Post-Workout Skincare Routines to Reset Your Face after Exercising

Any kind of exercise eliminates impurities from our bodies and even from our minds. However, what shall we do after exercising? No matter what kind of physical activity you do, cleaning your face and following a proper post-workout skincare routine are essential for several reasons to achieve a face reset after exercising. Here are the key reasons why a skincare routine after exercising is as important as any other moment of the day.

Sweat removal

During exercise, sweat helps cool your body but can accumulate on your skin, mixing with dirt, oil, and other impurities. At the same time, sweat can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to breakouts, irritation, and infections. It is important to remove that sweat as soon as possible after exercising.

Happy female athlete wiping her sweat while taking a break and listening music over earphones.

Pore cleansing

Exercise increases blood flow and opens up pores, making it easier for sweat, dirt, and oils to get trapped. So, cleaning your face post-workout helps remove these impurities, reducing the risk of clogged pores and acne.

Skin irritation and inflammation

The salt in sweat can be irritating and, when mixed with bacteria, can cause skin inflammation, as a consequence, proper cleansing helps minimize redness and sensitivity by removing these irritants.

Maintaining pH balance

Many factors can disrupt the natural pH balance of your skin and sweat is one of them, making your skin more prone to issues like dryness or oiliness.

Hydration and nourishment

Exercise can dehydrate your skin, leading to dryness and a lack of essential nutrients. Post-workout skincare routines often include moisturizing steps that rehydrate and replenish the skin, keeping it healthy and glowing.

Steps for an effective post-workout skincare routine

Cleansing

The best post-workout skincare routine always begins with the use of a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Splash your face with lukewarm water, apply the cleanser, gently massage it in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly.

Happy female athlete wiping her sweat while taking a break and listening music over earphones.

Toning

Apply a toner to balance the skin’s pH and remove any residual impurities. Ideally, use alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients like chamomile or rose water. Apply toner to a cotton pad and swipe it across your face or pat it directly onto your skin with clean hands.

Moisturizing

Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and keep the skin barrier healthy. Apply a little amount and gently massage it into your skin.

You can apply a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin before the moisturizer to boost hydration, replenish moisture, and support the skin barrier. Just apply a few drops of serum to your face and neck, gently pressing it into the skin.

Adding eye cream can be an optional but also very good step to hydrate your skin. Apply eye cream with caffeine or peptides to reduce puffiness and dark circles, which can be exacerbated by physical exertion. Dab a small amount around the eye area using your ring finger.

Sun Protection

No matter if you have been exercising outdoors or indoors, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before and after exercising to protect your skin from UV damage since UV damage can be intensified by sweat and increased blood flow to the skin. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 generously to all exposed areas, and reapply if you will be spending additional time outdoors.

Exfoliating

Although this step is optional, it is always advisable to occasionally use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, however, avoid over-exfoliating.

Extra skincare tips

By following these steps, you ensure that your skin is clean, balanced, and well-cared for after the stresses of a workout, leading to healthier, clearer, and more resilient skin. However, there are some extra tips to take into consideration.

Happy female athlete wiping her sweat while taking a break and listening music over earphones.

• Shower quickly: If it is possible, it is advisable to take a shower immediately after working out to cleanse your body and prevent acne caused by sweat and bacteria.
• Use clean towels: Always pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel to avoid introducing bacteria that may be in the towel.
• Stay hydrated: Hydration is important from the outside to the inside and vice versa. Drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Avoid heavy makeup: Post-workout, allow your skin to breathe by avoiding heavy makeup. If needed, use non-comedogenic, breathable options.

It is important to remember that any routine can be adjusted based on your specific skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive) and any skin concerns you might have, such as acne or hyperpigmentation. Always patch-test new products to ensure they do not irritate your skin.