How to Take Care of Your Skin Post-Workout

April 20, 2023

Working out is great for your mental and physical health — but if you don’t take care of your skin after exercising, then you might start to experience breakouts, rashes, and other skin issues. If you’re wondering how to take care of your skin post-workout, here are the seven steps that you need to follow:

Remove your makeup first

Sweat and cosmetics don’t play nicely together. Sweat will not only cause your makeup to run, but it will also mix with cosmetic products and potentially clog your pores as well. If possible, you should remove your makeup prior to exercise using a cleansing balm or cleansing oil. Try to avoid makeup wipes, which can leave behind residue on your face that will irritate your skin.

Wash your face right away

If you’re wondering “should I wash my face after working out?” the answer is yes! In fact, you should ideally take a shower as soon as you are done exercising in order to cleanse your skin and wash away the sweat, bacteria, and dirt. If that’s not possible, then you should at least wash your face off using a fresh face cleanser and lukewarm water to remove potential irritants that can clog your pores. Pat your face dry gently, then continue with the rest of a simple skincare routine to soothe your skin.

Avoid exfoliation

Your face is especially sensitive after a workout routine due to all the increased blood flow. For that reason, we recommend skipping products with very powerful active ingredients directly after you exercise — save those for a different time of day. In particular, we recommend holding off on exfoliating products, which can be very sensitizing for your skin. While these are an important part of your weekly skincare routine, they should be used at a different time instead of right after your workout for best results.

Choose gentle serums

To soothe redness and achieve a healthy complexion, we recommend including a gentle serum in your post-workout skincare routine. Serums are the powerhouses of the skincare routine, making them a must-have for any skincare regimen, including your post-workout pampering. Prioritize serums with soothing, brightening, and hydrating benefits to prolong your after-exercise glow.

Moisturize your face

Exercise can be very drying for your skin due to the sweat and friction, not to mention that washing your face is the most stripping part of the skincare process. That means that it’s critical to apply moisturizer as part of your post-workout skincare routine. Even if you have oily skin, you should still be applying a lightweight gel moisturizer that will help to soothe your skin after your workout routine. And if you have dry skin, consider a heavier cream moisturizer that will help to balance out your lower oil production.

Reapply your sunscreen

If you workout during the day, then the final step of your post-workout skincare routine should be to reapply your sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from damaging UV rays that accelerate visible signs of aging that could also lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. It should be applied to all exposed skin, not just your face but also your ears, neck, and chest for the best protection possible.

Don’t forget about your body

When it comes to taking care of your skin after working out, don’t neglect your body! Skipping a shower after working out can lead to breakouts and body odor, while forgetting your moisturizer can cause your skin to dry out and become flaky. Choose a sulfate free body wash if you find regular body washes too harsh for use right after a workout. With the right shower routine, you’ll glow from head to toe after your workout!

Not sure what skincare products are right for your post-workout routine? Take our personalized skincare quiz to find out what products will work best for your skin!