There are few things as rewarding as post-workout endorphins, and it’s nice to feel like you’ve taken the time to look after yourself and sweat it out. That said, it’s equally important to continue taking care of yourself even after your exercise routine is done. And, as the title of this article suggests, crafting a post-workout skincare routine is essential to make sure you get all the benefits of working out — including healthy skin.
With that in mind, below are some key skincare habits to incorporate right after every workout!
1. Cleanse your face
This first tip is the most important one. Lots of bacteria accumulates on your face when you sweat, which can lead to breakouts and irritation if left unmanaged. Indeed, cleansing your face quickly is a must even if you aren’t planning to take a shower right after hitting the weights (or treadmill, for that matter). Cleansing your face also helps cool your skin off so that your blood vessels aren’t working overdrive. Neogen’s green tea cleansing stick comes highly recommended by the Strategist as one of the best cleansers you can have in your gym bag thanks to its portable size and good-for-you ingredients.
2. Skip the exfoliant
Regularly exfoliating your skin is a good habit to have, as you need a way to gently remove the dead skin cells from your face. However, right after working out isn’t the time to do it. Your skin is especially gentle after working out, and loading up on exfoliants can cause lots of micro-abrasions that may lead to wrinkles over time. In line with this, don’t be too aggressive when rubbing in your cleanser either: a few gentle strokes will do, then remember to pat dry.
3. Get your spritz on
Ask any serious skincare guru what’s in their bag, and they’re bound to have a bottle of their favorite face mist. Face mists are the perfect alternative to heavy moisturizers, and they’ll definitely make you feel super refreshed after a spritz or two! Allure writer Sarah Han loves Dr. Jart’s Tiger Grass mist as her go-to to help combat redness. The great thing about face mists is that they’re great at any time of the day, so you can spritz right after cleansing your face and get another one in before you finally head out the door!
4. Moisturize your body
Of course, skincare isn’t just relegated to your face: your body needs some love too. Since it’s important to cleanse your entire body to get rid of any excess sweat and bacteria, moisturizing right after helps restore balance to your skin. Lifestyle website PrettyMe swears by AR Vitamin E cream as a light and hydrating moisturizer for any skin type. It isn’t sticky on the skin either, allowing you to feel comfortable post-workout. Follow this up with some sunscreen (which is another must-have in your bag), and you’re good to go.
We at Fit Reigns have tons of workout guides and exercise routines that you can incorporate to build your dream body and keep your mind bright. A post-workout skin routine is yet another way to take care of yourself and ensure you truly feel your best.
