How should you be taking care of your skin before and after the gym?
Last week, Klog reader Ara asked: “What’s the routine I must do before and after a workout?”
Here’s an expert’s answer:
Working out feels great! I work out twice a day – before I hit my home office and after work. This is something I look forward to daily.
Sweat is excreted through your pores, which means it sits on top of your skin along with sebum, product and other bodily fluids. This is not an ideal situation and can lead to breakouts, clogged pores, and irritation after a workout. This is why proper skin and body care is so important when you’re an exercise junkie like me!
If you’re working out in the morning, keep your pre-exercise skin care routine short and sweet (double cleanse, moisturizer, SPF). After your workout, use a cleansing water, like Make P:Rem’s Radiance Me. Cleansing Water Oil, to wipe off dirt and other impurities. This also helps to ensure you do not over-cleanse. Cleansing waters are multi-functional; they can serve as a no-fuss cleanser, toner, and a makeup remover.
After “cleansing” your skin, you can follow with the rest of your skin care routine; essence, moisturizer, and SPF.
Now comes your PM routine – and it’s going to be a bit longer.
In previous Klog Chats, I have expressed that your PM routine should be more intensive. While you’re sleeping, your skin repairs itself from the day’s wear and tear and is taking in all the treatments you have layered over it.
This is the time to exfoliate, mask, and layer more intensive serums/treatments. Exfoliating is especially important as removing dead skin cells prevents clogged pores. Remember to practice body exfoliation, too.
Have a great workout!
+What’s your favorite post-workout skin care practice? Let us know below!
