It’s cruel that when you’re trying to keep yourself healthy, your skin has other ideas, sneaking in breakouts and such. But it doesn't have to be a fact of life when you’re sweating it out at the gym. If you keep your skin clean, protected and hydrated, you’ll be glowing from the inside out in no time! Here’s some of my tips for a post-gym routine.
Before
Whether or not you’re a girl who applies make up to go to the gym or if it’s just there because you’ve been at work – no judgment here! – you need to be careful you’re not clogging your pores when they’re trying to breathe. Clogged pores = breakouts = more makeup needed. Sweating is a great way to detoxify your skin, so my simplest recommendation is to just not wear makeup at the gym. Whether that’s not putting any on in the first place or carrying some makeup remover in your gym bag, that’s my main advice – do what you will with it!
Don’t forget your hair either – if it’s full of product, pull it back. Otherwise, the products can drip down your face or neck, also clogging pores and causing breakouts in the same way as makeup. No thank you!
Taking up running in 2017? You go girl! – but not without sunscreen. Make sure you apply half an hour before you hit the pavement, and not just to your face. Leg melanomas are very common in runners. Scary but true. I've been really enjoying the Simple As That SPF 30+ Natural Sunscreen for a few months and with raspberry seed oil as one of it's key ingredients it is also hydrating.
After
Resist the urge to over-scrub your skin – even a killer Crossfit class doesn't call for post-sweat exfoliation. Not only can it dehydrate your skin further, but it will exacerbate anything your skin is trying to heal naturally. A simple cleanser is all you need. I love the Honey Cream Cleanser, as it feels so kind on my beetroot-red face. It also has antibacterial properties so will gently clean away any nasty germs that may have crossed your face during your session. Bamboo facial towels are the easiest way to wash away your cleanser and if you have break outs, leave on 2-3 minutes. If you're just wanting to refresh, the bamboo towels with cool water are a great way to bring your skin back to room temp!
Don’t forget your whole body when cleansing after a class – those deadlifts didn’t lift themselves. If you shower at the gym, keep a gentle body wash in your gym bag. You’ll not only free refreshed, but you’ll avoid any of the nasties that come from excess sweat hanging around. And then reapply your deodorant, of course.
Finally, although you might feel drenched, you’re not hydrated. After you wash your face, spritz yourself with some rose mist to cool you down and prep your skin for some love. Then slather on moisturiser. And drink a tonne of water.