How to care for your skin pre- and post workout

Like they say, “You are one workout away from a better mood.” I like to rephrase it as “You are one workout away from a better mood and glowing skin.”

Working out is a wonderful way to not only stay active, but also to get your endorphins running, giving you a healthy dose of high. It makes your skin glow by increasing blood flow, helping to nourish the skin cells and keep them vital. Amongst the many other skin benefits of regularly exercising is its ability to help remove toxins from the body, detoxing the skin in the process, leaving it looking radiantly fresh. 

By strengthening the immune system and reducing cortisol in the body, working out minimizes the risk of skin conditions such as breakouts and flare ups. It lends youthfulness to the skin by delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, lending it a youthful glow. 

However, to make the most out of your workout session, and to continue reaping its many skin benefits, it’s extremely important to be mindful of caring for your skin before and after the session, because the slightest bit of negligence can leave the skin feeling and looking worse. 

So if you’re interested to learn how to do this right, keep on reading to find out!

Pre-workout skincare routine 

Before you break a sweat, you must:

Remove all the makeup

We know you’re tempted to enter the gym looking like one of those fitness influencers, with your makeup looking flawless and perfect. But we’d strongly advise against it. Not only will the sweating make a complete mess of it all, causing it to melt and run down in streaks all over your face, it’s likely to settle into the open pores, resulting in a nasty breakout not long afterwards. So make sure to start your workout with a clean face and with as little makeup on as possible. 

Remember, while acquiring an attractive appearance is one of the benefits of working out, it’s more than just that. It’s meant to help uplift your mood and health, so trying to keep vanity out of it from the get go will help to keep things in perspective. 

Cleanse your skin

Continuing from the point mentioned above, if you have makeup on, or your face feels sticky and sweaty, it’s a good idea to give it a good rinse using a gentle formula before starting your workout routine. You’ll feel refreshed and energized, ready to make the most of it! 

Apply a moisturizer 

As you sweat while working out, your body loses moisture, leaving your skin feeling dehydrated. So while it’s important to keep sipping on water throughout your workout to remain hydrated, applying a lightweight moisturizer like the Leovard Multicream, can keep the skin replenished. 

Wear a lip balm

A light coat of a nourishing and hydrating lip balm can prevent the lips from becoming dry and parched as a result of working out, keeping them plump and luscious. We recommend something with hyaluronic acid, like the Leovard Lip Luster, to keep the moisture locked in. 

Not skip sunscreen 

This is especially important if you’re planning to workout outdoors, like going for a jog or run. Experts recommend wearing it even if you’re working out indoors as all forms of visible light contain harmful UV rays that can cause irreparable damage to the skin. 

Post-workout skincare routine 

After you’re done, you must: 

Wash your hands

Even if you’re a germaphobe and wipe down all gym equipment using antibacterial wipes before using, you’re unlikely to be able to avoid contracting at least a few regardless. Which is why washing or sanitizing the hands immediately after you’re done is extremely important. 

The Leovard Hand Sanitizer with silver ions to ward off germs and microbes, along with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, doubles as a hand cream and is an absolute must-have in your gym bag. 

Take a shower 

With athleisure clothing becoming popular, it’s tempting to skip the shower and get started on the day's errands in the same leggings. But little does one realize that this breeds germs and microbes, ultimately causing breakouts and other skin problems. So hit the shower immediately afterwards or at least wash off before heading out. 

Cleanse your face

This is a step that you CANNOT skip after a workout. All the sweat, if left on the face, can settle in the pores, causing one to break out, sometimes even excessively, as it is probably riddled with germs and microbes from the gym equipment. Using a salicylic acid cleanser like the Leovard Multicleanser can keep acne at bay, along with promoting youthful and radiant skin. 

Apply a toner 

Your skin is probably worked up after the intense workout session, and feels hot, inflamed and tingly. Which is why a soothing toner, like the Leovard Tonic, consisting of lavender and chamomile can give the skin an instant relief while also giving it a boost of hydration. 

Moisturize

It goes without saying that the skin needs to be moisturized after cleansing and toning to restore the lost moisture as a result of working out, making it feel soft, smooth and supple. 

Reapply sunscreen

It’s advised to reapply sunscreen every few hours for maximum protection, which is why the last step of your post workout routine must include a generous application of the same. 

Takeaway 

Incorporating regular exercise in one’s routine is a great way to lead a fulfilled life and it can positively affect many aspects of one’s body and health, including the skin. However, pre- and post-workout skin care is essential to maintain optimum skin health and enjoy clear, flawless and radiant skin.