Exercising diligently can improve your skin. Research suggests that endurance exercise and high-intensity aerobic exercise can alleviate skin aging. Exercise can be helpful in relieving chronic stress, which can promote skin aging and worsen skin conditions. By paying a little more attention, you can achieve more elastic skin. Here are some common-sense tips to rejuvenate your skin before and after exercising.
Pre-workout: Sunscreen is a must. If you plan to exercise outdoors, apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s important to note that even when exercising in a gym with windows that let in sunlight, all types of light can contribute to skin damage and aging. Remember to apply sunscreen on your face, neck, chest, and the back of your neck before exercising.
Pre-workout: No need to remove makeup. You don’t have to remove your makeup before exercising. However, it’s best to avoid heavy moisturizers. Some moisturizers create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture evaporation, but they may clog pores and interfere with sweating, which cools the face.
Post-workout: Rinse off sweat. It has become common to wear leggings outside after a workout. However, after sweating, it’s important to rinse off sweat, oil, and bacteria to prevent the warm and humid environment where bacteria can thrive. This is especially crucial for acne-prone skin. Always change into fresh clothes after exercising.
Post-workout: Cleanse your face. If you don’t have the means to shower at the gym, at least wash your face. Use a gentle cleanser when washing your face. If time is really limited, you can use cleansing wipes. For acne-prone skin, cleansing wipes with salicylic acid can help prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts. Afterward, apply a lightweight moisturizer.
Post-workout: Don’t forget sunscreen. Sunscreen protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays that can break down collagen, a protein in the skin that provides elasticity and helps prevent wrinkles. After exercising, choose a lightweight sunscreen that provides sun protection while evening out your skin tone, rather than applying a thick layer of sports sunscreen.
Post-workout: Cool down your skin. After exercising, it’s important to cool down your muscles through activities like walking or stretching. Similarly, your face needs some rest too. Heat can interfere with the skin’s recovery process and cause damage. This is particularly important after prolonged exposure to heat, such as hot yoga. Rinse your face with cool water or use a cooling face mask to soothe your facial skin.
By following these tips, you can take care of your skin before and after exercise, helping to maintain a healthy and radiant complexion. Remember, exercising not only benefits your physical health but also contributes to the well-being of your skin.