Simple Post-Workout Skincare to Prevent Breakouts

Getting into a great workout routine that works for your body and fits your schedule is a tough ask for many people at first, and when you find that equilibrium it feels life-changing. Your body responds to the work you’re putting in and feels good. This is great for your body but may be bad news for your skin if you don’t have a post workout skincare routine.

Sweating is inevitable with most workouts, but sweat can clog your pores. Clogged pores will likely lead to acne and blemishes; a post-workout skincare is essential for preventing breakouts and maintaining healthy, clear skin.

To make things easier for you, I have put together some post-workout skincare tips that you can incorporate to prevent breakouts:

• Cleanse your skin immediately after your workout. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove the dirt, oil, and bacteria that build up during a workout. Trust me this is a game changer if you do it right. Avoid using hot water when rinsing out as it can dry out your skin and cause irritation. Do not use just any cleanser, some can be too harsh on your skin and cause even more damage over time. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an excellent choice. It is a non-comedogenic foamy cleanser that efficiently and gently eliminates dirt, oil, and perspiration while preserving the skin’s natural barrier.

• Wash Your Body With a Moisturizing Body Wash to Prevent Body Breakouts.  You may have noticed your skin feels tight after bathing with regular soap or body wash. Tight or harshness is generally a no-no for the skin so this is simply an indication that your skin isn’t getting treated right and it isn’t getting enough moisture. Change it up! After a workout, use a moisturising, cleaning body wash to keep your pores clear and avoid acne outbreaks.

A moisturising body wash will help prevent dryness and irritation. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant MaxGlow Moisturizing Body Wash is a good option. It is formulated with soy and kiwi complex to help nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

• Use a toner to balance your skin’s pH levels. During a workout, the pH level of the skin fluctuates. Why should you care about this? The natural pH level of the skin is important because it is responsible for the skin’s barrier function, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and protected from harmful pathogens and irritants. A healthy pH level can also help to maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin, which can help to prevent acne and other skin conditions. Additionally, maintaining a proper pH level can help improve skincare products’ effectiveness by allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution are good options.

• Apply a light moisturizer after cleansing and toning. The right moisturiser might just be your skin’s best friend. Your post-workout routine is incomplete without a moisturiser as it helps a lot in keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin is my favourite. Non-greasy and fast absorbing, it always leaves my skin feeling hydrated, comfortable and rich. I’m sure you want that too.

• Use a spot treatment for any breakouts. Occasionally, there will be breakouts here or there, annoying but inevitable for most. If you notice any breakouts after your workout, you can use a spot treatment to target the affected area and clear it out in no time. A spot treatment that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide will help to reduce inflammation and clear up blemishes. Having a trusted treatment like The Murad Acne Spot Treatment in your catalogue will come in pretty handy whenever those pesky little pimples pop up.

• Don’t forget to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. UV rays can cause premature ageing and skin cancer and excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of both. Staying healthy is the goal and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen is a tried and trusted sunscreen. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 60. It’s formulated with exclusive Cell-Ox Shield technology that provides antioxidants to help protect against free radicals. The formula is also lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin so it won’t leave any funny-looking white cast on your skin.

• Be mindful of your diet. Your diet has a big impact on your skin so it’s important to be mindful of what you’re eating. Eating a diet that’s high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to breakouts, making your efforts to keep healthy and blemish-free skin harder. Focus on eating a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. It’s quite harder than it sounds, but getting it right is just as rewarding and worth it. Choosing the right diet can in turn be beneficial for your workout goals too, a win-win!

A quick note if you’re experiencing persistent breakouts or if you’re using products that are making your skin worse, you should consult with a dermatologist. They will be able to help you identify the root cause of your breakouts and provide you with a personalized skincare routine that will help to clear up your skin.

By following these simple post-workout skincare steps, you can help to prevent breakouts and keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Remember to cleanse, make sure that you’re using clean towels, as well as washing your face after every workout to keep your skin clean and clear. Also,  tone, moisturise, use a spot treatment, and be mindful of your diet, and you’ll be on your way to clear, healthy skin. Good luck!