Skincare before or after a workout?

What should you do before a workout?

1. 1Remove makeup. An oil free makeup remover towelette is one option; washing with a gentle cleanser is another. Makeup removal belongs before exercise, even if foundation would prefer to stay for the entire class.
2. 2Put on clean workout clothes. Dead skin cells, bacteria and oil on clothes worn previously can clog pores. Choose a loose fit to reduce rubbing, and fabrics such as nylon or polyester that move sweat away from skin.
3. 3Apply sunscreen before exercising outdoors during daylight. Choose SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, and water resistance. For skin prone to acne, look for an oil free or noncomedogenic formula, meaning one designed not to clog pores.

Cover all exposed skin with sunscreen, including your face, neck and ears. If you will be outside long enough to risk burning, apply it 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving. Reapply every two hours and after sweating, swimming or towel drying; water resistance does not remove the need to reapply. Use shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses as well. For cold weather workouts that leave skin chapped or windburned, consider moisturizer or petroleum jelly before heading outside, without skipping sunscreen.23

During exercise, pat sweat away

Use a freshly washed towel and gently pat sweat off rather than rubbing, which can make acne flare. Wipe shared equipment before and after use. Bacteria and oil can move from equipment to your hands and then to your face when you wipe your forehead. Use your own yoga mat when possible, and avoid sharing protective equipment such as helmets.12

What skincare should you do after a workout?

1. 1Shower soon after finishing to wash away sweat, oil and bacteria. Wear flip flops in communal showers and locker rooms to reduce exposure to infections such as fungus and warts.
2. 2Wash your face and areas prone to acne with a mild, oil free cleanser. Wet your skin, apply cleanser with your fingertips, massage gently and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Avoid hot water and scrubbing, then gently pat dry.
3. 3Change into clean clothing. If a shower is not available, at least wash your face. Salicylic acid pads are an alternative for areas that tend to break out. If no cleanser is available, rinse with lukewarm water.

What should you use after a workout?

A mild cleanser is the starting point, rather than automatically adding an acne treatment after every workout. Cleansing removes excess oil, dirt, makeup and sunscreen, which is a more useful job than making the bathroom shelf look athletic. For acne, a salicylic acid cleanser helps loosen clogged pores, while a benzoyl peroxide wash kills bacteria involved in acne and can also reduce body odor. Apply deodorant after showering, once skin is dry; antiperspirants reduce sweating and odor, while deodorants mask the smell.24

Be cautious with benzoyl peroxide if your skin is sensitive, and avoid using it alongside other drying ingredients such as salicylic acid. Acne cleansers combined with acne products left on the skin can cause excessive dryness and irritation. Repeated washing can also remove protective surface oils and increase water loss. If cleansing leaves skin red, dry, chafed or stinging, scale back irritating cleansing rather than scrubbing harder. Continue your existing acne treatment; workout hygiene is not a replacement. If breakouts persist, check whether clothing or sports equipment is contributing.124