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Guest blog by Gabrielle Richens

How Does Exercise Affect Your Skin?

Today we’re discussing exactly how exercise affects your skin (good and bad), why washing your face before your workout matters, and how to create the perfect post-workout skincare routine!

The Good

It’s a well-known fact that exercise is great for your health. But it’s also really good for your skin. Getting the heart pumping increases blood flow that brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This is vital for healthy cell renewal and has a wonderful rejuvenating effect on your skin. 

Another benefit is that working out activates the lymphatic system, your body’s internal waste disposal. This has a purifying effect on your skin by removing dead cells, toxins, excess fluids, and anything else that can cause infection or harm to your body. It also helps to decrease puffiness, sending your eye bags packing!

The Bad

When it comes to the downside of exercise, those with sensitive and oily skin types are most affected. This is because working out (even if you’re doing it at home!) causes excessive sweating. Pores can easily become clogged with dirt, makeup, or whatever else is on the surface of your skin, leading to irritation and breakouts.

Should I Wash My Face Before or After Working Out?

A very simple way to prevent issues is to begin with a clean slate. Remove your makeup and wash your face before a workout!

If your skin is covered in a layer of foundation —which probably contains toxic and comedogenic ingredients—it can further congest the pores, causing inflammation and redness. 

Hate leaving the house without makeup? I get it... I often wear concealer and mascara to the gym. I just recommend wearing the bare minimum and choosing clean beauty makeup brands.

Skin problems can occur after your workout, too. Left to dry on the skin for extended periods of time, sweat mixed with oil, dirt, and germs picked up along the way is a recipe for disaster. It can cause acne-causing bacteria, eczema flare-ups, and is generally unhealthy for all skin types. 

Again, the best way to prevent these hazards is to wash your face ASAP after your workout. This is particularly important if your exercise of choice is running outdoors, as your skin is susceptible to environmental pollution. 

Washing your face straight after a run prevents clogged pores, but will also minimize free radical buildup which is associated with premature aging. It’s important to remember that the bad effects of exercise can easily be prevented by simply washing your face!

How To Create A Post Skincare Routine

Your post-workout skincare routine is key to avoiding the hazards and reaping the benefits of exercise. My tip is to keep it simple and make it a habit!

Create a routine that suits your skin and your schedule. Are you an early bird or a night owl? If you exercise at night there’s no need to do your skincare routine all over again when you go to bed, just apply night cream instead of sunscreen.

The packaging is important, too. Think airless pumps as opposed to heavy glass jars or dropper bottles, and toner sprays over screw tops and cotton wool. Less hassle, more hygienic!

Gym Bag Beauty Kit Essentials

• Face Wash/Cleanser

• Toner

• Toner Pads (optional)

• Serum (optional) 

• Moisturizer + SPF

• Deodorant

• Lip Balm

• Beauty Bag

Best Post Workout Skincare Products For Flawless Skin

Best Cleansers

Image: Sephora

Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Cleanser

Farmacy

Remove post-workout sweat with this gentle cleanser containing Hyaluronic Acid and other naturally derived ingredients. It’s free from harsh sulfates so it won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive.

Image: Amazon

Mixed Greens Nutrient Rich Cleanser

Naturim

A great cleanser for oily and combination skin types thanks to balancing and hydrating ingredients like Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C, and Aloe Vera. Again, this cleanser is formulated without harsh cleansing agents so it will not strip and dehydrate the skin.

Best Toners

Image: Amazon

Witch Hazel + Aloe Vera (Alcohol-Free) Facial Mist

Thayers

Witch Hazel has a trifecta of skin perks that minimize pores, reduce inflammation, and treat acne. It’s a natural astringent that can be very drying and most witch hazel toners contain high amounts of alcohol that end up stripping the skin. Thayers, an American brand whose origins date back to 1847,  formulate these toners with a proprietary blend of organic Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera, plus Rose Water to counteract any drying effects. I have been using this toner for around 6 years. Suitable for all skin types, especially oily.

Image: Amazon

Organic Bulgarian Rose Water

Alteya Organics

Alteya Organics is another clean beauty brand favorite. Having dry/sensitive skin, this Rose Water is a firm fixture in my beauty cabinet. This face mist contains Bulgarian White Rose, which is known to help reduce inflammation, moisturize, and soothe the skin. Spritz your clean dry face before you apply your serum or moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive.

Best Toner Pads (Optional)

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, toner pads can be a great addition to your gym bag beauty kit. These cotton rounds come pre-soaked in active ingredients like Salicylic Acid (BHA) or Glycolic Acid (AHA). BHA is a superstar ingredient for these skin types because it works fast to deep cleanse the pores and control oil production. It also fights acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.

Please note that these are chemical exfoliants that cause skin photosensitivity —so SPF is a must!

Image: Amazon

AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

Some By Mi

These low pH toner pads help to eliminate current and future acne breakouts. They contain a combination of all three groups of exfoliating acids —AHA, BHA, PHA, along with Some by Mi's proprietary ingredient, Truecica, that calms and soothes skin inflammation. 

*I don’t recommend this product for sensitive skin types.

Best Serums (optional)

Image: Amazon

Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Naturium

If you wish to keep your post-workout skincare routine as simple as possible you can skip the serum. But, if this is your evening routine, or your skin is very dry, Naturium’s HA Serum is perfect for your gym bag beauty kit. It can help restore lost moisture and boost hydration.

Best Moisturizer & SPF for Normal, Dry or Sensitive Skin

Image: Amazon

Moisturizer Replenish + Protect

Follain

If you’re a night owl and the only place you’re going is to bed after the gym, then skip the sunscreen and apply a rich moisturizer. This one has a lovely blend of natural ingredients such as Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter. It helps to replenish lost moisture and lock it in for lasting hydration. Perfect for dry skin.

Image: Sephora

Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Biossance

I’m a huge advocate of squalane in skincare. So, you can imagine my delight at discovering a clean beauty brand that formulates every single one of their products with naturally derived squalane. This non-toxic mineral sunscreen is a daily moisturizer that protects from UVA and UVB rays, plus it doesn't leave a white cast like many mineral sunscreens do. It’s also super hydrating making it great for dry, sensitive skin types.

Best Moisturizer & SPF for Combination, Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Image: Amazon

Moringa All-Beauty Creme

Ere Perez

Just because you have temperamental pores doesn’t mean you should miss out on nourishing ingredients. This moisturizer contains a blend of herbs and non-comedogenic oils packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. Again, if you work out before bed, then skip the SPF and add this cream to your gym kit. It’s rich enough to protect your skin from dehydration while you sleep. 

Image: Sephora

Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen

REN Skincare

Another mineral sunscreen that protects from UVA, UVB, and also blue light. Apparently, this formula took over six years of research to create. It absorbs easily (no white cast) and can be worn under your makeup. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, and chemical-free which also means it’s 100% safe and non-toxic to marine life (there’s no oxybenzone in here!). Suitable for all skin types especially oily. 

Best Deodorant

Image: Amazon

Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

Native

Stay fresh with this all-natural deodorant from Native, a great brand that produces toxic-free deodorants formulated without parabens, phthalates, or talc. They contain lots of naturally derived ingredients, including probiotics that work naturally with your body to fight odor-causing bacteria.

Best Lip Balm

Image: Amazon

Lip Balm

Follain

Keep your lips hydrated during your workout with this gorgeously, nourishing lip balm from Follain. Packed with Chamomile Flower Oil, Argan Oil, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter. This tube of pure goodness needs to be in your gym bag, your purse, your bedside, and your car!

Image: Amazon

Drawstring Travel Cosmetics Bag

What’s not to love about these cute little drawstring beauty bags. They’re perfect for the gym because they’re waterproof and durable, and you can actually fit a surprising amount in them. They have pockets and fixing loops to keep your brand new post-workout skincare kit neat and organized.

Plus, you don’t have to dig around and dump everything out to find what you’re looking for! 

Author Bio:

Gabrielle Richens is a former model turned skin therapist, anti-aging skin coach, and clean beauty blogger. She helps women achieve their perfect skin day every day. Empowering them to feel more happy and confident going makeup-free! Her skincare advice has been featured in Lady Style Magazine and How To Be A Redhead. Join The Rich Skin Club or more skincare solutions and get a free copy of Gabrielle’s beauty guide. 

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