Whether you’re a marathon runner or a high-intensity gym-goer, working up a serious sweat can take its toll on your skin. The combination of heat, moisture, and friction from your clothes leads to clogged pores, breakouts, irritation, and other unwanted issues. Even those with naturally clear complexions may find their skin rebelling in the face of intense sweat sessions. It’s enough to make you consider cutting back on your workouts. However, with some thoughtful skincare strategies tailored to sweaty skin, you can help alleviate these problems.
The key is being proactive and strategic before, during, and after sweaty workouts in order to prevent issues like acne, rashes, and dehydration. With some small tweaks to your regular skincare regimen, your complexion doesn’t have to pay the price for your workout dedication.
That said, read on for tips on keeping your skin happy, healthy, and breakout-free, even in the face of hardcore sweating.
Chapter Overview
Protect Your Underarms with Antiperspirants
Your underarms are part of your skin. Unfortunately, excessive sweating can be a common problem during intense workouts, leading to embarrassing underarm stains and odor. So, how to stop sweating underarms during intense workouts? To combat this issue, use antiperspirants specifically designed to control sweat and odor.
Choose antiperspirants that contain aluminum chloride, which helps to reduce sweat production and block sweat ducts. Apply antiperspirant to your underarms both before and after your workout to keep sweat and odor under control. It also helps to wear moisture-wicking clothing as it helps absorb sweat and keeps you feeling fresh throughout your workouts.
Cleanse Your Skin Before and After Your Workout
Before you start your workout, make sure your skin is clean and free from any makeup or skincare products that could mix with sweat and clog your pores. Use a gentle cleanser from Pinnacle Skin or your other preferred brands to remove any dirt or oil. After your workout, cleanse your skin again to remove any sweat, bacteria, and toxins accumulated during your exercise session.
Shield Your Skin with a Sweat-Proof Sunscreen
One of the most important steps in sweat-proof skincare is protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Even if you’re working out indoors, UV rays can still penetrate windows and cause damage to your skin. Utilize a sweat-proof sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher for maximum protection.
Furthermore, look for formulas that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these block both UVA and UVB rays. Then, apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of your skin before heading out for your workout, and remember to reapply every two hours if you perspire heavily.
Hydrate Your Skin with Lightweight Moisturizers
Sweating during workouts eventually causes your skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness and dehydration. To avoid this, incorporate lightweight, oil-free moisturizers into your skincare routine. Opt for hydrating gels or lotions that feel heavy on your skin or won’t clog your pores. Then, apply moisturizer to your face and body after cleansing to replenish lost hydration and keep your skin supple and healthy.
Stay Hydrated Throughout Your Workout
In addition to hydrating your skin with lightweight moisturizers, it’s crucial to stay hydrated internally as well. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to replenish lost fluids and help maintain your skin’s hydration levels. Proper hydration supports healthy skin function, aids in detoxification, and can help prevent dehydration-related skin issues such as dryness and dullness. Strive to consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, and even more, if you’re engaging in intense or prolonged workouts.
Choose Non-Comedogenic Makeup Products
While it is best to avoid wearing makeup during workouts, it’s understandable that some individuals may prefer a more polished appearance. If you prefer to wear makeup, opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores when mixed with sweat. Look for oil-free foundations or tinted moisturizers labeled ‘non-comedogenic’ to reduce the likelihood of breakouts. Remember to cleanse your skin thoroughly after your workout to remove any residual makeup and sweat that may have built up.
Avoid Touching Your Face
During exercise, it’s common to wipe sweat off your face with your hands or touch your skin. However, this can transfer bacteria, dirt, and oil from your hands to your face, increasing the risk of breakouts and irritation. Try to minimize touching your face, or use a clean towel or tissue to blot sweat instead. If you need to adjust headbands or hair ties, wash your hands thoroughly before doing so, or use hand sanitizer to reduce the transfer of dirt and bacteria to your skin.
Don’t Forget to Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, especially during intense workouts when sweat can cause dead skin cells to accumulate and clog your pores. Use a gentle exfoliator two to three times a week to shed away dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, glowing complexion. Look for exfoliators with ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to irritation and sensitivity. Don’t forget to follow exfoliation with moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Shower ASAP
The importance of showering immediately after a workout cannot be overstated when maintaining healthy skin. After an intense session, your body is covered in a combination of sweat, bacteria, and impurities. Delaying a shower allows these elements to settle into your pores, potentially leading to breakouts, irritation, or other skin issues.
So, don’t let sweat linger on your skin for too long after a workout. Shower as soon as possible to remove sweat, bacteria, and any potential irritants. Promptly showering helps eliminate this breeding ground, reducing the risk of skin infections. Additionally, the salt in sweat can be abrasive, potentially causing irritation and discomfort if left on the skin for an extended period.
While showering, pay extra attention to areas prone to sweat accumulation, such as the underarms, groin, and the back of the knees. Thoroughly cleanse these areas to prevent the development of unpleasant odors and minimize the risk of skin infections.
Key Takeaway
Taking care of your skin during intense workouts is essential for preserving a radiant and healthy complexion. So, follow these sweat-proof skincare tips to free your skin from breakouts, irritation, and dehydration caused by sweat. With these simple but practical steps, you can enjoy your workouts while keeping your skin healthy and glowing.