Sweat, Smile, Rinse and Repeat
Do you want to good news or the bad news first? Sweating is essential to your body's ability to regulate core temperature and it purges the skin of harmful substances. Studies show that sweating not only removes impurities from your skin, but can help protect it from bacteria by secreting a rather nifty natural antibiotic called Dermcidin. I love the steam my esthetician uses before a facial, so there must be some benefits there right?
Now for the not so good news. While we love that sweating brings the impurities to the skin's surface and clears out your pores, if you don't remove that grime immediately post-workout that's where the problems begin. If that dirt settles back into your skin it can cause breakouts, rashes and irritated skin. Here are some tips for keeping a healthy glow pre-and post-workout and read below for my On-the-Go Skincare tips.
Tips for Great Skin
These tips are from the athletes at Stack Fitness.
- Hydrate during a workout. The higher the water content in perspiration, the lower the chance of skin irritation. Water adds minerals, acids and proteins to sweat, reducing the skin's pH imbalance.
- Wash your face before you work out. That will help reduce impurities on your skin as you work out. If you are outdoors, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or higher.
- Wear moisture-wicking workout clothing. Wicking moisture away from the skin reduces chafing and discomfort. Some brands even offer anti-microbial fabrics, which help reduce bacteria-induced rashes and irritation.
- Shower and cleanse shortly after your workout. It's important to reduce the amount of impurities that could be reabsorbed by the skin. Focus on parts of your body where sweat accumulates (e.g., under your arms and between your toes), not just your face. Use natural products and exfoliate dead skin with a loofah sponge or a natural bristle brush.
- Use a pH-balanced antiperspirant, lotion and/or moisturizer after you shower. This will help restore the pH balance to your skin. Showering alters the skin's natural pH balance, and soap removes essential moisture and oils. A pH-balanced deodorant or lotion helps restore it.
On-the-Go Skincare Routine
I could not survive (mentally or physically) without a daily sweat session to get my endorphins going and rev up my metabolism. I'm notorious for trying to squeeze in a quick run before work, even if that means I have 10 minutes to get out the door, or skipping lunch to make a spin class. I am constantly on the go, and don't always have time for the proper pampering in the morning. My saving grace is that I have my skincare routine down to an exact science, it's efficient, effective, and anti-aging. Here are my go-to skincare products when I'm hitting the gym, traveling, or just running around like crazy! I'm also totally obsessed with the new travel size skincare packs from Rodan+Fields--FREE as a gift with purchase right now. Go from Barre to Bar in no time!
1. Cleansing Face Wipes
Sweat Cosmetics Skin Balancing Cleansing Wipes
Rodan+Fields Pore Minimizing Toner
RODAN + FIELDS
Pore minimizing toner. For acne prone skin, try the Clarifying Toner $38 at Rodan+Fields
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20
3. Moisturize & Protect
LAURA MERCIER
Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20. Free Gift with Purchase when you buy at Nordstrom for $38.