Post-Workout Skincare: Top 5 Tips For Clear Skin After the Gym

Unfortunately, for most of us sweat junkies, keeping our skin clear is somewhat of a struggle because of the constant sweat we have on our faces. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s not actually the sweat that’s the issue.  Sweat naturally rehydrates the skin and keeps us glowing, but that’s only if you have a clean, naked face beforehand. Here are five top tips for clear skin for those who love to sweat.

5 Clear Skin Tips

Are you ready to get started? Try these five tips for healthy, clear skin:

1. Cleanse Before and After Your Workouts
2. Exfoliate
3. Go Naked
4. Keep Hair Off Your Face
5. Water, Water, Water!

1. Cleanse Before and After Your Workouts

Most of us will cleanse our faces after our workouts, but we often forget to cleanse before. During our sweatiest sessions, our pores open up, and if your face isn’t clean, the dirty air, the debris that sticks, and old makeup from the day that lingers on your skin can go right into your pores.

Use micellar water, like Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water, and a gentle facial cleanser like the one from Aveeno here before your workouts to ensure healthy, clear skin.

2. Exfoliate

Fun fact: people who sweat more produce more dead skin cells than the average person, and those dead cells create a trap for oil and dirt. Exfoliating at least 2x a week will help prevent acne on your face, and your back.

You can find my favorite exfoliator here, or if you’d like to find your own, just make sure you don’t purchase a product that has really abrasive ingredients like ground walnut shell. If you’re not into buying another product, you can simply use a gentle cleanser and a wet washcloth. Apply the cleanser to your face and gently create a circular motion on your face, neck, and back (what you can reach!) and rinse with warm water.

3. Go Naked

This may seem obvious, but we tend to miss this one major tip for clear skin. If you can, cleanse your face and go bare-faced into your sweat sessions. This ensures your pores open up and get rid of the toxins you need to get rid of, not trap them in with makeup.

4. Keep Hair Off Your Face

I am a dry shampoo queen because I don’t wash my hair every day. (Washing it every day is actually bad for your hair!) With that in mind, keeping my hair off my face is a priority during my sessions. Your hair accumulates grease and sweat that, if transferred onto your face during your sweaty sessions, can cause breakouts. 

5. Water, Water, Water!

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and just like every other organ, it needs water to function properly, including getting rid of the toxins that cause acne and clogged pores. By drinking enough water, your skin should improve and you’ll have a more radiant glow. Try to drink at least a gallon of water a day, especially if your sweat sessions are extra sweaty.

Follow These Tips for Clear Skin

Follow the advice above, and try some of the products I’ve mentioned. Exercise good self-care rituals, and you’ll find that your skin clears up in no time.

Wash Your Face The Right Way

• Step 1: Use warm water to wet your face
• Step 2: Apply your favorite cleanser
• Step 3: Exfoliate your skin gently
• Step 4: Rinse and pat it dry using a soft clean cloth
• Step 5: Apply toner for an even smooth skin
• Step 6: Don’t forget to use a moisturizer