Caring for skin & scalp whilst working out
Does looking after your skin while you’re working out get you in a sweat, before you’ve even hit the treadmill? Here are our handy tips for keeping your skin fresh and healthy during exercise.
If you’ve been watching the #Commonwealthgames2022 and been feeling inspired to pull on your workout gear and get active, don’t forget to look after your skin! Getting your skincare right while you are working out can be tricky. If you overload your skin with products, it will feel uncomfortable, but you also need to make sure your skin is cared for and protected fully. Here is the Black Skin Directory guide to looking after your skin while working out.
The basics
It is best to do a light skincare routine before you exercise and then complete your full routine afterwards. We recommend using a light, hydrating cleanser such as Aveeno’s Face Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser and applying sunscreen to keep it as simple as possible. If you prefer to exercise in the evening, remember to remove any makeup you are wearing. It is best not to wear makeup when you are exercising as it will mix with the sweat, leading to breakouts and skin reactions.
Protect, protect, protect
Sunscreen is especially important if you are exercising outdoors, or if you need to head out to the gym or a class. However, remember if you are working out at home or near a window, your skin is still exposed to the sun, so sunscreen is still necessary. If you know you will be getting a proper sweat on, you may find the sunscreen will run and sting your eyes. Evy Technology Sunscreen Mousse has been specially formulated for people who are active to stay put on your skin and doesn’t leave a white cast. Perfect for those sweaty sessions.
Don’t forget your scalp, especially if you have braids or any hairstyle which leaves areas of your scalp on show. Ultrasun Face and Scalp Mist SPF50 is a quick and simple way to keep your scalp protected without feeling heavy or greasy on your hair.
After your workout
When you have finished your workout, you can then do your full skincare routine. You will need to cleanse again first. Use a first cleanse to remove the sweat and sunscreen. Curél Makeup Cleansing Gel is a lightweight and gentle but very effective first cleanse. Follow this up with a second cleanse to make sure your skin is clean and prepared for your treatment serums. This is the perfect time to bring out an exfoliating cleanser such as Cosmedix Purity Clean – a lactic acid-based cleanser which leaves your skin clean and refreshed without being stripped. Follow your cleanser with your usual routine, remembering to reapply sunscreen if you are out and about for the rest of the day.
You may be thinking, this feels like a lot of work, especially with the cleansing. That is why it is so important to avoid using heavy products or anything too active before your workout. Keep it light and hydrating, and this will prevent your skin from feeling stripped and overwhelmed, especially if you’re doing multiple workouts a week!
It is also important to make sure your scalp is cared for after you exercise, especially if you have used any sunscreen. Dr Ingrid Wilson from Crewe Hair and Skin Clinic says, ‘If wearing extensions or weaves, focus on getting the scalp clean after each work out. Dilute your shampoo and apply to the roots (which you could do using a spray bottle) then rinse out. The hair shaft will get wet, but try to handle the hair itself as little as possible.’ Dr Wilson also notes ‘People with natural hairstyles should aim to use sulfate-free shampoos to prevent stripping the hair of its moisture and natural oils’.
Eleanore Richardson, consultant trichologist from from Fulham Scalp and Hair Clinic adds, ‘If workouts can be scheduled to align with hair washing days then great as it will give your scalp and hair a chance to be thoroughly cleansed, but if you're working out multiple times per week, even just rinsing off your scalp to dissolve and remove any sweat (salt) build up can help massively to avoid itching and irritation.’
What about my body?
Many people who exercise regularly find they are more prone to breakouts on their body. It is key to make sure your skin is fully cleansed to prevent this. Exfoliating body washes such as CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is a great post-workout body wash to decongest your pores and keep your skin fresh. Make sure to focus this on the areas where you have any spots and avoid any sensitive areas. Follow up with La Roche Posay Serozinc Spray to ensure your skin is completely cleansed and free from any microbes which may be lurking, ready to cause a pesky breakout.
Figuring out your skincare routine around working out can sometimes feel a little bit of a challenge, before you’ve even thought about the exercise!. By streamlining your routine, you can keep your skin fresh and healthy while exercising.
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