GYM SKINCARE TIPS
WORK IT OUT WITH THE SPORTY GIRLS’ SKINCARE ROUTINE.
Go hard or just…have a go? You don’t have to run yourself ragged to enjoy a good workout. Sweat is strictly optional. Fitness flexing not for you? Just find what feels good. And if you follow these gym skincare tips while you’re getting your move on, your skin will thank you too. If you’re looking to create an everyday skincare routine, you can check out our guide.
YOUR WORKOUT SKINCARE ROUTINE
Exercise is great for the body and mind, and adding some movement into your day can boost your mood and help you feel energised – but how does it impact your skin? Our recent survey found almost three in five (58%) Brits don’t factor in a skincare routine before or after exercise, with 61% feeling that it’s an unnecessary step. Whilst lugging skincare products to the gym or studio can be a frustration, strenuous activity can expose your skin to blemish-causing bacteria, which can lead to issues such as blemishes and skin discomfort. Blemish-prone skin tends to overheat and perspire a little more than other skin types, leading it to produce oil that can build up on the surface over time. But don’t sweat it: we’ve got all the tips you need to keep skin happy through the workout and beyond. We also spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr. Shaaira Nasir about the importance of pre & post-workout workout skincare.
PRE-GYM SKINCARE ROUTINE
With only 11% of Brits prepping their skin pre-work out, we’ve devised a simple three steps routine to get your skin gym ready.
- Before exercise, remove make-up with our Camomile Cleansing Butter. Sweep this gentle balm over skin and gently buff away, leaving nothing behind that could plug your pores.
- Avoid post-workout panda eyes by cleansing away any lingering eye make-up with our Vitamin E Cream Cleanser and the Clean Conscious Reusable Make-Up Removal Pads.
- Use a refreshing toner like our Vitamin E Moisturising Toner. Your skin needs to be fresh, clean and free to breathe.
If your skin needs a bit more hydration before you get your body moving Dr. Nasir suggests “opting for a light serum or moisturising lotion before exercising.”
WORKOUT YOUR SKINCARE
Different workouts put different parts of your body to the test: your skin responds in unique ways, too. We’ve designed a couple of routines to combat the fresh challenges you face, however you like to exercise. A variety of our products come in mini-sizes, so it’s easy to pop a complete kit into your gym bag.
SKINCARE FOR YOGA BUNNIES
The flow’s over but feeling zen should last long after you’ve rolled up the mat. A tenth of Brits feel a bit too chill post downward dog, with tiredness being the reason to not carry out a post-movement skincare routine. But you should extend the ethos of self-care to your skin with a routine of gentle essentials that treat you kindly.
OUR TIPS FOR SKINCARE AFTER YOGA CLASS
STEP 1: CLEANSE
After mastering your tree pose, bring calm to sensitive skin while removing traces of makeup with the Aloe Soothing Cream Cleanser.
STEP 2: SOOTHE
Stay in tune with the senses. Lather up with the Strawberry Shower Gel and wash those worries away.
STEP 3: MOISTURISE
Our hydrating Vitamin E Moisture Day Cream locks in moisture for up to 48hrs, so you can enjoy that healthy looking glow long after your class.
STEP 4: REFRESH
Feel refreshed straight out of class. Our Edelweiss Bouncy Jelly Mist is a pocket-sized pick-me-up. Just spritz over your face and float through your busy day.
SKINCARE FOR A POST-CARDIO WORKOUT
If you’ve been working up a sweat, a good cleanse will help ease the impact of intense activity. The change in conditions can be a bit of a shock to the skin, especially for those on the more sensitive side.How exactly could your energetic, sweat session impact your skin? Dr. Nasir explains, “If left on the skin for long periods, the sweat and moist areas are a great breeding ground for bacteria or yeast. We all have these microorganisms living on our skin but in the right environment the microorganisms will thrive and start causing problems to our skin.”She also added that “prolonged exposure to sweat can also irritate the skin causing inflammation and flare ups of eczema especially in the creases of our skin.”So, unsurprisingly, a shower is priority for 60% of those who carry out a skincare routine post-gym, but only one in three (30%) make their serums, cleansers, and toners a must after a pulse-raising session.Over half of gym-goers that do a full skincare routine before exercising make this practice their top priority after a workout, compared to less than a quarter (24%) prioritising a shower after a gym session.Whatever your skin type, it’s important to cleanse your face and body promptly to give it a good chance to recover. Here’s a pattern that works for us…
OUR TIPS FOR SKINCARE AFTER CARDIO
STEP 1: RINSE
Bursting with the zesty scent of citrus, the sense-tingling Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel will help blast away every sign of your workout.
STEP 2: CLEANSE
Bask in that post-workout radiance and get squeaky-clean from sweat with the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser.
STEP 3: REPLENISH
Replenish the moisture in your skin with our lightweight British Rose Body Yogurt. It absorbs in an instant, so no waiting around to get dressed.
STEP 4: REHYDRATE
Time to reinvigorate your skin. Bring back moisture and rehydrate your skin for the day ahead with a few spritzes of the Edelweiss Bouncy Jelly Mist.
SKINCARE FOR A POST-SWIM SESSION
Taking a dip can exercise every muscle in the body, but the chlorine can be a little tough on blemish-prone skin. If that’s you, don’t hang up your flippers just yet: you can help minimise the impact of your environment with a good kit in your swim bag, and a gently restorative routine.
OUR TIPS FOR SKINCARE AFTER SWIMMING
STEP 1: REPLENISH
Chlorine-soaked hair is often dry and tangled. Help replenish your hair’s moisture with the Shea Intense Repair Conditioner, made with Vegan silk protein to intensely nourish your hair*.
*Please note that the benefits have been proven on the full routine only
STEP 2: RINSE (GENTLY!)
Our foaming Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Clay Wash helps balance your skins excess oil and leaves it feeling softer and fresher.
STEP 3: REFRESH
Naturally strengthened with leontopodic acid (known for its antioxidant properties), the Edelweiss Eye Concentrate is a refreshing treat for your sensitive eye area post-swim.
STEP 4: RESTORE
Fresh out the water, your skin craves hydration. Our Almond Milk Body Yogurt quickly cocoons skin with a veil of moisture to keep you feeling comforted for up to 48hrs.
So now you know which skincare routine fits our movement style – but what is the most important step in your skin and body care routine after you exercise?
Dr. Nasir said “It's best to have a shower and cleanse the skin straight away after exercise to prevent microorganism from harbouring on the skin. For those who are prone to body blemishes you may want to consider a salicylic acid wash to help with further exfoliation.”
Note: Scientific content provided and reviewed by Dr. Shaaira Nasir.
References:
1| Results part of a OnePulse Survey of 500 respondents, carried out March 2023.
2| Impact of Chlorine on Hair | https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/weird-things-chlorine-does-to-your-body-and-what-to-do-about-it/