Skincare for Workout

“Exercising causes blood vessels to expand increases blood flow to the skin, and opens pores. Sweat and bacteria get trapped under layers of makeup, preventing the skin from dissipating heat properly and leaving it prone to pore-occlusion (or becoming majorly clogged!)The trapping of bacteria and sweat in the pores can enlarge pores over time and cause blackheads, while the trapping of heat can flare temperature-sensitive conditions such as rosacea, ultimately causing redness and uneven skin tone. Bottom line: makeup covers up our sweat glands, which can clog pores and lead to acne or irritation, which is just not worth it.” says New York-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD.

So, now you know why you should be taking off your makeup before a workout. But do you know how to cleanse your skin? 

A good cleansing routine should include two cleansing products. 

1. Oil Cleanser - To break down and remove excess sebum and stubborn oil-based products such as makeup, sunscreen, and products with silicones. 
2. Water cleanser - To remove sweat, dirt and water-based debris that is not removed with the oil cleanser.

Choosing the right and gentle cleanser for your skin is very important even if the product lasts a minute on your skin. Try using cleansers with gentle formulas such as COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gentle Cleanser, that helps refine the skin's texture persistently by reducing pores and blackheads, or NEOGEN Real Cica Micellar Cleansing Foam, which helps soothe and smoothen inflammed and irritated skin without stripping away your skin's natural layer of oil. 

Skincare before workout does not have to be complicated. The most important thing is to cleanse, prep and moisturize.

Your skin pH balance is off after oil and water cleansing. It is always necessary to make sure that your skin pH is balanced before you apply the next layer of product. It can be a calming mist or hydrating toner. 

Since “fuss-free” is a theme for skincare before/after a workout, rather than adding in serum step as a separate step, try BLITHE Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum or BLITHE Crystal Iceplant Pressed Serum, which is as effective as serum and as protective as a moisturizer.  These pressed serums are packed with very efficient and effective ingredients in high percentages while providing enough hydration for your skin. 

If you are working out outdoors, make sure to apply your sunscreen. Check out NEOGEN Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50 / PA +++, which is lightweight yet protects your skin from harmful UV rays and environmental stressors while nourishing hydration from rose and raspberry extracts. 

Now, enjoy your workout and have a glow skin day.