A Touch of Southern Grace : Guest Post :: Exercise and Skincare: 5 Pre & Post-Workout Summer Skin Care Tips

The past couple of weeks I have been making a point to workout to workout 4-5 times a week and the older I get the more into skin care I get, so needless to say I am super excited about this guest post. After reading this post one of the worst things I realize I do is I don’t take my makeup off before I workout… I didn’t even know that was a thing, but in hindsight it make complete sense. In today’s guest post Jordan Bannon is sharing 5 pre & post workout skin care tips!

Summer is a fantastic time to get active. Whether you’re traveling, attending a summer camp, getting out in nature or making the most of every spare moment to head to the gym, here are some tips to keep your skin healthy and happy while working out.

Cleanse Before You Work Out

When you exercise, your pores open up so that sweat and toxins can be released. This means that it’s super important to cleanse before you begin—to avoid makeup, dirt, and oil clogging up the pores and causing acne.

First, remove any makeup with a gentle facial wipe or cream. Then, cleanse with water or a gentle non-toxic soap. Some people like to follow this step with a fast-absorbing moisturizer to lock in the hydration. Another option for hydration is to mist your face with water in a spray bottle before exercising, and remember to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.

Apply Sunscreen

The next step is for when you’ll be exercising outside—going for a jog, hiking up a mountain, or splashing in the sea—is to apply sun protection. Protect your skin from sun damage by applying a generous amount of moisturizing, non-toxic sunscreen 30 minutes before you leave, making sure to cover all the areas that might end up being exposed to the sun (don’t forget your feet!).

If it’s the heat of the day, wear a hat, sleeves, and SPF sunglasses, and stick to shaded areas when you can. If you’re going swimming outdoors, use a water-resistant sunblock and remember to reapply after towel drying.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

For exercising in the heat, it’s really important to wear breathable fabrics that allow the heat and sweat to absorb into the material and evaporate out the other side without trapping it against your body. This will make your workout so much more effective for detoxing and will also keep you cooler while you exercise.

The best fabrics for breathability are those designed specifically for exercise. Cotton and wool—the traditional fabrics for exercise—are naturally breathable and absorbent. However, their super absorbency tends to hold the moisture in and the saturated clothing weighs you down. Synthetic fibers and cotton/synthetic blends including nylon and/or polyester are stretchy (making them ideal for flexibility) and carry the moisture to the outside of the clothing where it can evaporate into the air, rather than holding the moisture against your skin.

Avoid Touching Your Face During the Workout

During your workout is the time when you’re most vulnerable to bacteria entering the opened pores of your skin. Before working out at the gym, wipe down the equipment you’ll be using with an antibacterial solution to kill any germs—especially the hand grips.

Take a small towel with you to dry your face and neck while you exercise and pay attention so that you don’t touch your face with your bare hands, as this is when bacteria is most likely to enter your skin and cause breakouts and inflammation. After you finish, use the same towel to dry off rather than wiping off the sweat with your fingers.

Gentle and Effective Cleansing

Hooray! You’ve finished your sweat session and it’s time to clean off and relax (or work, study, or go out for a coffee with friends…). Good thing you packed your gym bag before heading out, because not only do you have your trusty towel to dry off, but you’ve also packed some handy mini bars of face and body cleanser soap to gently remove the toxins, sweat, and dead skin cells that you’ve worked so hard to bring to the surface during your workout. Those ones from Ayr work wonders, and if you’re at home you can enjoy the full-sized bars!

For a deeper cleanse, right after a workout is a fantastic time to use a gentle exfoliating wash that nourishes the skin, kills bacteria, and leaves you feeling and smelling fresh. Finally, apply toner and moisturizer to replace the lost fluids and seal in moisture, and keep drinking throughout the day to keep up your general hydration.

By following these tips, you’ll be confident to get out and get active this summer and enjoy showing off your beautiful, healthy skin!

Author Bio:

Jordan Bannon is a freelance writer specializing in health and fitness. As an advocate for clean, healthy and balanced lifestyles, he writes about developments in health and wellness, along with natural skincare and beauty products.

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