Whether you just signed up for Class Pass for the first time, or you’ve had a committed relationship with the elliptical for several years now, you are just as susceptible to the annoyance of sweat-induced breakouts either way. Exercise is incredible for the health of our skin, but sweat most definitely is not. Before giving up on the gym or settling for less than glowing skin every day, consider incorporating a few key ingredients and different formulations of self-care products into your gym bag for post-workout cleansing.
Before your workout…
Simple Micellar Water Make-up Remover Wipes
Why you need them: One of the biggest adversaries that contributes to workout breakouts is wearing makeup to them gym.
As hard as it might be to stomach the idea of going barefaced in front of your fellow sweaty comrades, you really don’t stand a chance of keeping acne-prone skin healthy through sweat, stress, AND a layer of chemicals. Start by swiping off the day’s contour before hitting the front door with a gentle and non-abrasive micellar water wipe.
Yes To Carrots Fragrance Free Daily Cream Cleanser
Why you need it: The perfect cleanser to remove your makeup prior to a workout is also your best option for cleaning away sweat and bacteria after you’re done.
This creamy cleanser is full of all the good stuff, and contains absolutely nothing that will irritate stressed skin. A popular, albeit inaccurate, assumption with gym skincare is that everything should be astringent and oil-zapping; but flushed and overly active skin on the face needs to be handled gently — and a cream-based cleanser that you rinse away is the perfect place to start.
Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
Why you need it: While it isn’t true that toxins are expelled through your pores when you sweat, you do encounter a lot of problematic bacteria when working out in a gym and sweat holds it all close to the sensitive pores on your face.
Using a benzoyl peroxide product is your best option to combat sweat induced breakouts, but you will need to phase it in slowly to your routine or risk looking like a tomato, as benzoyl peroxide is very potent. Start by using a 5% benzoyl peroxide concentrate every three days (after cleansing and before working up a sweat), and work your way up to daily use over a few weeks.
Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Why you need it: Whether you’re running track or there just happens to be a window in your 24 Hour Fitness, if there is daylight, there is a need for SPF.
While we really don’t feel the need to explain for the 587th time why SPF needs to be worn every second of every day, you will need to be especially careful when considering a workout SPF. Algenist offers the perfect lightweight, moisturizing, and non-comedogenic option for running treadmills or running bleachers.
During your workout
Suddora Headbands
Why you need it: If you don’t have time for a full rinse before heading to the gym to strip your locks of the day’s hairsprays, serums, and dry shampoo, you need to show up equipped with a proper barrier.
Hair products are disgustingly comedogenic, which is really unfortunate for those of us who happen to sweat when exerting ourselves physically. If you’ve noticed an increase in in blackheads or closed comedones since starting out on your New Year’s resolutions, a washable headband will help immensely.
Seventh Generation Natural Sanitizing Wipes
Why you need them: While it might sound very “tin-foil hat” to suggest swabbing every surface around you during workouts with anti-bacterial wipes, this could be the first line of defense against you and a wretched breakout.
Everything, literally everything, from the weights in a gym to your home yoga mat, is a breeding ground for skin-wrecking bacteria. Sacrifice looking like a crazy lady at the gym with a full container of wipes for the payoff of a crystal clear complexion.
Use them every time you switch machines, mats, or weights at the gym or at home.
After your workout
Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Why you need it: Getting your sweaty and irritated skin out of your workout clothes and into the shower is imperative to keep it clear of breakouts and rashes.
While it’s tempting to lather on a sudsy and heavily scented body wash to feel like you are rinsing away the workout, your skin is incredibly vulnerable at this time. A low pH body wash with any hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free formula might be boring on paper, but your skin is begging you for it.
Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer
Why you need it: Excessive sweat production during workouts zaps hydration levels that need to be immediately replenished to avoid an overproduction of oil and a subsequent breakout.
Cream-based moisturizers can irritate flushed skin, so a product with a glycerin or water base is more ideal. Dr. Jart’s hyaluronic acid dense formula will trap surface level moisture in place while cooling and refreshing post-sweat skin.
Apply right after your shower post workout, while your skin is still damp.
Nip + Fab Dragon’s Blood Fix Cleansing Pads
Why you need it: Getting into the shower as soon as possible post-workout is vital to preventing raging breakouts, but it’s not always possible to shower and change clothes straight away.
Carrying some anti-acne ingredient-soaked exfoliator pads to quickly swipe away sweat on your body is better than letting it sit against your skin until you can properly cleanse at home.
SHOP OUR FAVORITE WORKOUT BAGS
SHOP OUR FAVORITE WORKOUT GEAR