When you go to the gym, your workout is only part of the equation for optimal performance and results. A good pre-workout skincare routine is important for comfort and healthy skin. Enhance your workout experience by prepping your skin and preventing breakouts, and irritation. To learn more about the perfect pre-workout skincare routine we spoke to Shreedha Singh, CEO & Co-founder of T.A.C – The Ayurveda Company. Here’s how to use her insights and wisdom for your skin.
Before we get deeper, it’s important to understand why pre-workout skincare matters. As Shreedha Singh says “Clean skin is crucial as it minimises the likelihood of breakouts caused by sweat mixing with impurities.” A good skincare routine can protect your skin from sweat-related issues and maintain its natural balance.
Your ultimate guide to dos and don’ts for pre-workout skincare
Dos of pre-workout skincare
Cleanse your face
Do: Start with a gentle cleanser. Singh suggests, “For Vata skin (typically dry and sensitive), use a hydrating cleanser enriched with calming herbs like chamomile or calendula. For Pitta skin (oily and acne-prone), a gentle foaming cleanser with ingredients like neem or tea tree can help balance oil production and reduce inflammation.”
Don’t: Avoid harsh scrubs that can strip your skin’s natural oils, which may lead to extreme dryness or irritation.
Apply a light moisturiser
Do: Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser. Singh recommends using ingredients like “aloe vera or jojoba oil,” which are known for their soothing and hydrating properties. These help create a protective barrier that locks in moisture without clogging pores.
Don’t: Apply heavy creams or oils that might make your skin greasy and contribute to breakouts.
Use sunscreen
Do: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen if exercising outdoors, especially between 10 AM and 5 PM. Singh highlights, “Ayurveda suggests using sunscreens with natural ingredients like zinc oxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection while being gentle on the skin.”
Don’t: Only use makeup with SPF protection; use a proper sunscreen with at least SPF 30 instead.
Opt for non-comedogenic products
Do: Use skin care products labelled as non-comedogenic to prevent pore blockages. Singh adds, “Choosing products with soothing herbs like aloe vera and chamomile can also help keep your skin calm and balanced.”
Don’t: Use heavy or oil-based products that will clog pores if you have acne-prone skin.
Stay hydrated
Do: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within. Singh emphasises the importance of hydration, noting, “Both internal and external hydration are crucial. Drinking water and applying a lightweight moisturiser can help maintain your skin’s balance and health.”
Don’t: Forget to hydrate or only use topical products.
Examine your workout gear
Do: Ensure that your workout gear is clean and free from oils or residues. This helps prevent transferring unwanted substances to your skin.
Don’t: Use dirty gym equipment that might harbor bacteria.
Don’ts of pre-workout skincare
Skip skincare completely
Don’t: Go to the gym without cleansing your face or applying a basic skincare routine. This can lead to breakouts and irritation.
Apply heavy makeup
Don’t: Wear makeup during your workout. Singh advises, “Makeup can clog pores and hinder the skin’s natural ability to breathe and sweat, leading to breakouts and irritation.”
Overuse exfoliants
Don’t: Use exfoliating products right before your workout. They can make your skin more sensitive to sweat and friction.
Forget to clean your hands
Don’t: Touch your face with unclean hands. This can transfer bacteria and oils to your skin.
Use harsh ingredients
Don’t: Incorporate products with high concentrations of retinoids or acids immediately before a workout. Singh suggests avoiding these, as they can increase sensitivity and irritation.
Specialised pre-workout skincare tips from Shreedha Singh
For those with sensitive skin, Singh advises a focus on gentle care. “Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and apply a soothing moisturiser free of alcohol and fragrances. Ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile are excellent for calming the skin and providing hydration.”
For oily, acne-prone skin, she recommends using an oil-free cleanser with neem to control excess oil and impurities. “A toner with neem or salicylic acid can help control oil and refresh the skin,” she notes.
A good pre-workout skincare routine is important for both skin health and overall comfort during exercise. By following the dos and don’ts outlined, you can ensure that your skin remains clean, hydrated, and protected. By incorporating these into your routine you’ll prevent common problems like breakouts and irritation and be able to confidently focus on your fitness goals. Embrace these strategies to maintain a radiant complexion and enjoy a more comfortable and effective workout session.
Hero Image: Courtesy Toa Heftiba/Unsplash; Featured Image: Courtesy Sora Shimazaki/Pexels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before a workout, cleanse your face to remove impurities, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated, and use sunscreen if you’ll be exercising outdoors to protect against UV damage.
Before a workout, cleanse and moisturise to prepare your skin, and apply sunscreen if needed. After exercising, cleanse again to remove sweat and impurities, then apply a moisturiser to replenish hydration and soothe the skin.
Skincare should be done before and after a morning workout. Cleanse and moisturise before to prep your skin, and re-cleanse and hydrate after to remove sweat and restore moisture.
It’s best to avoid applying heavy oils before a workout, as they can mix with sweat and clog pores. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers instead.
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