Exercising does not have to avoid taking care of the skin, on the contrary, following the necessary recommendations can help you create a beauty routine according to the situation. In this way, the skin can be protected from any possible problem derived from physical activity; Therefore, below we share how to take care of your face before and after exercising.
Is exercising bad for the skin?
Exercising regularly isn’t bad for your skin, in fact, it has several benefits. During exercise, sweating contributes to the removal of dead cells from the epidermis, dirt and impurities from the skin’s surface, which causes natural exfoliation.
Sweating opens the pores, which facilitates the elimination of toxins and unclogs the ducts of the sebaceous glands. But, it should be considered that this can favor the appearance of acne.
Increased blood circulation during exercise also helps purify toxins more effectively. Although, this can cause skin infections and deteriorate the general appearance of the skin by having an unsightly result.
Regular exercise can counteract the negative effects of free radicals on the skin. Which helps slow down the signs of aging , such as wrinkles, sagging and spots, and improves the texture and appearance of the skin.
Although there are some unfavorable details, you should not stop being active, since in general the exercises are favorable for the skin and the health of the body. The important thing is to create routines that help to avoid those possible problems that can be derived from physical activity.
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Take care of the skin before exercising
Cleaning
Before carrying out any physical activity, a suitable facial cleansing must be carried out to facilitate oxygenation. However, since during this process the skin tends to sweat and redden, the use of aggressive cleansers that can overdry it should be avoided.
The best option is to use an oily formula, such as a balm, a biphasic cleanser, an oil or a milk, since in addition to cleaning, they also moisturize the skin.
Whether you play sports early in the morning or at the end of the day, exercising with unclean skin is not recommended. Clean skin will allow perspiration and blood circulation to be more effective, which in turn will contribute to healthier skin.
An additional way to refresh your pre-workout complexion is to apply some toner. The toner provides rapid hydration and nutrition to the skin, preparing it to face physical activity; you can opt for a mild, alcohol-free toner to avoid skin irritation.
Hydration
It is important to remember that during physical activity, part of the product can be lost due to sweating. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the skin is adequately hydrated before beginning.
Pre-exercise hydration will help keep skin balanced and protected , preventing dryness or dehydration during the process.
It is recommended to use light and quickly absorbed products to prevent the skin from feeling heavy or greasy during exercise. One option is to use a hydrating toner, followed by a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
Also, if you plan to exercise outdoors, it’s critical to apply and reapply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body, including your face. Look for such a product that is waterproof to ensure it stays effective during sweating.
Post-exercise care routine
Cleaning
The first thing to do is to avoid wiping sweat off your face with your hands , as this can introduce bacteria and dirt into your open pores, which can lead to breakouts. Instead, take a clean gym towel and use it to pat your face and neck dry, avoiding rubbing your skin.
Wipe sweat off your face as soon as possible after exercising to prevent bacteria from causing skin problems. However, because skin is irritated after exercise, it’s crucial to avoid harsh cleansers that can dry or damage skin, as well as acids, peels, exfoliants, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Instead, it is recommended to use a cleansing oil, make-up remover milk or cream, micellar water or a biphasic formula to remove oil and dirt that sweat has left on the skin.
After cleansing, exfoliation is recommended to ensure sweat, dirt and stubborn grime are removed from the skin. But be careful not to over-exfoliate, as the skin can be sensitive after exercise; It is recommended to do this step twice a week to avoid irritating the skin.
Hydration
After training the skin loses moisture due to sweat and exposure to the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to use a moisturizer to help restore hydration and repair the hydrolipidic barrier, which is a natural protective layer of the skin.
Find a moisturizer according to your skin characteristics and apply it gently to the face and neck to nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.
Also, do not forget to protect your face from the sun with sunscreen, as long as it is daytime ; Sun exposure after exercise can increase the risk of sun damage. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a broad spectrum product with an adequate sun protection factor (SPF) to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Regardless of whether you prefer a simpler or more comprehensive skin care routine, using a post-workout facial serum is recommended . This extra step helps meet the skin’s needs while providing additional hydration.
If you used a facial serum and moisturizer before your workout, you can continue using the same products after your workout for a more consistent skincare routine.
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