Your fitness routine shouldn't wreak havoc on your complexion—but getting sweaty, dehydrated, and spending prolonged periods in the sun without taking the proper steps to prep and treat your skin before and after can make that tricky. Keep these workout skincare products in your gym bag if you want to make a point to protect your face as you work on your fitness this winter.
Get clean post-workout
Even if you weren’t wearing makeup before your workout, cleansing your face afterward is key for lifting all the sweat and dirt that accumulated. Gyms are public spaces, (an exercise bike has 39 times more bacteria than a plastic cafeteria tray) so, skipping washing your face and hands afterwards could lead to more than just a breakout.
Use a refreshing cleanser like, Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea ($29), which helps eliminate toxins before they settle down. Cleanse with lukewarm water—especially when your skin is hot and flushed post-workout—as hot water can strip the skin of its vital, natural oils.
Add moisture back to your skin and calm any irritation with a quality moisturizer like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, ($34). The gel formula feels cool on application and absorbs quickly without clogging pores.
If you don’t have time for a shower, wipe off the places where sweat accumulates most—your chest, neck, back and stomach, with a chemical-free body cleansing wipe like Aleva Bamboo Baby Wipes ($6). These wipes are made of unbleached bamboo fibres and contain a mix of organic aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil and lavender oils to soothe skin while cleansing.
