-hydrate your skin: After putting your skin through a workout and a cleansing, you will want to re-establish the natural moisture and oils that have been removed. For your body, a lotion with soothing components and antioxidants such as Vitamin A & E are good solutions. For your face and décolleté, use a moisturizer that helps your skin recover and has agents to stimulate collagen and improve skin tone.  This will save you time and extra steps.
3. Oily Skin:  If you are prone to oily skin, try to cleanse your skin before and after you workout. Also, give extra care to the skin beneath clothing items that can increase the plugging of your oil glands like sweatbands and hats. Apply an oil control serum before you work-out to further prevent the clogging of your pores.
4. Outdoor Workout: Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays not only on your face, but exposed arms, legs, back, etc. Wearing UV protective clothing and hats can help minimize the sun’s affects and also prevent you from excessive squinting which leads to expression lines and furrows.

Ultimately the post-workout skin care routine can be as quick as “Cleanse and Re-hydrate." It is like stretching after a workout: if you skip it now, you’ll regret it later.

To your skin health,

Dr. Richard Asarch, M.D.

Header image credit: Lululemon athletica, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/5197342149/sizes/l/in/set-72157625443941868/