- An essential post-workout skincare routine involves the three key steps of cleansing to remove sweat, moisturizing to restore hydration, and applying sunscreen to protect the skin.
- Gentle exfoliation with Dermasuri products can be added to this routine 1 to 2 times per week, but it is best to wait at least 15 minutes after exercising for the skin to cool down.
- Other important post-workout skin care tips to keep in mind for preventing breakouts and irritation include skipping makeup before a workout, wearing loose and moisture-wicking clothing, and showering immediately after exercising.
Exercise offers incredible benefits for both your body and mind, including improved circulation which can give your skin a healthy glow. To maximize these benefits, it’s important to follow a post-workout skin care routine that complements the effects of your exercise. A proper routine cleans away sweat and grime to prevent clogged pores and irritation.
In this article, we will outline an essential skincare routine and explain how to add exfoliation for even better results.
Essential Post-Workout Skincare Routine
Your skin care post-workout doesn’t need to be complicated. A few key steps will ensure your skin stays clean, hydrated, and healthy.
Step 1 - Start with a Fresh Cleanse
The most important step in any post-workout skin care routine is to cleanse your skin. Sweating is healthy, but allowing sweat, oil, and bacteria to sit on your skin after a workout can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and body as soon as possible to refresh your skin and remove impurities.
Step 2 - Lock in Essential Moisture
After cleansing, you need to restore moisture. Sweating and washing can both leave your skin feeling dry. Applying a moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp helps to lock in hydration, keeping your skin soft and balanced. This is a critical step for maintaining your skin's protective barrier.
Step 3 - Shield Your Skin from UV Rays
If your workout is in the morning or outdoors, daily sun protection is necessary. After moisturizing, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This protects your skin from sun damage, which can occur even on cloudy days.
How to Incorporate Exfoliation in Your Post-Workout Skincare Routine
Adding exfoliation to your routine can significantly improve your skin's texture, but timing is important. Some views suggest avoiding it right after exercise when skin is sensitive, while others see it as the ideal time to clear pores.
A balanced approach is to let your skin cool down for at least 15 minutes after working out. This allows your skin's sensitivity to reduce before you exfoliate.
Dermasuri products are gentle on the skin and make excellent post-workout skin care products when used correctly. You may choose to incorporate one of the following:
- Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Glove Body Scrub: This exfoliating glove is made from the that visibly removes dead skin cells from the body. It helps clear away sweat and product buildup, leaving your skin incredibly smooth and ready to absorb post-workout lotions.
- Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Face Scrub: A gentler Dermasuri mitt designed specifically for the delicate skin on your face to buff away impurities. This helps prevent breakouts that can occur when sweat and makeup mix in your pores.
- Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Back Scrub: This scrubber makes it easy to reach and exfoliate your back, an area prone to breakouts. It ensures that sweat and oil do not linger and cause clogged pores, especially if you wear tight workout clothes.
- Dermasuri Sugar Body Scrub: This scrub uses sugar crystals to polish the skin while its moisturizing ingredients prevent dryness. It offers a luxurious way to smooth your skin, leaving it soft and smelling fresh after your workout.
It’s important to avoid over-exfoliation. For most skin types, exfoliating one to two times per week is enough to see benefits without causing irritation.
Other Tips for Protecting the Skin During and After Working Out
The American Academy of Dermatology Association discussed the following post-workout skin care tips to help protect your skin, minimize irritation and maximize your glow.
1. Skip Makeup
Makeup can really do wonders for our confidence, but we highly recommend just putting on some light makeup or skipping it entirely.
Working out with a full face of makeup can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria against your skin. This creates a perfect environment for congested pores, breakouts, and general skin irritation, especially when your pores are open from the heat.
It’s always best to cleanse your face before you exercise, allowing your skin to breathe freely and sweat without obstruction.
2. Choose Proper Fabrics
The clothes you wear for your workout matter as much as your routine. Choose "moisture-wicking" fabrics, often synthetic blends, which are designed to pull sweat away from your skin and allow it to evaporate quickly. In contrast, cotton holds moisture against your skin, which can lead to chafing, irritation, and body acne.
Additionally, go for loosely fitting workout clothes to reduce friction and allow for better air circulation.
3. Protect Your Feet
Your feet are under a lot of pressure and friction during a workout, making them prone to issues like blisters, calluses, and fungal infections. Wear socks that wick away moisture to help keep your feet dry and prevent rubbing.
Moreover, if you know you have areas that commonly rub or chafe, consider adding soft bandages or foot tape for extra protection before you start your exercise.
4. Wipe Down Equipment
Gym equipment can harbor a lot of bacteria and germs. Before and after using machines, weights, or mats, always wipe them down with a sanitizing spray or wipe. This simple habit helps prevent the transfer of bacteria to your skin, reducing the risk of breakouts and infections.
5. Shower Immediately
While it might be tempting to relax or run errands after a tough workout, showering as soon as possible is ideal. Doing so washes away sweat, oil, and bacteria so they don't get into your pores and cause problems.
For an all-around clean with a healthy glow, we recommend using:
- Dermasuri Japanese Exfoliating Shower Towel: A long, textured towel that cleanses and exfoliates your entire body, including hard-to-reach areas. This is a versatile tool for a thorough cleanse and polish after a sweaty session.
Alternatively, if you cannot shower immediately, at least use a body wipe to cleanse exposed skin areas.
Protect Your Healthy Post-Workout Glow With Dermasuri
The best post-workout skin care routine can be as simple as cleansing, hydrating, protecting, and occasionally exfoliating. This approach helps prevent the breakouts and irritation that can follow a good workout, allowing you to enjoy the healthy glow you have earned. Adding gentle exfoliation a couple of times a week is the best way to remove dead skin and keep your complexion smooth.
Dermasuri provides an effective yet gentle approach to exfoliation. Our tools, from the best exfoliating gloves to our sugar scrubs, are designed to give you visible results without being harsh. Choose Dermasuri to effectively deep clean your pores and maintain your skin's health.
Browse our full collection of exfoliating gloves and products today to enhance your post-workout routine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Post-Workout Skin Care Tips
Should I Do Skincare After Exercise?
Yes, it is highly recommended to do skincare after exercise. A proper routine helps cleanse away sweat and bacteria, restore hydration, and protect your skin, preventing issues like breakouts and dryness.
Is It Okay to Exfoliate After Working Out?
It’s generally okay to exfoliate after working out, but it’s best to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes for your skin to cool down. Exfoliating too soon after intense exercise, when your skin is still very warm and sensitive, can increase the risk of irritation.
When Should You Not Exfoliate?
You should not exfoliate if your skin is sunburned, irritated, broken, or experiencing an active breakout, rash, or skin condition like eczema or rosacea.
Also, avoid exfoliating immediately after shaving, waxing, or if you have recently undergone a strong chemical peel or dermatological procedure.
