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For many people, regular exercise is part of their weekly routine. (It is for mine. It’s the gift of health to myself.) Therefore, I’m often asked questions about how to best take care of the skin before, during, and after exercise.

A regular workout skin care routine is good for your physical, mental and emotional health, but be sure to remember to care for your skin both before and after your workout.

Exercise is important, it is also necessary to take care of the skin and body after training. The skin should always have a special treatment after and before work-out. It is important to avoid skin irritation and various inflammatory processes, you can do that if you listen to some tips.

Always choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide for outdoor activity.

Always apply an adequate amount of sunscreen to be well protected.

During workout.

Face touching.

if you exercise in a gym, pay special attention to the equipment you’ll be using. Exercise machines are a breeding ground for bacteria, and if you touch your face or body during your workout, you’ll transfer bacteria directly to your skin, which can lead to breakouts. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to wipe down all equipment you use with antibacterial wipes before use and avoid touching your face during your workout.

Hair: Headbands, hats or bandanas across the forehead are not recommended, as they can cause a backup of oil and perspiration in the pores. This results in little clogged bumps or breakouts. If your skin is not prone to breakouts, this may not be an issue. Otherwise, if clogged pores begin to show up, try to keep the headband or bandana further back in the hairline but not directly across the forehead.”

How important it is for my skin to drink lots of water before and after a workout?

Since you lose so much water from perspiration, it is crucial that you replace it by drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after workouts. The electrolyte-replacing drinks are especially helpful for re-hydrating the body. From a skin care standpoint, research concludes that drinking water is the least efficient way to hydrate the skin. Skin hydration levels have much more to do with what you are using topically on the skin.

When you’ve finished exercising, remove sweaty clothing as soon as possible to allow your pores to breathe. While it may be tempting to jump into a long, hot shower after all of your hard work, hot water can actually strip the skin of its vital, natural oils. Instead, opt for a short lukewarm shower to rinse off.

After a shower, apply soothing body oil and pat your skin dry with a cool towel to help give your skin an extra nourishing boost.

Face: The cleansing-toning-moisturizing routine post exercise will help tackle an eventual breakout. Follow a routine that will suit your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating face wash with natural ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber which cleanses, tones and softens the skin. For oily skin, wash your skin with an oil-balancing face wash.

Avoid using alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip essential oil from your skin.

Remember to apply a moisturizer after your bath, while the skin is still damp. This helps to seal in moisture and boost the skin’s resistance towards any dirt. Choose a moisturizer specially designed for your skin type. Use a light lotion-based moisturizer to rehydrate your skin. Aloe vera, wheat germ, a rich source of vitamin E, and cocoa butter are excellent ingredients in lotions.

Exercise is good for your body and your mind, hope these pre and post workout tips help you workout worry free

Stay fit, stay healthy, stay beautiful.

Dr. Sneh Thadani

( Skin Soul Clinic, Vashi Navi Mumbai. )

www.skinsoul.in